Some Brits are bent out of shape over a gay kiss on popular soap EastEnders.
More than 150 people griped to network BBC after character Christian and his new boyfriend, Lee, locked lips. One person griped: âI am appalled by the display of homosexual kissingâŠâ Thatâs a lot of emotion for a little smoochâŠ
Though some executives may have quaked in their boots, BBC came out against the outraged masses and released the following statement:
EastEnders aims to reflect real life, and this means including and telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities.
We approach our portrayal of homosexual relationships in the same way as we do heterosexual relationships.
In this instance, Christian is enjoying the first flush of romance and weâve shown him being affectionate with his new boyfriend in the same way any couple would.
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dvlaries
Rule Britannia ! đ
CitizenGeek
The difference between the UK and the US in terms of gay acceptance is really incredible. Also, considering around 11 million people watch EastEnders every week, 150 complaints isn’t all that much.
Darth Paul
EastEnders SUCKS, gay-friendly or not.
tallskin
I will guarantee that the 150 complaints were all orchestrated by evangelical sky-pixie worshippers, who sit glued to their TVs looking for anything slightly gay to get upset about. Once they find something that pushes their buttons they have a ring-round to galvanise each other to complain.
I think the fact that only 150 complaints were received indicates just how powerless religion is in the UK.
And, good for the Beeb.
Adam
Considering the average eastenders viewer I’m suprised there wasn’t More of an uproar.
Charles J. Mueller
I think that picture of the two guys on Eastenders kissing was so touching, that it brought tears to my eyes. Why people can get so offended over the expression of love between any two people, is totally beyond my comprehension?
People routinely kiss their dogs, cats, birds and objects of their affection, regardless of whether it is a male or female.
So what the hell is the difference if two men or two women kiss? Talk about total denial of their humanity and their lack of ability to comprehend love.
They regularly pay lip service to it, but haven’t got a clue as to what it is or the ability recognize it when they see it.
Sad. Sad. Sad.
Smokey Martini
So nice!
But let’s not forget that this isn’t the first gay kiss on British TV. ‘Hollyoaks’ on Channel 4 has featured a gay couple since January 2007, with lots and lots of gay kisses to go along with it. In fact, to give you a sense of how generous the show is, take a fancy look at this tacky fan video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTIbBBO9SKA
Count the kisses, boys! Unfortunately, you American’s aren’t so lucky. The Luke and Noah story, which began June 2007 on As the World turns, has ONLY had the couple kiss twice — and ONLY at the beginning of the plot. Complaint letters stopped all that, with the couple now limited to hugs, holding hands, and quick/awkward pecks on the cheek.
Ironically, GLAAD gave As the World Turns an award for “Outstanding Daily Drama” last May because of the show’s ‘accurate, fair and inclusive representation’ of the gay characters’ lives. Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
Dan
I think its fantastic, well not the complaints, but the way bbc handled the situation is really good. More people (especially in the media and public eye) need to get this idea into their heads. There is no difference between gay and straight relationsips.
Smokey Martini
ABSOLUTELY, DAN!
Tell that to Bill O’Reilly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g8VNUkIemw
Fuck, he makes me mad!