Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, circa 1966

[indri]

Well, it turns out that the SO loathes Queer Eye (mostly for its conformist consumerism) but it did remind him of something, a British radio show of the Sixties which used the gay and theatre slang of "polari". Tonight he found me a transcript of the episode that Queer Eye reminds him of:

Bona Homes and Gardens, an epsiode of the Julian and Sandy radio show, starring Hugh Paddick and Kenneth Williams (of Carry On movie fame).

Comments

[sangpassionne.livejournal.com]

That's one of the reasons why it makes my skin crawl, like Will and Grace on a bad day. Populating TV with stereotypes does not acceptance make, it simply serves to perpetuate those stereotypes. In some ways I'm forcefully reminded of 'Are You Being Served'.

One of the reasons I loved Willow and Tara so much was that they simply had a relationship and it wasn't a big deal once the initial, 'girlfriend!' reaction had worn off. I long for the day when gay relationships are portrayed as just relationships and not something special episode worthy, or comment worthy as they are at the moment. Just my tuppence worth.

[tesla321.livejournal.com]

Well, being an American with conformist consumerism in my DNA, I quite like the show---it couldn't be on without the sponsors, and it's well worth it, to me, for the poke in the eye to the rabid anti-gay Republicans. And I think the boys are such pets.

[indri]

It's my sister's favourite show. I find it a bit dull, to tell the truth, but maybe I only saw some of the lesser episodes.

SO would hate it if they came around because they'd throw out everything he owns except his kitchen equipment and best jacket. But really, I think the SO was expecting quite a different kind of show, more queer theory and fewer home decorating tips.

The boys are cute, yes, although I was surprised by Carson. Reading about him before I saw him, I thought he'd be even more flaming.

[indri]

You're in the UK, aren't you? A friend of mine there told me that Queer Eye UK was a flop but that the new Fairy Godfather was much more interesting: more emphasis on the emotional rather than the material.

[sidherian.livejournal.com]

I really swing between liking and disliking the show. I can see the rampant consumerism, and sometimes I have real issues with the way the straight it is just turned into a clone. On the other hand, sometimes that's a good look for the man.
What does impress me is how loving the fab 5 can be towards the women in the straight man's life, encouraging him to appreciate them.

[indri]

Sometimes they help the hopeless, which is commendable. But in most of the eps I've seen, the straight guy wasn't doing too badly to start with.

[indri]

I long for the day when gay relationships are portrayed as just relationships and not something special episode worthy, or comment worthy as they are at the moment.

Yeah, I'll drink to that.