I want to add to a comment from an earlier post referring to Damon Romine of GLAAD , said that "Luke and Noah's relationship is the first gay male love story portrayed on daytime in 60 years."

 First Gay Soap Couple 

from The Advocate, Jan 20, 1998 by Robrt L. Pela
1998: "Daytime TV broke gay ground of its own, with ABC's introduction this past season of All My Children's gay teen, Kevin Sheffield (played by Ben Jorgensen)"

"high school teacher Michael Delaney (Chris Bruno), his story peaked earlier this season when actor Bruno left the show"

Played from oct 1996 - dec 1997 and Cohabiting with his lover Dr. Brad Phillips

from soap central
Michael Delaney was a respected veteran in the Marines, a basketball coach, and high school history teacher. He was loved by all until they found out more about his sexual preference. Michael "came out" about being gay to his history class and found that the close-minded citizens of Pine Valley were not as accepting as he thought they would be. With the help of his brother-in-law, Trevor Dillon, Michael successfully won a court case against the Pine Valley School Board, who wanted him off the job because he would "teach" his lifestyle to his students. Needless to say, this hate campaign was led by non other than Enid Nelson, Greg Nelson's Mother.

At last reference, Michael was currently living happily with his boyfriend, Brad Phillips, and remained on staff as a teacher at Pine Valley High School.

I wrote to Damon Romine and he explained that the story about Michael Delaney was a story about a gay man, but Damon's lover didn't play a significant role in the story-line. However the Luke and Noah story is the first gay male "love story" on a soap.

And as far as Love stories go? I can only think of what Fred Astaire sang to Ginger Rogers:

A fine romance, with no kisses.
A fine romance, my friend, this is.

A Fine Romance
by Jerome Kern from Swing Time, 1936

sure, ATWT deserve an award if for a groundbreaking number of hugs....

otherwise...HELL NO they don't deserve it.

i honestly think they're getting an award simply by having a gay couple to begin with....EH

If this were 10 years ago I might feel differently.  But the current ATWT Nuke storyline is so poorly executed that I don't think it deserves any special recognition.

I would like to think that we're past the point where we praise shows just for having gay characters and actually think about the quality of the depictions rather than there mere existence.  If GLAAD were to argue that there are not enough gay characters on shows to form a suitable pool of candidates such that we need to look a lower quality depictions then I would argue that we shouldn't be handing out awards at all.

Are the GLAAD awards for TV always given to the shows as a whole, or can the honor the individual actors?

I have been a huge fan of the Nuke storyline, but I am currently so angry about the cowardly, borderline homophobic tone of the execution in recent months, I don't think the show itself deserves any award; if anything it deserves derision.

 I do however believe the Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann deserve accolades for the superb work that they are doing with these characters. They are the sole reason for the popularity of Nuke, not this spineless, clueless writing. That they are generating any excitement or passion out of the feeble, borderline offensive material they have been given over the past few months is a testiment to their talent and dedication to the storyline and their characters. Bravo, Van and Jake! Boo to As the World Turns.

To me it seems as if GLAAD is enjoying the spotlight and all the celebrities! I think that they have been given the Cool baton by the media and they have actively courted celebrities and it has now gone to their heads. They are playing conservative with the original intent of their organization and have seemed to be rather mild in their actions because they are trying to keep the Love and the attention. I really feel that there have been times, especially in the last year where it felt like they were pulling their punches and have not been as confrontational as in the past and that is what happens when you get invited to the Cool table to sit. GLAAD has become the new Fad and they are enjoying it too much! Or maybe I am just too confrontational a person in general. 

 

"You bit the hand, Marty, You bit the hand!"

but with the Ameera-storyline I can't stop thinking that CBS or P&G are using their gay couple to spread patriotic thoughts. To me it feels like they are desperately trying to defend the war in Iraq with Ameera all the time telling how bad it was/is in Iraq and what a great country America is, and with Luke and Noah completely agreeing even though they pointed out that it's still sometimes difficult to be gay.

It's like Colonel Mayor is a metaphor for America. Even though he did bad things, he's still a good guy deep in his heart what Ameera will prove to Noah and Luke.

I'd say last year's story of Luke and Noah deserves a GLAAD award, but what they're showing us lately isn't worth anything.

 

 No question about it, I'll agree with everyone else.  ATWT definitely does not deserve a GLAAD award for the Nuke storyline.  Perhaps they did when it first started, right up until Noah and Luke decided to be a couple, but ever since then the writing has been simply terrible, even insulting.

But the actors playing the roles are both quite good, and deserve some recognition---is there a specific award for rising above terrible material?

I'm like a superhero, with no powers or motivation...

I don't put much stake into what GLAAD deems gay-worthy.  Didn't they give Grey's an award for that lame-ass wilderness episode with Bartender Joe and bf, when the much more deserving Cold Case "forever Blue" eppy was overlooked(awards-wise)?  The CC ep is perhaps my favorite hour of tv EVER.  The gays in the Grey's episode were mere afterthoughts. 

 

GLAAD reminds me of the Log Cabin Republicans. They're so happy to have a place at the table that they don't care that it's just a high chair.

GLAAD gets up in arms about stupid things and the things they should get upset about they just let pass.

Ineffective morons.

 

 

GLAAD already created a huge backlash when they gave Grey's Anatomy award during the Isaiah Washington mess.  Giving any sort of recognition to ATWT would be another nail in their coffin.  They've developed the reputation as star f*ckers who soft-pedal their criticism of Hollywood so they can maintain access to celebrities.

Even nominating ATWT for an award is an insult to shows like Brothers & Sisters and Ugly Betty who have realistically-written gay storylines.  If there isn't enough American gay programming to recognize, then focus on the cutting edge work being done in the UK, Spain, Germany, etc.

Is that the GLAAD Media Awards will always be behind the times with the TV and comics categories because they're evaluating the past year's worth of work. (Keep in mind, too, that the choice probably is between giving the award to ATWT and AMC -- who's gay fans were frustrated throughout the storyline -- and not between ATWT and 'No award'.) If ATWT wins, it'll be based on the work that came before the Christmas non-kiss (IIRC, their voting cuts off in mid-Dec, allowing for tallying.) not the unfortunate stuff that we're seeing now. Chances are good all the votes were in before the non-kissing became a claear theme.

Sadly, the GLAAD Media Awards seem to be a curse with soaps. I had a friend point out how badly gay soap characters have gone after winning a GLAAD award (see Passions especially).

I won't say that the GLAAD Media Awards aren't without fault, but some of those problems are better understood if one learns about the rules that got into the selection process.

What does the GLAAD award mean?  In today's context, in my view, nothing.  Without a doubt the award was initiated following two amazing & earth-shattering kisses between two gorgeous, young, teen "GAY!" heartthrobs!  What a beginning!  And what a promise that faded into sorrow and despair and anger at the insults and nasty meanness of the suits from all sides: CBS, ATWT, & P&G.  And let us not forget the truly evil power of the anti-Christian American Family Ass.

So, apart from all of us...and sadly there aren't enough of us to make any kind of real impact, not watching ATWT to make them notice, the Luke/Noah story is absurdly dead.

And now, thanks to that Damn Bush, the dollar is being crushed by the euro which makes my retiring to Europe more difficult!

I embrace all of you who like me cherished those two rejuvenating kisses!

 

 

First off, I believe the "unfortunate stuff" was happening long before December (Hate the Kiss Love the Kisser) and GLAAD wasn't paying attention or didn't care. ATWT doesn't seem to have changed as much as our perception of it. I get the feeling that GLAAD is activist turned guppy, so it's hard to tell what they really stand for. Once any organization gets to a certain size, it starts to become this huge furnace that needs to be fed and you do that by courting the very people who you criticized in the beginning. I mean, they prominently feature a video about the 2008 GLAAD awards ("gay Oscars") from CBS on Logo, and ATWT is on CBS. So it might seem like GLAAD and CBS are spinning each other. Here we are on AfterElton a sub group of Logo, so it's like there's really only one company in all of gay town.

ATWT has been touting the GLAAD nomination like they have already won it and maybe they know something you and I don't. The problem with a soap is they can get the good-gay keeping seal of approval and then turn around and change the story completely to one of shame and stereotypes and still hold the award high. A GLAAD winning movie isn't going to be re-edited to remove or change gay content.

Eligibility period: January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Nominees were announced January, 20 2008
The awards are first announced on March 17
Since the first ceremony is on March 17, I would guess voting is complete. GLAAD doesn't announce when the voting occurs. You can't really find out about the voting on the GLAAD site, I don't think they want people to know.

• "Nominees are selected by juries comprised of volunteers with interest and expertise in the particular media category they are judging"
• "If no projects are deemed worthy of nomination in a particular category, the jury may choose to not award that category."
• GLAAD's staff and Board of Directors have final approval.

Evaluation uses four criteria:

 

1. Fair, Accurate and Inclusive Representations - "Rather than portraying the LGBT community in broad stereotypes, the project deals with the characters or themes in a fair, accurate, and multi-dimensional manner. (This is different than a "positive role model.") Inclusive means that the diversity of the LGBT community is represented. This includes economic, geographic, and political diversity, as well as people of color, seniors, differently abled people, etc." Fair and Accurate means a character can be a heavy as long as she is portrayed accurately. A character can also be acting out shame for being gay, even if the basis of that shame isn't fairly or accurately explained.
2. Boldness and Originality - "The project breaks new ground by exploring LGBT subject matter in non-traditional ways and handles the LGBT content in a fresh and original manner. Is this project cutting-edge?" Both GLAAD and P&GP have been focusing on this criterion, in case someone disputes the first?
3. Impact - "The project impacts society in a significant way. Does this project dramatically increase the cultural dialogue about LGBT issues? Or, does this project reach an audience that is not regularly exposed to LGBT images and issues?" How much does it matter if it's a negative impact or reinforces stereotypes?
4. Overall Quality - "A project of extremely high quality adds impact and significance to the images and issues portrayed. Fair, accurate and inclusive images can sometimes be weakened when they are part of a poor-quality project." See, this is the Gay Oscars!

900 GLAAD Media Awards voters vote via online balloting and consist of GLAAD staff, GLAAD Media Circle members ($1,500 a year or more), volunteers and just about any media rep they want to invite. The Board Chairs and media experts make the final certification.

I want to mention that I fixed a link that changed to the posting:

Hate the Kiss Love the Kisser.

http://www.afterelton.com/node/14165

I don't particularly mind one way or the other, but I am a fan of ATWT + will continue to be one, most likely. I also think Van + Jake do a great job w/ the scripts they're given + really bring the characters to life.

 I'd like to see them recognized for their work. As for the show, I already mentioned that I am a fan of it + I'm not really sure whether the blame for any non-gay-kiss issues is to be placed on the show's writers or moreso on the sponsors, producers, etc. As long as the show remains entertaining to me, I'll watch.

 

Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann will be presenting at the GLAAD awards on the 17th. Don't you think that will be hugely embarrassing if there hasn't been an on air kiss before then? Next weeks shows, (to be broadcast before the 17) were scripted and shot after February 14th, when the public outcry started. If P&G ever had any plans to treat the couple fairly they've had a chance now to script a kiss before the GLAAD awards rather than "save it" for sweeps week in May. Listen, if they wait till may to show a kiss or address the outrage, then they will be proving that this whole gay story-line was always exploitation.

What would you think if they decide to be smug and ignore the pleas of their viewers? I fear that ATWT is going to lose their audience. There are reports of the producers starting to panic.

What can Jake and Van do at the awards presentation? If they playfully make a show of kissing at the presentation and not on the soap wouldn't that be a bigger insult?

Isn't it ironic that the GLAAD awards are the very week that ATWT is having one of its gay characters marry a woman so she can get a Green card, a plot so witless and insulting to the gay audience, I can barely stomach watching it. Perhaps someone attending will have the courage to boo producer Chris Goutman, or whoever accepts for ATWT, for coming up with this drivel.

I don't care about awards. They are meaningless just as reviews are. What matters is what you think. GLAAD is giving an award to whom they feel is deserving. Do they represent the gay community? Not really. I don't pay attention to them. I don't know what they really do and I don't care.

I love Luke and Noah and I don't care about the kiss anymore. I hate the fact that they brought in this Ameera character. I hope her involvement with them ends soon. Maybe one day they will kill the s/l. If they do I just won't watch anymore and I will miss them. As long as they are on I will watch.

Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann will be presenters at the GLAAD awards on Monday in NYC and I would like to make a conclusive statement before then.

GLAAD spokesman Damon Romine believes the two kisses are historic enough to deserve an award and he adds that, ''Perhaps some compromises are being made on the intimacy front to allow their story to continue to be told, but let's keep in mind that if P&G or CBS did not want to tell this story, they would very easily have already brought it to an end.'' (from Entertainment Weekly)

The question remains "what story is ATWT telling?" It seems to have changed from what they promised and GLAAD seems to believe that any depiction of gay characters on a soap is good even if it only infers intimacy while continuing to demonstrate that gay intimacy is too nauseating to show on TV. Is that truly deserving of an award?

This story is a cash-cow for ATWT and P&G would be stupid to end it, now. They will use their GLAAD award to prove that what they are doing is the best possible depiction of gay people. But there's a difference between telling a gay romance platonic relationship and exploitation. Only GLAAD can decide what that is.


My biggest problem is with the GLAAD PSA's which elicit you to "be an ally, be a friend;" and to find out how you're directed to glaad.org. Once you get there you find self-promotion after self-promotion. The banner across the top tells you how you can donate to Glaad by buying tickets to the awards ceremony. Several splashy ads also solicit you to join in the cocktail hours sponsored by Absolut and being held at various cities for 'young professionals', of course so that GLAAD can shake them by the heels. There are links to news articles written by and about GLAAD, more self promotion. And in case you need to see it again, you can play the video of the PSA that brought you to the site.

Basically the site shows us that there are several ways to be an ally to gay and transgender folks. You can star in a PSA that is played on t.v. You can go to glaad.org and buy a ticket to an awards ceremony. You can have a martini and write a check to GLAAD (if you're a young professional that is) or you can donate directly to GLAAD, ($1,500 buys you a vote in the awards.) The home page is as dignified and respectful as a sunday evangelist show flashing the toll free donation number at the bottom of the screen. I'd rather donate to the Trevor Project, where they actually do some help.

It's hard for GLAAD to hold onto the 'out sider' label when you become part of the status quo and promote the problem. And ATWT probably deserves a GLAAD media award, that is if GLAAD is really a straight media award.

Last year on here! with Josh and Sara, (youtube) Scott Thompson from The Kids In the Hall tells his truth. He say's GLAAD abandoned us when they decided not to give awards to gay media.

I am curious if anyone reading this is going to the awards show in NYC on Monday, or have gone to the show.