I write fiction. Recently, I wrote a story where a character s African American roots are important to the story. I would argue that literature and television played as large a role as personal experience. I ve had less success writing from the point of view of a gay man, and I haven t dared to try to include an Asian character. I have an incredible amount of respect for these trailblazers, but since it is hard to be that far out without being an activist of sorts, their example does encourage a skewed public image of non-heterosexuality.
Quality television can help provide a balance.
A lesbian character on a sitcom is visibly out not only when she is participating in a gay pride march or kissing her girlfriend, but also when she is ordering food in a restaurant or trying to get that research paper done on time. The waiter and the couple at the next table may not be aware, but the audience is. We re used to seeing token characters on television, but with increased exposure these characters can and will be seen as individuals, and the distinctions made by the audience in terms of fictional characters can then be applied in real life. While ABC has been overly cautious, they are the only major network where you can regularly find a realistic portrayal of a lesbian character, and I applaud them for taking the lead. May not be redistributed without permission.