Hunting Season star Ben Baur makes up one half of the adorable couple copping a kiss in the Mississippi restaurant featured on ABC’s What Would You Do last night.
The show plants actors in real settings to incite public ethical and moral dilemmas in order to film the actions and reactions of people nearby. Previously, the show has flawlessly handled “the gay athlete” storyline, the “trans woman” storyline, and even storylines tackling racism and child abduction (check out our favorites here).
This week, Ben and his boyfriend Andreas snuggle up next to each other at El Sombrero, a Mexican dining establishment in the “quaint town” of Vicksburg, Mississippi. This may be “the hospitality state,” but it’s also one of the absolute worst in providing LGBT protections.
Check out the surprising (and all too unsurprising) reactions off the patrons below. Spoiler alert: Lots of “personal beliefs” going on here:
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KDub
If you want to hug, kiss and be all over each other, why not stay home and order takeout? Oh right, because you’re both attention wh*res. Gay, lesbian, straight or bi, that was just tacky behavior for a restaurant.
And LMAO @ this vid being sponsored by a Chick-fil-A ad. Logo just has NO SHAME.
Sweet Boy
If you want to be sucking face, groping, moaning and groaning get a freaking room !!…DECORUM seems to be a totally unknown word for some people regardless of their sexual orientation
Wingfield
@KDub: @Sweet Boy: 2 things you may have missed… This airs on ABC not logo. Also this show is purely an experiment to see how people will react. When they swapped the gay couple for a straight couple nobody flinched. When the actor antagonized the straight couple, people actually comforted the straight couple saying the antagonizer must be jealous. I’m not a PDA fan but the experiment was about showing how differently people view straight and gay relationships.
seerketje
@Wingfield: Thank you! Maybe one day people will educate themselves before they comment.
RayJacksonMs
I really wish they had done this without having them go overboard with it. This is my home town. I would love to have seen the reaction. But yeah that nest of bigoted big hair pentecostals at that one table doesn’t surprise me. All the women are like that because they are bitter about being fat and all their men being self loathing closet cases.
Shanestud
The producers went to Mississippi with a gay couple for a reason. I saw an episode of two lesbians with their children (actors) in a restaurant in a large north east city where they were insulted by the manager and all the nearby customers were outraged by the discrimination. TV crews spends many hours filming different scenarios. Remember…this is a “reality show” where segments are carefully edited and and you get to see only what the producers want you to see.
Paco
It was both surprising and nice to see the two straight guys defend the gay couple. Just goes to show that even in the most backwards of places, attitudes about gays are changing in this country.
DawnTrans
@Paco: Paco the reason is a good education.
DarkZephyr
@KDub: KDub the point seems lost on you.
CodyJ
@Shanestud: Interesting, I saw episode yrs back with same set up, two gay dudes, in a small south jersey diner,EVERYBODY in the diner stood up for them (an this was waaay before NJ-SSM). Also, not ONE bible verse was trotted out,or even mentioned
KDub
@DarkZephyr: Boo hoo, heteros don’t like it when I act as tastelessly as they do. Breeders are vile, and life is just soooooooooooo awful and unfair. Woe is me.
Is that better?
Hillers
Always using the Bible as a defense when they are the most Biblically ill-informed.
robho3
I have to say I don’t know why any gay (or let alone ANY minority) lives in the South- they are so ass backwards. You all should move north to the Blue states. I wish the south would just secede from the union and then all the Republicans and bible thumpers can move down there and pretend its 1950.
tjr101
These people my friends are the reason we have likes Michelle Bachmann and Louie Gohmert in congress. And they just keep getting reelected.
It’s also not surprising the two college guys not having a problem. The lady Ramona on the other hand is your typical uneducated, christian baby making machine.
Ridpathos
I hate this show. There’s enough real homophobia out there without us faking it to videotape reactions.
DarkZephyr
@KDub: what an absurd and nonsensical childish reaction.
James Hart
Public displays of affection have their place at certain times and contexts. But making out or heavy petting- gay or straight – in an eating establishment, is uncouth. Holding hands is ok, but French kissing is a bit much. These guys are not guilty of bad morals, just bad taste.
James Hart
@Paco: I think they’re intrigued. Who knows, maybe they experiment? 🙂
SteveDenver
Maybe someone should point out that God condemns GLUTTONY and SLOTH, too.
What did they expect in Mississippi?
murphy0071
Contrary to popular belief, homosexuals were not fully accepted in either Greek or Roman culture. Throughout the Roman and Greek civilizations, gender incongruent males were ridiculed. Solon, as a practical matter, legalized homosexuality to tax the earnings of homosexual prostitutes. Roman law punished homosexual behavior as early as the third century B.C., later protecting minors and forbidding the use of premises for homosexual activity upon pain of death, even by burning.
In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments do not include homosexual behavior (Deuteronomy 5.11-21) and the seven acts most detestable to God (Proverbs 6.16-19: “haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and a man who sows discord among brothers” do not mention sexual misconduct. In the New Testament, Christ never mentioned homosexuality and asked for understanding and restraint of condemnation in sexual matters (John 8.1-11). The Bible never discusses homosexuality in the context of committed relationships or within the Gay community. In I Corinthians 6.9-10, as translated by some into English, St. Paul (coming from a cross-cultural Hebrew, Greek, and Roman perspective) discusses pagan sanctioned temple (cult) male prostitutes (???vo?, pornos), effeminate males or catamites (?????o?, malakos), and homosexuals (a???vo?oi???, arsenokoitai). St. Paul’s statements taken literally, as translated into English, would condemn celibate effeminate homosexuals. Boswell, using Koine Greek contemporary to St. Paul, translations into other languages, and early Christian scholarship and commentaries on I Corinthians 6.9-10 convincingly argues St. Paul was not discussing homosexuals or homosexuality.
Saint Augustine, considered Pauline, admitted homosexual practices with much anguish. When Saints John Chrysostom and Augustine–both vehemently opposed to homosexuality–comment on I Corinthians 6.9-10, neither mentions homosexuality. St. Augustine’s major apologist, Martin Luther, wrote derisively of homosexuals, but translated “????vo?o????” as “Knabenschänder,” or child molester. In fact, in the Koine Greek of the time of writing, the only translation is “child molester.” The Christian Emperor, Justinian, who herded whole villages into rivers to be baptized so they could die in Christ, believed homosexuality caused earthquakes, famines, and pestilence and legislated homosexual behavior should be subjected to penance much like adultery. His wife, Theodora, avoiding abortion, had many of her illegitimate children murdered, even one taken to a foreign land who returned as an adult.
Billy Budd
Public displays of affection are not illegal. People should be able to kiss in public without raising eyebrows. Straight or gay, it doesn’t matter.
KDub
@DarkZephyr: Then it was an appropriate response for your comment.
@Wingfield: Not sure why my original reply to you is gone, but the embedded clip here with the Chick-fil-A ad is from Logo’s site. If you watch this same clip on ABC’s site, it’s sponsored by Verizon.
Paco
@James Hart: Maybe… Or they might really be straight and don’t like seeing people being publicly admonished for showing the same amount of affection for each other that any young straight couple in love would do and not have a single comment made about it.
Sebizzar
@Ridpathos: It’s a good thing, it shows the world that even though there will always be homophobic religious nuts, there are still sane minded people who will stand up for what’s right. This is actually the first episode I’ve seen with the most homophobic reactions, and it’s all in the name of religion, which is why I’m glad more and more people are realizing how phony religion is.
Mezaien
That is to show you how much mentally ill are Christian!. No wonder the world hates the USA. But well the three letters I have written to the government of Israel, the exterminate all the Christian, in their country! please hurry up.
Maozedong
Everyone will think they are adorable if they are making out in a Chinese restaurant in Shanghai?gay people are popular hehr. Stupid Armericans don’t know what they are missing.
rickyboi7
I HATE that show, exploiting unsuspecting people for ratings and the almighty dollar. BTW, who plays the hottie ‘Andreas’?
DickieJohnson
@RayJacksonMs: LMAO, & they’re supposed to be modest & reserved. I live in Meridian.
DickieJohnson
@Mezaien: I hope you don’t live in the USA, but in some god-forsaken sh*thole, on another continent.
gaym50ish
I give — what’s a PDA?
Doesn’t anybody spell anything out any more? Are we also supposed to know what a 4G LTE is? Or COPD? When they say “also known as low-T,” I don’t remember anybody ever calling it that before — they just made that up.
stranded
@gaym50ish: Public Display of Affection.
I didn’t think their PDA was that bad. Why are @KDub: @Sweet Boy: @RayJacksonMs: talking about? Have none of you ever been in love? I understand wanting to be modest about your affection, but even if people are making out, it shouldn’t bother you that much. You notice, take a look, then go back to what you were doing. If you feel that uncomfortable about it then it’s your own emotional and sexual hang ups coming to the surface and making you feel awkward.
RayJacksonMs
@KDub: If you want to be a fat nasty pentecostal bigot why not stay at home and order takeout?
RayJacksonMs
@DickieJohnson: There is nothing modest about them except the homeless look. They are more arrogant and nasty than baptists.
Danny
You all know that PDA in mode radiation is fine. It doesn’t hurt anyone and merely makes a few people uncomfortable. I agree that people should leave the heavy stuff in the privacy of their home. However, I’m a little concerned when people are so disgusted by a little affection. We should really be asking what’s wrong with you. Did your parents never kiss each other, have you never been on a real date? We’re human that’s what you do? Be thankful, most of the sound I hear in the animal kingdom are requests for sex. Be thankful we don’t have to do that (well, some of us 🙂 Bottom line, if someone wants to show a little PDA and you’re uncomfortable, then maybe YOU should leave. Or try growing up.
Danny
In mode radiation…smh
AnitaMann
@KDub: You’re not too bright. Buy a lightbulb.
AnitaMann
I love how queerty brings out the self-hating and self-loathing gay crowd.
spencer87
The college students give me hope for this world.Especially the guy in the blue shirt.Definitely a role model.
Mezaien
@DickieJohnson: Schmuk I am African American, and there is plenty space in Somalia, for you. Democracy is not for Christians.
Ridpathos
@AnitaMann: I like that whenever anyone advocates for a modicum of modesty, immediately they’re labeled as self-hating and self-loathing. Maybe they’re just not flaming f*gs like you.
KDub
@AnitaMann: Since there’s so much self-loathing and homophobia here, why don’t you leave? Problem solved.
@RayJacksonMs: You said it was unnecessary too: “I really wish they had done this without having them go overboard with it.” So WTF are you bitching about?
@Ridpathos: I agree. This show purposely trolls for the most sensational reactions so they can create some kind of after school special moment for adults. John Quinones has a really creepy presence too. Something about his eyes just flips me out.
mawbinatl
I am a huge proponent of PDA. I see it in restaurants I go to between men and women often. I love love. It’s not offensive to me at all.
I don’t see why this is a problem when two men on a date or in a LTR want to show love towards one another.
What is offensive to me is the double standard shown by many in this scenario as well as here on Queerty.
If you don’t like PDA fine. Simply state that, but these two actors did nothing wrong. They were pawing at one another, simulating copulation or, as one poster claimed, sticking their tongues down one another’s throats.
If I want to show my husband of 12 years that I love him by holding his hand, putting my arm around his waist, giving a peck on the cheek, give him a non-sexual kiss on his mouth or whatever so be it.
It’s my relationship and I’ll do with it what I please as long as it’s tasteful…looking at you @AnitaMan.
But to trot out the Bible is an excuse to justify bigotry, racism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-miscegenation and anti-Semitism.
Lord forgive me for what I’m about to type: I bet those fat, red-necked helmet headed bitches don’t quote the Bible when they are sucking down shrimp and crab legs by the buckets or sucking on pickled pigs feet or sleeping with their first cousins, uncles and fathers.
WHEW!! I’m going to have to do quite a lot of repenting for that one.
Anyway, I find it disturbing that people pick and choose which parts of the Bible to interpret to suit their own shallowness.
Kudos to those two college boys for standing up to injustice.
mawbinatl
Correction: They were pawing at one another, simulating copulation or, as one poster claimed, sticking their tongues down one another’s throats.
I meant to type were NOT pawing….
Got caught up in the moment. Sorry.
liveoutloud
thank you for having your program in mississippi (my state). my brother was gay and lived in another state. when he passed away his partner disrespected him because (he) was scared to come to mississippi because he believed something bad would happen to him. inspit of his belief, my brother had one of the largest funerals in the history of the funeral home, there were as many gay, lesbians, bi’s, straight, and many different religions who truly loved my brother for who he was as a person and not because of who he spent his life with.
hindsight glad he did not come to mississippi. mississippi does not want people that are ashamed of themselves because they are gay.
if you are ashamed of who and what you are get help
thanks to the two mississippi straight guys that stood up for the two (PEOPLE) who were loving on each other.
liveoutloud
@stranded: i agree. nobody should be surprised of what is seen at any place your go to these days. if you watch tv that is all you see even in commercials. my opinion is: if you don’t like what you are looking at turn your head and walk out you are not the judge of anyone.
liveoutloud
@RayJacksonMs: you are no different than an anti-lgbt. why do you have to hate on baptist, there are other religions who don’t agree with a gay lifestyle!
Jaymanindy
I’m betting the fat pig woman is holding an out of wedlock bastard on her lap. Some way to honor JAYSUS!
morg2295
You know I wait on those same people every week at china king. It makes me ashamed to live in Mississippi when people act so ignorant about simple differences in the human mind. They weren’t hurting anyone so what if it is a little socially awkward to see a couple making out in public. Hell I believe it’s more power to you if you are confident enough as human being to show affection to your significant other in public whatever your sexual preferences may be. I hope I meet the man who stood up and defended the rights of the actors. He was very genuine and honest and open. I appreciate that and it’s unfortunate that you cannot meet more people with beliefs like him in Vicksburg.
Roan
@murphy0071:
This is an interesting write up. Where can I read more about this?
AnitaMann
@Ridpathos: Ah, my comment hit close to him with you. Seek therapy and learn to love yourself.
AnitaMann
@mawbinatl: Ah. My comment hit close to home with you. Guess we know who’s self loathing. Cheers.
AnitaMann
Again, I really laugh when the self-haters and self-loathers show up. But, I do feel sorry for you because straight folks don’t like you, your families don’t like you, and most importantly you don’t like yourself. A pity.
vonric
@Wingfield: thanks for having watched the entire video…
what is interesting to me is not, of course, the inevitable kneejerk reaction of most of the (real) patrons, but the support of two young men who just don’t see anything wrong, and are upset at the obvious bias.
and yep, the real test of the video lies in the reality that the same “grope and grip” PDA stuff that got the same gender couple to be the focus of negative attention went esentially unobserved when executed by a cross-gender couple
rextrek
well – not that Im a big PDA person – but I will touch my partner – maybe grab his hand, or put my arm around him sometimes…..if someone had something to say – Id tell them where they could go and how to get there – while tellin them to shove thier BUYBULL Up thier ass….in a Fake southern accent
Happy Wolf
Glad to see that people have so much to say about Gay PDA’s. Different things are good for different people and we can all (hopefully) agree to disagree.
Where I grew up in the country (Loughman, FL) if two men were even seen holding hands they would in the least get verbally insulted and could expect to get a more “physical message” of disapproval given to them by some of the locals.
That being said, I feel that if my male partner wants to hold my hand, sit next to me in a public place, and even lean over to give me an affectionate kiss…we should have that right and be treated the same as any other heterosexual couple.
The show points out the double standard being used against our community, praises other bystanders who support equal treatment, and puts bigots on the spot. We need that for continued change…and not just from TV programs. We need that kind of thing happening in our local communities.
For any couple, extreme PDA’s is not appropriate and I would say “get a room” but PDA’s that are an expression of love (not lust) is something healthy for everyone to see of every sexual orientation. Ignorance, fear, and hatred has kept our love silent, out of sight, and out of mind. That needs to end…NOW!! When I say that I am also speaking to members of our own community. We need to challenge those things in ourselves (that were put there by the homophobia of our own upbringing). We cannot expect to change hearts and minds unless we are willing to share those things with the rest of the world. We can’t allow ourselves to be crippled by the same things that bigots use against us (i.e. Ignorance, Fear, and Hatred). Those things will not carve out a place for any of us or future generations of LesBiGay youth. Change always starts small but it must ALWAYS start with us.
toberlin
AnitaMann:
Can you tell me WHY YOU read this site?
I am a straight woman.And I respect and celebrate what the writers and the people here OFFER ME! I think the only reason why I am still allowed to read and comment here is : Up to now the editors couldn’t find somebody who is interested to trade a stubborn mule for a bottle tequila…
toberlin
PDA = Periduralanästhesie in German…
In my opinion the straight guy who stood up for the gay couple gave up too early.And he forgot to tell the couple that he hadn’t complained about THEM.Why the straight guy sat back down after the gay couple had to le?Why he has not tried to talk to the people who misbehave?I think he made it too easy for them to feel comfortable with their misbehaviours…
Billysees
@murphy0071:
Interesting commentary but longer than necessary.
Paul’s comments about the knowledge and understanding of his own beliefs are expressed in a few simple words —
1. …our knowledge is partial and incomplete…
2. …we see things imperfectly…
3. All that I know now is partial and incomplete…
It’s not hard to imagine that such a man would write differently about homosexuality if were living today.