Gays of our Lives (November 03, 2008)

Degrassi: The Next Generation – This durable Canadian teen soap has had a long history of tackling gay storylines and of including prominent gay characters and the new season is no exception. On its November 7^th episode, the show will introduce a new ‘mo amongst its bumper crop of newbie teens. Who might it be? Answers in the spoiler section below….

As The World Turns – After several months in storyline limbo, Luke and Noah finally have a topical and engaging plot about Luke’s foray into campus politics. But young Mr. Snyder is quickly learning that student government can be ugly, even dangerous. Despite the increased airtime and a solid storyline, a familiar question about the couple hangs in the air: when in God’s name are they finally going to have sex? Fans are hoping the November sweeps drama will see Luke losing his virginity (well, not literally “see”). It would definitely raise the show’s sagging ratings… among other things.

Noah (Jake Silbermann) & Luke (Van Hansis)

Física O Química – this Spanish teen drama has followed the romantic life of gay teen Fer, detailing his online romance with a fellow named Hugo. After a few false starts, Hugo and Fer met in person and while thus far things have been good for the pair, complications are sure to arise. Will one of them be Fer’s best friend Julio who has been having romantic issues (i.e. he can’t perform) with his girlfriend for the show’s entire season? Perhaps there is a homoerotic reason why.

Fer (Javier Calvo) and Julio (Gonzalo Ramos)

In the coming weeks, look for The Gays of Our Lives to cover the gay happenings in shows such as French sagas Les Bleus and Clara Sheller (we'll post feature stories on both series), New Zealand sudser Shortland Street, UK soaps such as EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, American nighttime fare including Desperate Housewives and Dirty Sexy Money, plus whatever else comes our way. If there’s a show we’ve missed or haven’t mentioned, please let us know. And be sure to give us your thoughts and comments at the end of the column.

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION

Hollyoaks – Ravi Roy’s male bonding session with Russ Owen went horribly awry when, after having too much to drink, Ravi tried to kiss his new bud. At first he tried to pass it off as nothing, but Russ later got him to admit that he was bisexual. Russ promised he’d keep his secret… if Ravi didn’t continue his relationship with Nancy. What’s a little blackmail between same-sex crushes, right? Ravi, who wasn’t really invested in the affair anyway, agreed and broke Nancy’s heart.

Honestly, I’m really not interested in another story about a closeted gay man (this show has done it twice) so let’s hope Hollyoaks goes somewhere fresh with Ravi.

Física O Química – Fer becomes the talk of the school after he’s identified as the featured performer in a sex video made by his boyfriend Hugo… and the entire school finds out before he does. What was nice about this story was that it cleverly and humorously addressed the serious issue of safe sex. Hugo and Fer’s relationship ended badly, but one hopes they get back together. Unless the dreamy Julio becomes available….