Reflections on TV Show: Queer as Folk

by Brig Bagley

20 August 2014

Today I will finish the entire series of "Queer as Folk", a Showtime series that aired from 2000-2005. It features the lives of gay couples, individuals, and their families in Philadelphia. The show covers almost every aspect of homosexuality and its surrounding issues: A P-flag mom, safe-sex, HIV, gay marriage, anti-gay religions, gay clubs, same-sex parents, artificial insemination, drag queens, open relationships, coming out... the list goes on. Several scenes stirred my emotions, from sadness, to pain, to anger. Many, if not most of these issues have come up in my personal life, and I expect the same of most people who are or are or have relationships with LGBT people. 

One scene in particular (spoiler alert!) takes place at a candlelight vigil in memory of people who were killed or hurt in a terrorist event during a fundraiser against a bill that would remove any and all rights to gay couples in Pennsylvania to adopt children, have joint accounts, or even share health benefits. In the midst of the vigil are protesters yelling that the injured should have died, as well as all the others at the terrorist event for defying nature and god by practicing and promoting homosexuality. 

Tempers rose to violence, as you would expect, at the disrespect of the lives of those involved with the hate-crime. 

This isn't that far from reality in some places, especially places like Russia, Uganda, and Provo, UT. 

If you haven't seen Queer as Folk, and you don't mind a more adult-themed drama (this certainly isn't a show for young kids), I would recommend you watch it (available on NetFlix). You will see yourself in at least one of the characters, and will have names of people in your life that fit several other characters. There are also characters you will have wish you had in your life, such as the supportive mother of a gay son, Debbie, and the ever-so-fabulous and honest Emmett.

I'm not so sure what took me so long to watch it, but I can imagine it might have been my Mormon upbringing. Enjoy!