Gay characters’ long journey on television
Gay central characters are now included in dramas and sitcoms without it seeming like a stunt
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When it began, Lenny Henry’s admirable campaign to improve television diversity was not restricted to ethnicity.
Sexuality was also on the agenda, as a recent edition of Oprah Winfrey’s show in which she discussed gay characters on American television reminded me. Her guests were Dan Bucatinsky from ABC political thriller Scandal, Jesse Tyler Ferguson from Modern Family and the comedian Wanda Sykes.
After a slow start, and buoyed by Ellen DeGeneres, US scriptwriters now include gay central characters in dramas and sitcoms without it seeming like a stunt. Will & Grace, Modern Family, Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy are all good examples.
It strikes me that British television, by contrast, has tended to address gay issues by publicity-seeking storylines in soaps.
The journalist and screenwriter Gareth McLean is more charitable. He commends the BBC’s Holby City and Waterloo Road for their treatment of gay issues and applauds Coronation Street for its long-established lesbian character Sophie Webster.
Perhaps things aren’t so bad. It’s 15 years since Channel 4’s breakthrough gay drama Queer As Folk, but Russell T Davies is filming a follow-up, Cucumber. Also set in Manchester, it screens on Channel 4 next year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments