I'm Just Gonna Say It: Brian Kinney Was Insufferable
When I first watched Queer as Folk (at 21 years old, shortly after coming out of the closet), it was a stark contrast to the shy, inexperienced person I was at the time. The show’s unapologetically queer characters—fully embracing their sexuality, partying, doing drugs, and hooking up in the backroom of Babylon—were unlike the sanitized portrayals I'd seen on shows like Will & Grace. In some ways, the series was affirming, showcasing gay men navigating love, sex, and social issues openly and honestly. Yet, it also felt isolating; its reliance on stereotypes of casual sex, substance abuse, and relentless partying didn't resonate with my own experience and made me feel disconnected from the version of queer life it presented.
Over time, my perspective evolved with each rewatch. At first, I related most to Justin Taylor, whose struggles with his conservative parents, first heartbreak, and journey to self-acceptance mirrored my own. But as I grew older, I began to appreciate the complexities of other characters and storylines I once dismissed. While the show's depiction of the LGBTQ+ community might not always hold up today, it remains a groundbreaking portrayal of queer life in all its messiness and beauty. For all its flaws, Queer as Folk was raw, imperfect, and sometimes uncomfortable—but undeniably impactful, and for that, it holds a special place in my queer nostalgia.
The British Beginnings of a Groundbreaking Series
What many don't know is that Queer as Folk originally began as a British series, which debuted on February 23, 1999, and ran for a brief two seasons. But calling it "two seasons" is a bit of a stretch—the second season only had two episodes to wrap up the series.
The title Queer as Folk comes from an English saying, "There's naught so queer as folk," meaning there's nothing as strange as people. This phrase perfectly encapsulates the show's intent to explore the lives of queer people in a time when homosexuality wasn't as widely accepted, even during the gay renaissance of the 90s. The show's title was almost Queer as Fuck, but that wasn’t deemed appropriate.
The British series focuses on the lives of three gay men living in Manchester: Stuart (the basis for Brian Kinney), Vince (who inspired Michael Novotny), and Nathan (the prototype for Justin Taylor). The characters Emmett Honeycutt and Ted Schmidt from the U.S. version were only minor characters in the British one. Much of the early U.S. version mirrors the British storyline, including plots about unrequited love, found family, and the harsh realities of drug use and casual hookups.
From Manchester to Pittsburgh: The American Debut of Queer as Folk
On December 3, 2000, ten months after the British series ended, the American version premiered. It focused on the lives of five gay men and a lesbian couple in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The choice of Pittsburgh, a city not often associated with gay culture, was meant to parallel the industrial backdrop of Manchester. However, the show was actually filmed in Toronto, which explains why the portrayal of Pittsburgh is so geographically off—the show even mistakenly references the Susquehanna River, which is nowhere near the city.
The first episode of the American series was largely the same as the British one, with the exception that Emmett and Ted are main characters rather than minor ones. The opening scene takes place at Babylon, the hottest gay club in Pittsburgh, setting the tone for the unapologetically bold portrayal of gay life. And the first episode featured the first-ever gay sex scene on American television, which was both groundbreaking and controversial.
Pushing Boundaries: How Queer as Folk Redefined LGBTQ+ Television
From the start, Queer as Folk pushed boundaries. A daring, unflinching portrayal of LGBTQ+ life, it offered groundbreaking representation and tackled complex issues rarely seen on mainstream TV. Over its five seasons, the series broke new ground with its explicit content, diverse storylines, and a raw exploration of love, sex, politics, and community within the LGBTQ+ world.
As the series progressed over five seasons, it covered provocative plotlines, shifting its focus from carefree partying to more serious themes, such as the stigma and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS. It also wasn’t afraid to delve into political territory and address broader concerns surrounding the sociopolitical climate of the early 2000s, during the George W. Bush era, a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community.
In one significant arc, the group rallies against a mayoral candidate known for his anti-LGBTQ+ stance, sparking debates on representation, safety, and activism. Later seasons tackle topics like vigilante justice and marriage inequality, showcasing the multifaceted challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
The Complex Legacy of Queer as Folk
While Queer as Folk was praised for its bold storytelling, it also faced criticism, particularly from within the LGBTQ+ community. Some argued that the show perpetuated negative stereotypes and lacked diversity, focusing primarily on the experiences of white gay men. Others pointed out the casting of straight actors in many of the key gay roles, a practice that has since come under increased scrutiny.
Despite these critiques, the show remains influential in LGBTQ+ television history. It was the first American series to feature an explicit gay sex scene, and it provided visibility at a time when such representation was virtually nonexistent. The show’s creators expected backlash from conservative viewers, but, ironically, the more vocal critiques came from those within the LGBTQ+ community who felt that the show did not go far enough in representing the full spectrum of queer life.
Interestingly, Queer as Folk also attracted a significant following among heterosexual women, further broadening its impact. While rumors suggested that the series was canceled due to rising production costs and Showtime’s reluctance to be seen as a predominantly gay network, its influence remains undeniable.
The Peacock Reboot: A New Era of Representation
In 2022, Queer as Folk was rebooted on Peacock, this time drawing more inspiration from the original UK version. The reboot sought to address some of the shortcomings of its predecessor by embracing a more diverse cast and focusing on updated themes relevant to today’s LGBTQ+ community.
This new iteration introduced a range of characters, including Mingus, a nonbinary teen, Ruthie, a trans woman, and Shar, who uses they/them pronouns. It also delved into underrepresented topics, such as the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent.
The reboot’s first episode featured a harrowing depiction of a mass shooting at a queer nightclub, reminiscent of real-life tragedies like the Pulse nightclub attack. This event set the tone for the season, emphasizing resilience and the importance of community rebuilding after trauma. Despite its efforts to offer a more diverse and inclusive portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences, the series was canceled after just one season.
A Pioneering Force in LGBTQ+ Television
Queer as Folk remains a landmark series in LGBTQ+ television history. Though the original 2000-2005 series may seem dated today, with its lack of diversity and reliance on certain stereotypes, it was groundbreaking at the time for bringing queer lives to the forefront of mainstream media.
As LGBTQ+ representation continues to evolve, shows like Queer as Folk serve as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. The recent reboot highlights the importance of inclusive storytelling that reflects the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ experience.
In the words of Debbie, one of the show's beloved characters: "Mourn the losses because they are many. But celebrate the victories because they are few."
And remember. Every day is all we have, so you've got to make your own happiness.
For more information on this topic, listen to Episode 12. Queer as Folk.
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