It seems that gay men and other sexual minorities have become more accepted in American society today than, say, 50 or 100 years ago. Even more so today than 20 years ago. Legal progress has undeniably been made against discrimination, although full equality is still a long way off. But culturally, have we really made progress towards acceptance?
People often point to gay themes entering the mainstream with examples like NBC's "Will & Grace." Ellen DeGeneres, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and numerous fashion-industry reality shows featuring gay characters are also often held up as proof that the public now accepts the LGBT community because these shows and celebrities still enjoy success. In general today, your show's ratings won't be hurt if you add a gay character. But does this really equate to social acceptance? All of the gay men in these shows are the same stereotypical character: flamboyant and "feminine." They are one-dimensional characters that are made to be very non-threatening. They are just a girl's best friend for shopping.
This is similar to how there are certain areas of society where black men are allowed to succeed that they become stereotyped for. Sports (basketball, etc.) and entertainment (rapping, etc.) are arenas where society is comfortable seeing black men and so they are culturally encouraged to fulfill these stereotypes. In the same way, gay men are allowed to be hair stylists and fashion designers, but it is less acceptable to see them outside of theses roles. True, at one point the NBA didn't allow black players and at one point you would never see an openly gay character on TV, but is it really progress to create stereotypical "safe" areas for these groups and only allow them to appear in these set roles? It is still more difficult for an openly gay or black person to get a job as a CEO or politician than a straight or white person. Society is still uncomfortable seeing them outside of their accepted preset careers. If a gay man doesn't act flamboyant and "like a girl," his being out is more threatening to the hegemony. No matter what political advances for gay equality are made, it is still debatable how much cultural advancement has been made.
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I agree in every way and your comment that "True, at one point the NBA didn't allow black players and at one point you would never see an openly gay character on TV, but is it really progress to create stereotypical "safe" areas for these groups and only allow them to appear in these set roles?" is right no point. It address something that I find extremely infuriating - the "at least" statement - when people say things like "at least it is acceptable for you to get a job now, look at women in the 50's" etc. Well, that's nice and all but women still get paid less than men on average for the same job. "At least" is a terrible thing to say to people who are deserving of the same rights and circumstances as others and it is a terrible way to try to justify discrimination, hate, and other wrongful practices.
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