AfterElton.com - Big Brother UK Embraces Gay Men (page 2)

Big Brother UK Embraces Gay Men (page 2)
by Matthew Weiss, August 3, 2005

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What accounts for the greater number of gay men on the British Big Brother than on the U.S. version?

First, censors in Europe are much less strict. Frank adult discussions and visuals caught on camera can be aired on TV; no topic is off limits. The UK contestants are even required to shower in front of each other in the garden (some of the women won’t bare it all and wear full length dresses as they clean).

In America, however, that stuff is for the live feed only.

Live feed footage of Beau and Howie making out, for instance, will never see the television light of day. Nor will Beau’s plan to give Howie a hand job in order to get him on his side. The American public is way too uptight to have that on national television.

Second, although their gay men still trend towards stereotypes, Big Brother UK has a lot more fun with them. They love the camp. When Craig dressed like Britney Spears and sang “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” the public went crazy. Channel 4 not only shows the craziness (the penis judging, for example), they revel in it.

Craig and Anthony’s ambiguous relationship has become a favorite topic among viewers--gay hair stylist Craig is infatuated with chiseled, beautiful Anthony, to the point of stalking. He’s confessed his love. He’s been turned down. He’s been turned on (Anthony sucked his fingers for 60 seconds). He’s taken care of Anthony when he was drunk, leaving what they actually “did” to ambiguity. He’s fought with Anthony, protected him, made up with him, showered with him, prodded him about sex, and basically smothered the self-described player. And Anthony doesn’t reject it.

Not only is Craig obsessed with Anthony’s sexuality, but so are the rest of the players and the rest of Britain. Anthony continues to keep everyone guessing, revealing facts about shaving his chest to working at a gay club, and the British love it. He’s currently the top pick to win the show by bettors all around (though people are concerned that if Craig goes, Anthony will be dull and boring).

Big Brother UK loves to play with their gay players, showcasing when they throw tantrums, confess their love, or dress in drag. The American show lacks the same spirit, beginning with how they cast the series.

To the producers in America, one token gay guy is enough, and they don't even capitalize on that--Beau is rarely shown and seems like a docile drag. Other than that, they only want good-looking people with the same, dull personality.

God forbid they put someone as risqué as Kemal in the house!

Will remaining gay players Craig or Derek take home the winning cash prize on August 13th? Will the show be as interesting with Kemal gone? Will Big Brother U.S. ever cast a trans person, or more than one gay man at a time? Stay tuned to find out.

Find out more about Big Brother 6 UK at the official site