His opening song “Broadway is not Just For Gays Anymore”  drew praise from the press and suggested he host the Oscars, yet to me, it was too edgy. As a theatre goer since childhood, who grew up memorizing the lyrics of my mother’s “Gypsy” and “My Fair Lady” albums, I don’t need to be serenaded by Harris that: “people from red states, people from blue:  A big Broadway rainbow is waiting for you!  Come on in and be inspired, there’s no sodomy required.” These X-rated lyrics are better suited for HBO or Cable T.V., not national television and could easily offend potential theatre goers who visit New York and want to see a Broadway show. 

Two-thirds of the seats in Broadway theatre are taken by women, like myself. The audience has remained status quo over the years. What has changed are the “out” actor’s acceptance speeches in which they thank their partner or lover. And the profusion of plays in recent years dealing with homosexual themes.

This popular actor has been out since November ’06  yet his sophomoric observations about theatre attendees  were so “gay” (lame). I don’t know if Harris composed the lyrics or merely sang them, but Harris and the networks should remember their mission: to fill theatre seats.

Have you talked to your kids about the media’s stereotypical representations of gays?