With the proliferation of streaming services and online content, we’ve arguably never had it better when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation on TV. Shows such as Pose, Heartstopper and Fellow Travelers spring to mind as hits that wouldn’t have been commissioned just a few years ago.
However, there’s always room for more, and the way we’re depicted remains a touchy subject for many.
A thread on the #gay subreddit has prompted many responses since it was posted yesterday. The original poster asked, “When it comes to gay male characters in the media, what would you like to see more of?”
How about we take this to the next level?
Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
The answers came flooding in.
“More positive black gay male relationships. True ones. Not thugs, or overly fem guys,” responded one Redditor. The comment receive many upticks and prompted a discussion on gay, Black characters.
Another wanted, “Guys with physical disabilities having a nice healthy relationship.” Someone else asked to see a gay autistic character on screen.
Other well-liked comments included “Guys not defined by their gayness” and “A character whose personality isn’t just being gay.”
We’d suggest that M. Night Shyamalan’s 2023 movie Knock At The Cabin kinda falls into that category as the lead couple just happened to be two men. However, it would be good to see more.
Someone suggested a show with “close friendships between a gay man and a straight man.” This led someone else to suggest they check out the wonderful British show, Big Boys (which we also recommend).
The location of many dramas was also questioned.
“I would love to see positive stories about gay men in normal-sized cities (e.g., not NY) who make an average income,” said one person. “I’m done with the silly dramas of rich gays in big cities. These stories ignore the financial realities of most gay men and tend to show gay men as unserious and materialistic. Give me a 25-year-old gay guy from Buffalo who works at Starbucks, has funny friends, and is trying to figure out the big questions.”
Super heroes
Another wanted to see, “Masculine guys like me. You hardly see that in the media. My husband and I built our own house in Australia. People always doubt it as if being gay means you’re not capable of doing something thought of as straight.”
In a similar vein, someone else suggested something like a gay James Bond or other action-hero type of offering. Again, we’d suggested The Old Guard (2020) which had a couple of gay immortals. A sequel is in the pipeline. Brian Tyree Henry’s character Phastos is also gay in Eternals (2021)… but the movie underperformed at the box office so we’re unlikely to get more of him.
Others lamented the almost total absence of the bear community on TV, with one calling for more “Fat and hairier” gay guys.
We can think of plenty of hot and hairy bear performers that we’re sure would agree!
Someone else said instead of dreaming up new characters, there remains a wealth of real-life LGBTQ+ figures who could get the biopic treatment.
This is a valid point. For example, the recent Rustin biopic was long overdue and garnered plenty of award nominations for lead actor, Colman Domingo.
However, the most liked comment? Well, it’s not exactly knocking the stereotype that gay men think a lot about sex, but someone said what they’d like to see more of is … booty. Specifically, gay male characters with well-defined behinds. Others were quick to agree: “Seriously though. Look at modeling for females and males. It’s like Barbie vs a broom.”
What would you like to see more of when it comes to gay male characters on screen? Drop a comment below.
Related*
Robert Gant wishes fellow ‘Queer As Folk’ actor Gale Harold a happy 55th birthday
And now we feel old.
The sexy trailer for the final season of ‘Élite’ is here and you may need a moment
Heartstopping and hot moments from the final season of the hit Netflix show.
gjg64
More Mickey & Ian from Shameless.
Huron132
More of the Tommy and Evan type men. Just guys who you wouldn’t think of and a queer person. I also agree with a more bear type of man. Not the muscle bear. But like the couple from “Looking”. Maybe call center guy who meets a art student, or a teacher and a HVAC guy. Something that make us look at ourselves and be proud that they are like you.
Gz8p
Older guys and long term relationships
The British production Vicious with Sir Ian McKellen & Derek Jacobi is one of my favourite series. Their portrayal of bitchy old queens and interaction with the gorgeous Iwan Rheon makes for great viewing.
Kangol2
More Brian Tyree Henry, please.
OzJay
Really? You think the characters in Knock At The Cabin are a great prototype for “just happened to be gay”. You don’t think M. Night went a bit far in making them at various points ditsy and hysterical, and having them make some utterly stupid decisions. Would he have had two straight guys be such pussies? I doubt it.