The Cleveland Show Continues Its Offensive Depictions of LGBT People
December 17, 2009
Following a transphobic Nov. 22 episode, Fox’s The Cleveland Show on Sunday Dec. 13 aired yet another episode exploiting overtly defamatory stereotypes. In the episode, Cleveland remembers his last “homosexual Christmas party” where Herbert, a pedophile character from Fox’s Family Guy series, sings Christmas carols to Cleveland and a group of children. Equating pedophilia with being gay is one of the most pernicious and defamatory 
anti-gay stereotypes. It is an association that one would expect to come from anti-gay activists – not from a show that purports to be supportive of our community.
This is the third incident of defamatory anti-LGBT content on The Cleveland Show this year. GLAAD recently met with and expressed our concerns to the producers of the show, and we believe they need to hear from you – members of our community and our allies – about why this repeated exploitation of defamatory stereotypes for the sake of easy laughs is wrong and hurtful.
Please direct your comments to The Cleveland Show’s Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/TheClevelandShow
Related Posts:Glee’s Chris Colfer Comes Out
December 4, 2009
Appearing on last night’s Chelsea Lately, Glee star Chris Colfer publicly acknowledged that he, like his character, is gay. On Glee, Colfer plays Kurt Hummel, the young fashionista who recently came out to his dad and classmates.
Chelsea Handler: “Your character on the show’s gay. We know that you’re gay. That’s good for you. Congratulations. Don’t be shy about that. Seriously. You shouldn’t be shy about that because everytime…an actor like you is helping a zillion other people that are scared to talk about their sexuality so good for you.”
Chris Colfer: “Thank you. You know what my answer to that question was prior to coming out — was that I was straight as every other actor in Hollywood.”
At only 19-years-old, Colfer’s announcement makes him one of the youngest openly gay actors currently working in Hollywood. The cast of Glee has been touring the country lately in a huge promotional push for the hit show. Colfer and his castmates recently sang the National Anthem during the World Series playoffs and Colfer also appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien earlier this week. GLAAD applauds Chris Colfer for sharing his story.
Related Posts:GLAAD Responds to Bilerico and The Cleveland Show
November 30, 2009
This morning, Bilerico blogged about the November 22 episode of The Cleveland Show, “A Brown Thanksgiving,” and GLAAD’s perceived lack of a response to the episode. We had reached out to Fox and the show’s producers, prior to Bilerico’s blog, to schedule a meeting. This is part of an ongoing discussion that GLAAD is having with Fox regarding consistent homophobic and transphobic jokes in some of its animated programming. The problematic transgender episode Bilerico points to is one of several instances that the Entertainment Team will be discussing with them, as well as advocating for more fair LGBT inclusion.
You can view the episode here:
GLAAD posts snapshots on a weekly basis on the home page, where you can read about our transgender advocacy. Reporters, producers, and editors consistently get terminology wrong and our Programs team is working to educate and correct stories that run as well as proactively tell stories of the transgender community. Just last week GLAAD worked with a San Diego news station after a sensational transgender story. Some other recent examples:
Two weeks ago we advocated the Honolulu Star Bulletin correct a story about the transgender victim of a hate crime where they used problematic terminology. The same week we also posted several blog posts at glaadBLOG.org with leading trans advocates for Transgender Day of Remembrance and a video with Candis Cayne discussing the power in our visibility.
Earlier this month Seventeen magazine released a letter to readers after our Director of National News sat down with editors about their article “My BOYFRIEND turned out to be a girl.”
In just the last eight weeks, our Media Programs team have pitched a story on a transgender pianist to the New York Times which ran in their Sunday edition, helped draft and secure a mother’s story about her transgender daughter on The Grio (MSNBC’s African American site) and media trained Reverend David Weekly before an appearance on The Early Show.
In September the Entertainment team received an apology from Lil Mama, a judge on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, after we received several incident reports about an anti-transgender critique.
GLAAD’s statements on MTV/Lil Mama’s remarks received widespread media coverage and the America’s Best Dance Crew statements called attention to transgender issues in mainstream press. We hope those interested in learning more will continue to check glaad.org and glaadBLOG for updates.
Related Posts:Exclusive Clip: The Wanda Sykes Show
November 13, 2009
Out Comedian Wanda Sykes braves the late-night talk show boys club for the 2nd week with The Wanda Sykes Show this Saturday on Fox. We congratulate Sykes for being the first openly gay woman and only the third woman overall to headline a late-night show on a major network.
As she did in her recent HBO hit comedy special I’ma Be Me, Sykes will lend her biting commentary to a range of topics: news, politics, sports, pop culture and her new role as wife and mother. Sykes will put her personal touch on the week’s hot topics, with a mix of stand-up, field pieces and panel discussions with famous friends and guests. Her guests this week are Actor Ian Gomez of ABC’s Cougar Town (also known to his LGBT fans from his role as Javier on Felicity), NFL Cincinatti Superstar Chad Ochocinco, Radio Host/Author Tom Joyner and Former NBA Star John Salley.
See the exclusive GLAAD clip from the premiere here: https://www.glaad.org/wandasykesvideo
Sykes can also be seen as the brutally honest Barb on the CBS show The New Adventures in Old Christine, which received a GLAAD Media Award in 2009 for Outstanding Individual Episode-Television for shedding a light on job discrimination faced by same-sex couples. An outspoken advocate for equality, Sykes brought attention to the No on Prop. 8 campaign last year when she appeared at a pre-election Las Vegas rally and proclaimed, “I’m proud to be a woman, I’m proud to be a black woman and I’m proud to be gay.”
It’s so important that Americans get to know the diversity of our community and hear stories about loving and committed couples, like Wanda and her partner.
When people hear stories like Wanda’s in their living rooms, it sparks the conversations that are changing people’s hearts and minds. We hope that her presence will continue to shine a light on the diverse experiences of women, Black women and gay and lesbian people in this country.
Right now GLAAD is working with individuals and families across the country to spotlight their own stories in local communities – places like Maine where marriage rights were eliminated for gay and lesbian couples in the November 3rd and in Maryland where we are working with the Maryland Black Family Alliance to amplify the voices of African Americans and their support for equality. As more and more people get to know our community and our stories, the public support for our equality is growing.
The Wanda Sykes Show airs this Saturday, 11pm on FOX.
Related Posts:Wanda Sykes’ Comedy Special, I’ma Be Me, Airs Tomorrow on HBO
October 9, 2009
Out comedian Wanda Sykes returns to HBO tomorrow night with her second comedy special, I’ma Be Me. Taped at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., I’ma Be Me features the outspoken comic riffing on topics such as coming out, being a new mom, working on a gay cruise and, of course, politics.
On November 7, Sykes will also debut her new Fox talk show, The Wanda Sykes Show, making her the first African American lesbian to headline on network late night. The Emmy-winning writer of The Chris Rock Show is best known as Barb on CBS’ The New Adventures of Old Christine and was also this year’s host of the White House Correspondents Association dinner.
After performing on the True Colors Tour in 2008, Sykes publicly came out last November at a “No on Prop 8″ rally in Las Vegas.
Catch a preview below of I’ma Be Me, airing Saturday, October 10, at 10 PM only on HBO:
Related Posts:GLAAD Releases 14th Annual Where We Are on TV Study
October 1, 2009
Today, GLAAD released the14th annual “Where We Are On TV” study, a comprehensive review of scripted LGBT primetime characters in the 2009-2010 television season. After more than doubling last year,the overall number LGBT characters on broadcast networks continues a steady rise.
Glee's Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer)
The report shows that 18 LGBT characters will account for 3% of scripted series regulars in the 2009-2010 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.3% in 2006, 1.1% in 2007, and 2.6% in 2008. The number of scripted LGBT series regulars found on mainstream cable networks continue to decline, from 40 in 2007, 32 in 2008 to only 25 this year.
This research serves as a benchmark for GLAAD’s advocacy efforts of increases in LGBT characters and stories. The storylines and characters in the Where We Are On TV report will later be reviewed for GLAAD’s fourth annual Network Responsibility Index, released after May 2010 sweeps, which grades networks on overall LGBT impressions.
For this upcoming season, ABC continues to lead the other broadcast networks in LGBT representation, with eight LGBT characters out of 168 total series regular characters (5%), the highest number and percentage of LGBT characters of any network for the 2009-2010 season. Fox, which only two years ago featured zero series regular LGBT characters at the launch of the season, now offers four LGBT series regulars out of 105 (4%). NBC has three series regular LGBT characters (3%) out of a total of 126. The CW is showing gradual improvement with two LGBT series regular characters out of 69 (3%). Unfortunately, CBS continues to disappoint. Out of 132 series regular characters, none are LGBT.
On mainstream cable networks, the number of announced LGBT series regular characters dropped to 25 from last year’s total of 32. The presence of LGBT-focused cable networks here! and Logo, which program specifically for LGBT viewers, add an additional 27 series regular LGBT characters.
Stargate Universe's Camille Wray (Ming Na)
This marks the fifth year that GLAAD has analyzed the demographics of the race, gender and ethnicity of all the 600 series regular characters expected to appear on the broadcast networks in the upcoming season. Male characters continue to outweigh female characters 57% (345) to 43% (255) in overall numbers, while 77% (466) of all series regular characters are white, down 2% from last year. African American representation has remains at 11% (67) while Latino/a representation has dropped to 5% (27). GLAAD counted 23 Asian Pacific Islander characters (4%), four more than last season.
“Our analysis also shows where there’s still work to be done. This past year, we’ve seen real progress from many networks toward making their scripted programming more LGBT inclusive,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “At the same time, we continue to advocate that other networks including CBS follow suit and that networks across the board better reflect the diversity of the LGBT community.”
Complete results of GLAAD’s “Where We Are On TV” report can be accessed here.
Related Posts:Out Counts at the Emmys
September 21, 2009
Last night’s 61st Primetime Emmy Awards represented a great achievement in visibility for members of the LGBT community. The show was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, the Emmy-nominated star of CBS’ How I Met Your Mother and an actor who has only seen his profile rise since coming out publicly in 2006. Harris got a big thumbs up on his hosting from encore Emmy winner Jon Stewart. “You’re doing a wonderful job,” Stewart said. “I’m serious. You’re tremendous. And these shows, they usually suck.”
Cherry Jones accepts the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Cherry Jones took home the statue for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as President Allison Taylor on Fox’s 24. In her speech, Jones saluted the artistry and gifts of her co-workers as Keifer Sutherland looked on with obvious pride in his co-star.
The trophy for Outstanding Dramatic Series went to AMC’s hit drama Mad Men starring Jon Hamm and Bryan Batt. Batt is a speaker at the upcoming Out in Hollywood III: The Rise of the Out Actor, an invitation-only panel discussion presented by GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Program in conjunction with the SAG National LGBT Actors Committee. At the panel, prominent actors, casting directors, producers and directors will discuss the opportunities and challenges actors face by coming out.
The LGBT community was also well represented behind the scenes. Irish lesbian Dearbhla Walsh earned the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special for Little Dorritt (PBS), based on the work of Charles Dickens. In her speech, Walsh thanked her partner, Irish television presenter Anna Nolan. Kristin Chenoweth won the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the now canceled Pushing Daisies (ABC) produced by the out team of Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks. Michael Sucsy, the openly gay writer/director/producer of Grey Gardens (HBO) accepted the award for Outstanding Made for TV Movie.
GLAAD celebrates the work of these talented artists and the networks that support them. As people see stories about their lives and the common ground we all share, it leads to greater awareness, understanding and equality.
Related Posts:Same-Sex Ballroom Champions Featured on Tonight’s So You Think You Can Dance
September 16, 2009
After getting into hot water with GLAAD over comments made when a same-sex ballroom couple was featured in season five, Fox’s So you Think You Can Dance takes another stab at featuring a same-sex pair tonight and the results are a significant improvement.During the season five audition rounds in May, head judge and producer Nigel Lythgoe gave harsh critique to same-sex ballroom couple Misha Belfer and Mitchell Kiber that focused more on their sexual orientations than on their talent. Additionally, the editing of the episode was problematic: Misha and Mitchell were shown leaving while James Brown was heard singing “This is a man’s world, but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl.” GLAAD issued a call to action after the episode aired and Lythgoe subsequently issued an apology.
Jacob Jason (l.) and Willem De Vries (r.)
Tonight, same-sex ballroom champions Jacob Jason and Willem De Vries audtion with vastly improved results. In their intro package, Jacob and Willem state that they wanted to audition for SYTYCD despite what happened to Misha and Mitchell to show that there is “a world of same-sex dancers.”
Jacob and Willem run the Balliamos Dance Studio in West Hollywood, CA and were just featured on Daniel Leary’s “Mores for Gays” video blog for AfterElton.com this past Monday.
(from left) Judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy and Mia Michaels
During tonight’s performance Jacob and Willem performed a beautiful routine so genuine it moved Mia Michaels to tears. Michaels and Murphy praised their technique and the emotion that they conveyed. Lythgoe got the last word and said “thank you for showing me that same-sex ballroom dancing can be very strong and very good.” We are pleased with the overall tone of the comments and that Lythgoe and the judges responded favorably to GLAAD’s outreach. This outreach will affect how millions of everyday Americans will experience the show. The judges advanced the pair to the choreography round. Tune in tonight to see if they make it to the Vegas semi-finals!
In related news, EW.com reported this morning that openly gay director and choreographer Adam Shankman will be joining SYTYCD as a permanent judge beginning with the Top 20 performance show on October 27. GLAAD applauds So You Think You Can Dance and Fox for adding Shankman to the panel and for giving these openly gay dancers the respect and equal consideration they deserve. We look forward to following the show through its sixth season!
Related Posts:BREAKING: Ellen DeGeneres Replaces Paula Abdul as Fourth Judge on American Idol
September 9, 2009
Out comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres made a big move toward total domination of the airwaves today after it was announced that she would be permanently replacing Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on Fox’s American Idol, the top-rated show on television.
Ellen with the eighth American Idol, Kris Allen. Next year, Ellen will get to help America choose the winner.
Abdul announced her departure in July and was replaced by a number of guest judges during the auditions that occurred this summer across the country, including out actor Neil Patrick Harris, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and Tony-winner Kristin Chenoweth. Ellen, who will continue her Emmy-winning talk show, will take her place alongside judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi when American Idol returns in January 2010.
In an episode of her talk show set to air Thursday, Ellen made the following statement (text via EW.com):
“We’ve been dealing with this for the last couple of weeks and I’ve been dying to tell everyone. It’s just been so hard to keep it a secret and we just finally got the okay and I’m so excited. It is going to be so much fun. I don’t know how it happened myself but I have not missed one episode of that show. I’ve watched every single thing. I love everything about it and I love music, as you know. Hopefully I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you…I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person. So I’m hopefully going to be that voice of what we’re all doing at home.”
As if you all couldn’t wait for the new season of Idol before, the countdown to January is going to be unbearable now!
Related Posts:GLAAD Releases Third Annual Network Responsibility Index
July 27, 2009
Today, GLAAD released its third annual Network Responsibility Index, a report that maps the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBT people on television. HBO ranked highest among all networks, while ABC led broadcast networks for the third year in a row.
"True Blood's" Lafayette helped make HBO the leader in LGBT representation among all networks evaluated
GLAAD reviewed all primetime programming — 4,901 hours — for inclusion of LGBT characters or issues on the five major networks (ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox and NBC) from June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009. GLAAD also examined all original primetime programming — 1,212.5 hours — on 10 highly-rated cable networks (A&E, FX, HBO, Lifetime, MTV, Showtime, Sci Fi, TBS, TNT, and USA). Each hour was reviewed for on-screen LGBT representations. Based on the quantity, overall quality and diversity of these representations, a grade was assigned by GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Program to each network: Excellent, Good, Adequate, or Failing.
The full, detailed report can be downloaded here: http://www.glaad.org/nri2009
HBO received a Good rating and scored the highest rating of the 15 networks evaluated with LGBT characters on shows including True Blood, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and Entourage that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of the LGBT community. Of HBO’s 14 original series, 10 included LGBT content and 42 percent of the network’s total programming hours included LGBT representation. However, representation of the lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities was minimal.
"Grey's Anatomy's" Callie and Arizona helped keep ABC tops among broadcast networks
ABC and The CW ranked first and second among the five broadcast networks, just as they have every year since GLAAD began tracking for the Network Responsibility Index. However, the rankings among the remaining broadcast network shifted with CBS dropping to last place and Fox rising to third.
The 14th Annual GLAAD Where We Are On TV report on diversity will be issued in September. This analysis will examine LGBT inclusion as well as the gender and race/ethnicity of all scripted characters scheduled to appear during the upcoming season. With brand-new LGBT-inclusive shows such as Glee and Modern Family, we are optimistic that the 2009-2010 television season could see some marked improvement among the major networks. Continue checking glaad.org and glaadblog.org for the latest on the Network Responsibility Index and Where We Are on TV, as well as further news on the coming TV season.
Related Posts:CALL TO ACTION UPDATE: So You Think You Can Dance Judge Nigel Lythgoe Issues Apology
May 23, 2009
On May 22, GLAAD released a Call to Action in response to remarks made the night before by judge Nigel Lythgoe on the popular reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance. Today, GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano and Senior Director of Media Programs Rashad Robinson spoke with Mr. Lythgoe. He expressed his apology over his misuse of words and released this official statement:
Nigel Lythgoe
“I sincerely regret the fact that I have upset people with the poor word choices and comments I made both during the taping of the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ audition and on my personal status update. I am not homophobic and it was extremely upsetting for me to be classed as such.
I have been forthright and consistent with my opinion, as a judge, that professional male dancers should move with strength and agility — like Gene Kelly and Rudolph Nureyev. I now realize how this could be misconstrued.
I have been a dancer, and involved in the dance world, for nearly 50 years. Professionally and personally, I believe the sexual orientation of an auditioner or contestant is irrelevant. All that said, the fact that I have unintentionally upset people is distressing to me and it is obvious I have made mistakes that I must learn from. I trust that my humor will be more sensitive and mindful moving forward.”
-Nigel Lythgoe, judge and executive producer, So You Think You Can Dance
“We certainly appreciate the dialogue, and the opportunity for Nigel to help further educate people about how words and images matter,” said Giuliano. “His sincere words are appreciated, and we look forward to words, images and representations of the LGBT community on So You Think You Can Dance that will be fair, accurate and inclusive in the future.”
CALL TO ACTION: Fox Entertainment and So You Think You Can Dance Judge Need to Apologize for Homophobic Remarks
May 22, 2009
GLAAD just issued a call to action, asking supporters to contact Fox Entertainment and call on So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe to apologize for his snide, homophobic remarks during last night’s program.
From our call to action:
During the telecast, Lythgoe said: “I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience. I mean, we’ve always had the guys dance together on the show, but I’ve — they’ve never really done it in each other’s arms before.” Shortly thereafter, he added, “Do you know what? I’d like to see you both dancing with a girl.”
Lythgoe later wrote on Twitter: “The same sex ballroom guys did remind me of ‘Blades of Glory.’ However, I’m not a fan of ‘Brokeback’ Ballroom.”
You can watch for yourself below:
Judge Nigel Lythgoe
Neil G. Giuliano, President of GLAAD had this to say about Lythgoe’s remarks:
It’s unacceptable for this kind of blatant homophobia to occur. Fox Entertainment and Nigel Lythgoe owe Misha, Mitchel and the whole LGBT community an apology.
After contacting Fox, a representative at So You Think You Can Dance told GLAAD they are passing along our concerns and will get back with us.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW!
Contact Fox Entertainment. Call on them to listen to and discuss our community’s concerns — and call on Nigel Lythgoe to apologize for his snide, homophobic remarks.
Jason Clark
Vice President, Fox Publicity
Jason.clark@fox.com
What to Watch: Tuesday
May 19, 2009
Stay tuned to Fox after The Adam Lambert Show (AKA: American Idol) and catch a very special sneak preview of Glee, the much anticipated new series from Ryan Murphy!
Tuesday, May 19
8:00 pm American Idol, Fox (1 hr) NEW
Show-stopping rocker Adam Lambert made it to the final two! Tonight he faces off against cutie-pie crooner Kris Allen live from the Nokia Theater (site of the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles). Be sure to vote early and vote often everyone!
Tonight, we'll be singing with "Glee!"
9:00 pm Glee, Fox (1 hr) SNEAK PREVIEW
The full season wont start airing until the fall, but tune in after American Idol for a sneak peek at the pilot from out creator Ryan Murphy. Glee centers around an optimistic teacher who sets out to energize the high school glee club, which features Kurt, a soprano with a flair for the dramatic, as well as a student with two gay dads. Jane Lynch stars as the gruff cheerleading coach.
9:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (2 hrs) SEASON FINALE
Which couples will win the giant trophy? Gay judge Bruno Tonioli weighs in.
10:00 pm College Hill: South Beach, BET (30 min) NEW
Two LGBT housemates live in the College Hill house this season: Alyson is bisexual and Kyle is gay.
10:00 pm Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment, Discovery (1 hr) NEW
Get a blanket to watch this one! Nine strangers are dropped into the middle of the snowy Alaskan wilderness as they try to survive the harsh winter. Jake is a gay contestant determined to conquer this challenge.
Does Sit Down, Shut Up Have a Trans Character?
April 21, 2009
I know I’m a couple of days behind on my TV watching duties (Come on! It was the Media Awards this weekend! Give a girl a break!) but I just finished Fox’s pilot episode of the animated comedy Sit Down, Shut Up, and I do believe there might be a transgender librarian working at Knob Haven High.
Helen
Now, I’m not 100% certain that glaadBLOG can officially begin counting the character as transgender. (The only evidence of the possibility is that she is taking hormone pills.) However, if she is indeed transgender, Helen Klench (voiced by Cheri Oteri) isn’t your typical television transwoman. She’s no Carmelita on Dirty Sexy Money or Alexis on Ugly Betty. She lacks cascading blonde hair and endless sex appeal.
But be forewarned: just because she’s atypical doesn’t make her a character to applaud. Helen is a harsh woman, with bushy eyebrows and an aggressive demeanor. When she goes off her meds, she suddenly develops a love for digging holes and a talent for tackling football players. (In other words, she begins to show many stereotypically-male characteristics. Ugh.)
Andrew
The show also gets no points for its portrayal of its bisexual drama teacher, Andrew LeGustambos (Nick Kroll) who poses and lisps and endlessly craves the comforts of two teachers — one male, one female — and fantasizes about having them meld into one body. (Yeah, because that’s what bisexuality means.)
On the surface, Sit Down, Shut Up is potentially a forward-thinking comedy, in that it’s a show about teachers, and two of them are LGBT. Normally, I’d be singing the praises of a series daring to be so inclusive. But after watching the first half hour, I must say I’m disappointed with the way these two are portrayed.
What will the second episode bring? More mincing from Andrew and aggression from Helen? Or will viewers begin to see the characters more fully-formed? Check back next week to see if Sit Down, Shut Up makes the grade.
(And no, I couldn’t resist that pun.)
Sit Down, Shut Up airs Sundays on Fox at 8:30/7:30c.
Out Idol Becomes One to Beat
March 11, 2009
Fox’s American Idol kicked off their Top 13 this week, and out performer Adam Lambert showed off his superstar appeal with an audience-pleasing cover of Michael Jackson’s “Black or White,” a clear anthem for equality. With that, he became the contestant to beat as the judges unanimously declared him the best performer of the evening. 
The overwhelming praise, even from judge Simon Cowell, caught the artist by surprise as he seemed to be holding back tears. At age 26, Adam just came off of a two-year stint as a member of the Wicked ensemble in Los Angeles—which adds to his seasoned ability to command the Idol stage. He’s also been a regular performer on the local LGBT benefit circuit and has performed often with the LGBT-centric Upright Cabaret, where Neil Patrick Harris and Michael Urie have also taken the stage (check out YouTube for a sampling of some of Adam’s greatest hits to date).
As usual, Idol showcases their finalists with video vignettes about their personal lives, their family, spouses, loved ones and children. To date, we’ve met Adam’s parents and it will be interesting to see if the show will give viewers a chance to meet Adam’s friends or significant other, if indeed he’s currently involved. His official Idol online profile reveals that his proudest moment in life has been “falling in love.”
While on-air, Idol has yet to specifically make it clear that Adam is out, a column in Tuesday’s Los Angeles Times may just help push the needle. On the front page of the Calendar section, above the fold was a full-color photo of Adam next to the headline: “American Idol Needs to Open the Closet Door.” Writer Ann Powers called for the show to end the “fiction” it dispenses of a “unified mainstream,” and for host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell to cease the frat-boy homophobic innuendos which GLAAD has called them on the carpet for in the past.
When we asked Fox directly yesterday if there are other out contestants this season, we were told that the network doesn’t ask Idol contestants their sexual orientation. They may not ask, but in the coming weeks, producers shouldn’t omit information about Adam’s life when they have an opportunity to do good (Hello? Idol Gives Back!) by reaching millions of young people who can look up to an out Idol contestant as a role model on the road to success.
While the judges may consider Adam the front runner for now, there are ten weeks to go in the competition and Adam will need national support to keep him in the running. So keep those call-in votes coming!
