On ER, Laura Innes has played the lesbian Dr. Weaver for many seasons. While the character's screen time has diminished over the years, she was once an integral part of the show and her trials and travails helped keep viewers tuning in.

HBO's Six Feet Under also proved that having gay characters front and center in an ensemble could be used to great effect. David (Michael Anthony Hall) was a groundbreaking, nuanced portrayal of a gay man just as neurotic and complicated as the rest of his family. Indeed, the show's frank portrayal of David's relationship with his partner Keith (Matthew St. Patrick) surely contributed to the show's success which included seven Emmy wins and dozens of nominations.

All of these shows did what a well-written program should do: they presented gay people as (gasp) normal people. None of these characters were stereotypical. They were average citizens trying to live their lives, their sexuality no more—or less—an aspect of their existence than any other person's would be.

It is that kind of matter-of-fact writing that viewer's have come to expect from Lost. Why a gay character has yet to be counted amongst the survivors is more than a little puzzling. Indeed, after two years with such a large cast, the omission is starting to feel a little deliberate. Star Trek's refusal to add a gay character to its equally large cast comes to mind.

The quality of the Lost's writing demonstrates a great deal of sensitivity and compassion for minorities. Indeed, it has likely broken down stereotypes many viewers may hold. The character of Sayid, as played by Naveen Andrews, is a prime example. An Iraqi who fought in the Gulf War against the U.S., he is nonetheless not portrayed as a villain. His character gains the sympathy of the viewer through the power of his back-story and his bravery on the island. He even falls in love with a fellow castaway. What could be more humanizing than that?

Lost has challenged preconceived notions of other characters as well. Whereas it is usually young men who are viewed as the warriors and protectors in an adventure series, here it is two women (Kate and Ana-Lucia) and an older man (John Locke) who are among the strongest and most adventurous survivors.

By adding a gay character that similarly shatters stereotypes, Lost could do something truly groundbreaking. Why not introduce a gay character—perhaps one who is somewhat effeminate—yet every bit as tough, brave, and determined as his straight counterparts? That would make a bold statement rarely seen on network television.

In doing so, Lost would go a long way toward showing that, like every other minority, we come in all types of personalities. We are not all club-bunnies and home decorators.

Lost could even go further and present a loving relationship for a gay character via flashbacks, or even have him fall in love with someone on the island. Presenting two men in love would be even more novel for the simple reason that society, as a whole, seems more accepting of two women together than two men. This would be an especially brave statement at a time when the Bush administration, urged on by evangelicals and right-wing extremists, are declaring their own war on gay people.

Through its mass appeal and powerful writing, Lost has the power to change perspectives. The show's diversity, as well its idea of unity regardless of differences, would ring even more true if Lost were finally to find a gay character on that South Pacific Island.

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