Homosexuality in the Media

The idea that public figures have a responsibility to the public to discuss their sexual orientation is a rather new one. In the mid-20th century, certain matinee idols were known by many to lead alternative lifestyles, and yet they were encouraged to keep these affairs rather private. For example, Rock Hudson, a popular movie actor of the 1950s and ‘60s,hid his private life from the press for years for fear of losing popularity.

The debate about what role one’s sexual orientation plays in one’s public life was once again brought to light in the news media this week. In the election campaign in Quebec, the leader of the Parti Quebecois, Andre Boisclair, an openly gay politician, was forced to comment on remarks made by ‘shock-jock’ Louis Champagne. Champagne stated that factory workers in Saguenay would not vote for a tapette, Quebecois slang for ‘fag’.

Media in Quebec have been quick to condemn Champagne’s comments; they have gone out of their way to point out how irrelevant Boisclair’s sexuality is in the current election campaign. However, this is the same media that was extremely interested in Boisclair’s sexuality in early 2006 when Boisclair appeared in a politically-incorrect comedy skit involving a homosexual portrayal of President Bush and Prime Minister Harper.

Boisclair, therefore, has created a somewhat ambiguous situation in regards to his sexuality: he is offended when right-wing radio hosts make offensive comments, but is also part of the group making fun of gay stereotypes as in the case of his Harper-Bush sketch. Mimicking the plotline of the movie Brokeback Mountain is hardly unique or groundbreaking, and yet, here is this supposedly suave, leftist politician trying so hard to fit in.

The mainstream media of the twenty-first century cannot be examined as a whole when we discuss how homosexuality of public figures is portrayed. Even so, there are certainly themes that emerge when we examine the issue of sexual orientation and public figures. From scandals with White House pages to Catholic Church atrocities, too often, the only view the public gets of homosexuality in the media is a negative one.

Although we may question how and why sexuality is brought into the mediated discussion of our politicians and celebrities’ lives, we can still understand the human interest in this matter. There is nothing inherently wrong with the Quebec media being interested in Boisclair’s private life; it is in how they approach this subject that is the issue in question.

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