Think of this.............. At least so far as "regular network" prime-time shows go, not one show (AFAIK) depicts a regular cast member who is gay AND masculine; likewise, no show at all depicting gay males in a non-stereotypical light. Even in this "enlightened" day and age, virtually any time a gay male is depicted on television, it is the same old, embarrassing, outdated (and demeaning) stereotype that is put on display (i.e. flakey, lisping, limp-wristed, flamboyant) Given the fact that there is so much political flak and opposition these days to "gays in the mainstream", the fact that there are no shows on regular network TV (CBS/NBC/ABC) that is gay themed is not all that surprising. I can only imagine how African-Americans once felt when they only saw themselves as maids and butlers on television or in movies, and, even then, not that frequently, and inferior to whites. Personally, I do not see any positive changes on the horizon, regarding this issue. It would be quite refreshing (and LONG overdue) to see a prime-time, gay-themed show, where the males are cops, truckers, construction workers, etc., instead of the usual stereotyped fashion designers, artists, and flamboyant Broadway actors. Is it any wonder why gay (and bi) youths of today feel so excluded and vunerable? The media, and, sadly, today's all too bigoted society, indeed continues to rub salt into already festering wounds. Just my 2 1/2 cents worth....... "Live long and prosper"
I hear you. It is only going to get worse. Right now, we (trans folk) are in the cross-hairs. You will be next, unfortunately.
The OP must not watch much television. There are two shows on the network of FOX that openly display gay people in masculine roles. This has been written into the script of the shows for several years. Both the shows are fire fighting themed. The first is 911 with an interracial marriage borne out of a amicable divorce because the ex husband realized he was gay. Other cast members are lesbian with one character being a EMT in the fire station. They show intimate interactions between the lesbian couple raising children in a normal suburban household. BTW, this show, while canceled by FOX, is the highest rated scripted series and most watched. The spin off is a show, 911 Lone Star, where a fireman and a policeman are an openly gay couple and have just been married in the most recent episode. If being either one of these isn't masculine and gay then I'm at a loss over what is expected. What is rather surprising is that the Walt Disney Company owns the rights to both of these shows. This is a company who, while presenting gay and lesbian roles as mainstream, has quietly avoided statements in support of the LGBTQ community. Only in March did the CEO make a public statement to the employees because of the company's response to the Florida "Don't Say Gay" bill.. Statement On Disney's Support For The LGBTQ+ Community - The Walt Disney Company
It is always refreshing, to say the least, to hear of any television show where gay men are depicted as masculine men, and have serious roles to play, instead of just being there for "comic relief", replete with all the stereotypical (and degrading) effeminate behavior. Hearing of a fireman and a policeman who are gay, masculine, and are a couple is indeed something virtually unheard of in a television program. Of course, we all know there are many "macho" gay police officers and fireman in society (men in their capacity, regardless of orientation, are the TRUE heroes of society); I have read about the discrimination some openly gay male police officers face on the job; in the past, I have also read of gay fireman facing the same sort of bigotry. Seeing shows that are highly popular with viewers axed by networks is nothing new, sad to say. You have to wonder about just who is "in charge". "Labeling" is so redundant; consenting adults should be able to enjoy sex with other consenting adults (of either gender) and ignore the narrow-minded morons who frown upon such relations. Enjoy yourself, enjoy what you are doing, and WHO you are doing it with it, and simply "follow your heart"(and, of course, your common sense).................. "Live long and prosper"
It is sad but don't confuse the reasoning behind it. 911 was canceled due to escalating budget versus sponsorship issues. Not because of the gay portrayal. The series is being picked up by ABC but not shown until 2024 due to current programming.
A very good point to bring up; nowadays, budget issues are always looming on the horizon, making itself known in many unpleasant ways. Too, recall, we are in the midst of a writer's strike; this, indeed, will set back the dates for the fall lineup. Right now, it is anyone's guess as to when the strike will be settled, and next season's programs ewnter the production phase...... "Live long and prosper"
Thanks for the info, I had no idea 9-1-1 was canceled on Fox! So glad ABC picked it up! It is ALWAYS entertaining! FYI, 9-1-1 Lonestar has a black, trans FTM firefighter. And in reality I grew up with a bi woman, now lesbian, firefighter in the city Lonestar is based on! And yet they don't have a lesbian firefighter on that show, yet? Go figure! LOL!
