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Not Ready For Primetime

Posted by Playful Walrus on Thursday, October 01, 2009 12:55:59 PM
It's that time again - when GLAAD counts up the number of characters on primetime network television who are attracted to people of the same sex or both sexes or who dress in such a way as to pretend to be the opposite sex, or who go so far as to get hormones and surgeries in an effort to pretend to be the opposite sex. GLAAD, of course, wants to make sure that all of this is shoved into our faces as much as possible, and they want to make sure the networks are giving overall positive portrayals that advance the advocacy of homosexuality and self-mutilation.

Jill Serjeant has the Reuters story:
Some 44 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters make regular appearances in scripted shows on network and mainstream cable TV in the new 2009-10 television season, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), said in its annual "Where We Are on TV" report.
Not sure how this differs from their “Network Responsibility Index”, which I wrote about here.
The 18 LGBT characters on major U.S. networks account for 3 percent of all scripted series in the prime-time TV schedule, up from 2.6 percent a year ago, the report said.
According to their tally, the number is up slightly this season to 18 out of 600 roles, which would be in line with reality as far as percentages. However, this is only primetime network television, focusing on dramas and comedies. It doesn’t take into account daytime programming, movies, "reality" shows (many of which make a point of having openly homosexual contestants or have openly homosexual judges/hosts), news magazines, etc.

From the Associated Press article:
Using information provided by ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and CW, the group reviewed 79 scripted series announced to air this season.
So, no Bravo? MTV? Logo? So it is a little misleading. As my prior blog entry noted, "LGBT" characters/people are overrepresented on television. And while the GLAAD folks bemoan (mostly past) limits on what such characters do on-screen (for example -  shows that will show a both-sexes couples in bed together, starting activity under the sheets that makes it clear they are about to fornicate would only show two men hugging, not even kissing) – how many of those same shows will air the serious prayer of a character who is a sincere, level-headed, educated Christian, or show him serving others in the name of Christ? Most television tries to appeal to the widest audience, most of whom do not belong to the same religious denomination, and most of whom do not want to see two men making out. Television will push that, though, if the artists/producers are trying to push an agenda with the viewers.
The steady increase in gay characters is promising, as are story lines that are becoming "more reflective of current issues affecting our lives," GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios said in a statement.

Fair, accurate images of gay couples marrying, raising families and contributing to their communities help fellow Americans "come to accept and better understand" their gay family members and neighbors, he said.
What, no same-sex pairings struggling with infertility or an unplanned pregnancy?

How about programming that shows the higher rates of mental and physical illnesses, substance abuse, and domestic violence? But I suppose that is entirely the fault of families, churches, and politicians who aren't enthusiastic supporters of homosexual behavior, especially among minors living at home?

(This post is most certainly to get a link from a certain website that sounds like a brand of cotton swab.)
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So You Think You Can Whine

Posted by Playful Walrus on Monday, June 01, 2009 9:00:00 AM
Dealing with the pressing problems facing the community they claim to represent, GLAAD has made a stink about comments made by Nigel Lythgoe on the television show, "So You Think You Can Dance".  Lythgoe is a creator of the show (a dance competition) and one of the judges.

He made the comments while critiquing the performance of male duo Misha Belfer and Mitchel Kibel, one of whom identifies as straight and one of whom identifies as gay.
"I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience," he said after the duo's samba. "I mean, we've always had the guys dance together on the show, but they've never really done it in each other's arms before.

"Do you know what? I'd like to see you both dancing with a girl."

Nigel continued his tirade online, saying, "The same-sex ballroom guys did remind me of Blades of Glory. However, I'm not a fan of Brokeback ballroom."
He didn't say they were wrong or bad for their sexual orientation.  He did not disparage gays, homosexuality, or wish anyone ill.  He is talking about a performance.  Does GLAAD say a word when anyone says anything about someone's hair or weight?
"It's unacceptable for this kind of blatant homophobia to occur," GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano said in a statement.
He didn’t express an irrational fear of homosexuals or homosexuality, so the word "homophobia" is being misused.  Giuliano, of all people, should not misuse the word.
"Fox Entertainment and Nigel Lythgoe owe Misha, Mitchel and the whole LGBT community an apology."
Ridiculous.  He has nothing to apologize for to the individuals involved, let alone gay people, and certainly not lesbians, bisexuals, and people who crossdress with or without having hormone treatments and healthy body parts amputated to appear to be someone of the opposite sex.
Nigel responded via Twitter: "I am very sad the word 'homophobe' is being used. That is someone who hates homosexuals. I dislike effeminate dancing! Wake up and listen!"
Exactly.  If he disliked frenetic dancing, would some group be demanding an apology?  Does GLAAD say one word if someone says that someone trying out for a part should lose weight or wear their hair differently?
GLAAD is now asking the gay community and fans of the show to fire back by emailing and calling Fox to get Nigel to apologize for his comments.
Get... a... life.

Ever see "Dancing with the Stars"?  Aren't women always paired with men for the actual contest portion?  In so many entertainment productions, men are paired with women for dances, even when everyone knows both of the performers are homosexuals.  They are not being asked to have sex with each other.

GLAAD loses credibility when they do things like this.  There are serious problems in the "community".  Lythgoe’s opinions are not really an issue.

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ABC and FX Get Praise For Promoting Homosexuality, Self-Mutilation

Posted by Playful Walrus on Monday, July 14, 2008 4:20:23 PM
The Associated Press reports on GLAAD’s reinforcement.  Among the offenders: “Brothers & Sisters” on ABC.
FX was praised for "Nip/Tuck," which GLAAD said had one gay, lesbian or bisexual character in every episode. "Rescue Me" had a minor storyline with a gay couple having a commitment ceremony and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" had a transgender character.
Again, I don’t know why cross-dressers and people who have their genitals surgically mutilated are grouped with people who are attracted to the same sex.  Because they are all "gender-confused"?  I don’t think that just because a man is attracted to a man that he is confused about being a man.  Oh well… it is their choice under freedom of association.
Fox, also owned by News Corp., and NBC both had "failing" grades from GLAAD. While GLAAD was pleased by the inclusion of gay characters on "House" and the games "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," the group didn't like a "New Amsterdam" episode where two lesbian characters fell in love with a straight man.
I have personally closely known two women who have identified as lesbians who have fallen in love with straight men.  One married a man.  So what’s wrong with portraying the possible realities?  I think it is GLAAD that is promoting a narrow view of homosexual people.
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