In all of the new reports about Ruben's arrest, however, the issue of his sexuality was completely absent. It also dispensed with Pee-wee and the Playhouse, while avoiding the more difficult discussions about children, homosexuality, and popular culture. Rubens may not have been a model straight man, but even an imperfect heterosexual was preferable to a beloved homosexual. But while Rubens was not labeled a homosexual, it was important to address the discomfort Pee-wee's Playhouse caused many adults. With the rise of gay culture came the idea that men could be sexy too.
Visibility leads to freedom, but it also leads to backlash.
In this essay, author Michael Bronski traces the thoughts behind this book.