More Gay Characters Coming to Daytime

For years, there has been a buzz about the lack of LGBT representation on the TV.  Of late however, there has been a growing number of gay characters portrayed on TV, especially in the circle of daytime soaps. ABC’s “All My Children” has had a lesbian wedding.  ABC also recently cast Broadway actor Nicholas Rodriguez as “Nick”, another gay character on “One Life to Live”  and CBS has had an ongoing gay drama (including sex) on their long running “As the World Turns”.

Well, it looks like CBS has yet again stumbled into the gay ring on daytime.  This time it’s on the long running Young and Restless.  That’s right, Y&R’s Yani Gellman, who plays the role of Rafe, is coming out as gay.

According to TVFanatic.com:

When they told me Rafe was gay, I was curious as to how they’d deal with it. When I got the script, it showcased beautifully where we are as society today. There’s a lot of acceptance in today’s world. I’m overjoyed at the prospect of playing a meatier role on the show. And hopefully in a great storyline. Hopefully, the fans and press support this character and the show.

I am extremely happy to see this, for one, the character of Rafe isn’t some flamboyant hair dresser or florist (and before you get pissy, there is NOTHING wrong with flamboyant florist or hair dressers) but he plays a young lawyer. The reason I bring this up, it’s great to have a character who is an average guy, who happens to be gay, portrayed on one of the most popular daytime TV shows in history. This is the type of exposure the LGBT community needs. Perez, Mario, Mr. Ed or whatever his name is, could learn a bit about how important it is to show the world exactly how “normal” it really is to be gay. This will expedite our acceptance and inclusion much faster than outrageous child-like behavior, thus helping us gain equality and inclusion.

Again, I want to say, there is nothing wrong with being who you are, but it’s very important for us to also remember, we represent the entire LBGT community, and most of us, who are adults, go to work, pay bills, and live, as everyday citizens. That is the representation that we need.

Yani Gellman

Want more on CBS’s Y&R? Check out the photos taken by Jerris Madison of “Tyra” (Eva Marcille)