Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Straight Shooter


Marriage Equality, once an issue politicians used and abused, has finally moved to something only the ignorant amongst them has not smartly gotten behind. For many it was easy, for some, it was a gay friend or family member that inspired them to finally speak out.


As much as supporting marriage equality is a 'duh' for me, I am gay. I understand that for many, there is a normality about not being passionate about things that don't directly effect you. There are many injustices in the world and we can't all, gay or straight march in every parade. That is why it can sometimes be so moving to see someone not gay, be so open and supportive of the rights of others.


When we were first introduced to Emmett on Big Brother Canada, his back story included being the person his younger brother first came out to. Within the house, Emmett has not so much shown a passion for gay rights, but in some ways, his behavior is much more powerful. To Emmett, it simply just doesn't matter. His interactions with Gary, painting his nails or doing his eye make-up, are unique because of how simple, unimportant and natural they are. Emmett is not perfect, but he is a breath of fresh air for reality television. 

Emmett at Halifax Pride
 
Big Brother Canada has had a couple (maybe a few) gay men in the house, but unlike other reality shows, who still use someones sexuality as some sort of plot point, on this show, to Emmett, to most who watch, it beautifully means very little.

Below: Emmett at Halifax Gay Pride by Shaun Simpson

No comments: