Last night, I sat riveted to the TV channel called BRAVO. My latest obsession is the show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." Although I am pro having exposure for all things gay, I do have to say that I take some offense to this show. Once again, just like Jack of "Will & Grace", I feel that the show represents us in an over-the-top-and-always-witty-and-catty sort-of-way.

If you have not seen the show, here is the gist: 5 ultra-hip, very attractive queers invade an out-of-touch straight man's life in order to give him an overhaul and bring his "style" into this millenium. They redo his physical appearance, his living quarters, his cultural knowledge, and his cooking abilities in order to impress said straight man's peers. I agree that some people need a major makeover. I highly doubt that most of these straight men will keep this up because let's face it, a leopard never changes its spots.

Anyway, after watching the show, I felt absolutely dowdy and un-hip. As a matter of fact, I found myself thinking of ways of updating my wardrobe and style to "fit in" with the style crowd. Then it hit me: these 5 "Queer Eyes" are a miniscule part of gay life. Being gay is not about having the latest clothes or going to the latest scene. It's not about having a gorgeous abode or above average entertaining skills. It's not about using the latest beauty products and shiny appliances. My homosexuality is not about my physical appearance at all - regardless of whether my waist is 32" or 42", I still am gay. What concerns me most about this show is that the public will begin to equate being gay with a superficial temporal nature. I cringe when I see that the only way we can get acceptance from the rest of the world is to do something to make them "feel pretty" albeit momentarily. It makes me feel like we are kept around for that and only that.

It scares me that no matter how hard we try, the only outlet allowed us is one where we are seen as providers of entertainment and folly. Granted this all falls under the showbiz realm but isn't there a chubby food-and-wine expert who happens to be gay that they can use instead of the ultra-chic nerd that they have? Hell, give me a call, I'll fill in.

It angers me that I am represented in the media as a catty, bitchy person who only wears the latest clothes and is overly concerened with his physical appearance; who is not concerned with anything but superficiality and material objects. Nevertheless, I will be watching to give this show some ratings. Maybe then, a different type of show that represents us gays as everyday humans who are deep in debt and shop at Old Navy will be broadcast on TV. Later.  ¶ 11:32 PM