"South Park": A Milestone in Gay Visibility

SEASON 3

Episode #8: "Two Guys Naked in a Hot Tub"

Original air date: 7/21/99

Synopsis: Mr. Mackey throws a party, and Kyle's and Stan's Dads "experiment" in the hot tub.

In a nutshell: "Just because two men watch each other masturbate doesn't mean they're gay . . . does it?"

Relaxing together in the hot tub, the two dads start talking about experimentation, and what would be considered "gay." They both decide that masturbating in front of each other is not.

Stan's dad is filled with shame and regret, until he blurts out the truth about what happened, and all the other men at the party make their own startling confessions.

What could have been a lame gay panic and shame episode (and would have been, in lesser hands) actually ends with a simple message, "we're all a little gay."

Funny rating: 4 Cartmans

Gay rating: 8 Big Gay Als

SEASON 4

Episode #12: "Fourth Grade"

Original air date: 11/8/2000

Synopsis: Mr. Garrison confronts the gay within.

In a nutshell: "I'm gayer than a gymnast on shore leave."

Mr. Garrison enters the "tree of insight," and comes face to face with his gay side.

He returns to the school, newly enlightened, and announces to his fellow teachers that he's a proud gay man.

Another gay positive episode with a South Park twist. Mr. Garrison is living like the Unabomber, and on the verge of insanity, but accepting the truth about himself sets him free, and he's able to function normally again. Of course, his colleagues are happy for him, but cheerfully remind him that as an out gay man, they couldn't possibly rehire him.

Funny rating: 4 Cartmans

Gay rating: 4 Big Gay Als