From NBC’s Kings to The Simpsons, gay plotlines have been popping up everywhere on mainstream television. While I don’t think it’s necessarily headline news every time a new one airs, I do commend The United States of Tara for their depiction of a budding gay romance.
If you haven’t seen the most recent episode, Good As You has a lovely explanation of why this kiss is so much more than a porno music-laden moment of passion you see above.
After the kiss, the gay son (Marshall) is approached by his father to discuss “how bad Marshall has it for the young dude and how strong of a force love can be.” His son’s homosexuality is entirely a non-issue. Though this may not realistically illustrate the typical father/gay son relationship, it does represent an alternative ideal.
I’ve heard some terrible coming out stories–everything from fathers disowning their sons to telling them “It’s alright, it’s not like I’ve never thought about sucking cock once or twice.” What was your experience like? Would you have preferred it to be like the situation above, or did it help you grow as an individual? And if you still haven’t made the jump to come out, what’s preventing you from doing so? So many questions!
Sidenote: Marshall’s father is played by John Corbett, who you may know as Aidan Shaw from Sex And The City. Even more of a reason to tune into Tara! Unfortunately, I suspect that he doesn’t spend as much time in his tightie whities on this show.
– Dewitt
That is exactly what it was like with my father. My mother had more trouble, not because she had a problem with me dating guys but because after I came out to them I didn’t see any point in hiding and came out at school too, she was always afraid my pride gear would get me targetted at school or when I went into the city.
My coming out experience was kind of low-key, once I finally got it over with. Dad only reminded me to use protection and advised me to be careful not to let anyone take advantage of me (also promised to kick my ass if I took advantage of anyone). He’s met one or two of the guys I’ve dated, and beyond that, he just asks that I make sure not to have sex under his roof if he’s home. Didn’t bother coming out to the other parent for reasons totally unrelated to her views on sexual orientation.