There’s so much going on on tonight’s Ugly Betty that I can hardly contain myself. Along with Hilda’s wedding and Betty’s reunion with Henry, Justin (Mark Indelicato) takes a brave step and comes out as a gay teen. And in the scene (watch the video here), you can see just how touching the writers and actors made the pivotal, yet totally casual moment without filling it with overly saccharine mush.
If that doesn’t warm your hearts enough, Indelicato told Us Weekly last month why the moment makes him so proud: “I really am not doing this for myself. I’m doing this for everyone out there that doesn’t have a person to talk to, that doesn’t have a [mentor figure like] Marc St. James to chat with them. I went into [filming] saying this is history, we’re making history now, and I’m so happy that it happened.” Now my heart is a little puddle on the floor.
Justin’s scene made me think of other great coming-out moments on TV, like Ellen DeGeneres’ on her eponymous sitcom, Oscar on that insanely awkward episode of The Office, and Tony in Bend It Like Beckham, who had one of the best lines in the movie: “No, Jess. I really like Beckham.”
So PopWatchers, what are some of your favorite character coming-out moments in pop culture? And does that Ugly Betty clip pull at your heartstrings like it did for me? Sound off below!
Photo: Patrick Harbron/ABC
The best………Kurt coming out to his dad on Glee! I cried for twenty minutes!
Yes! That was an incredibly sweet moment.
I always thought that Rickie on My So Called Life was a wonderfully realistic portrayal.
Yes, and his father’s reaction was unexpected and heartwarming while still being true to his character.
Oh, that was great! What was that line his dad had…anyway, it was heartwarming and both actors were great.
“I’ve known since you were 3. All you wanted for your birthday was a pair of sensible heels.”
My biggest issue with “Glee” is its terribly uneven writing, but they absolutely nailed that scene!
I not only cried but I rewound it and watched it about 10 times….
Jack on Dawsons Creek!
Ellen’s “I’m gay” announcement over the airport loudspeaker. That’s the classic. The new one would be Kurt on Glee.
Ok, but who’s the cutie he is dancing with?
Seriously? If you have to ask that question, Jonathan, then you haven’t been watching the show.
To be fair, George, it’s not like EVERYBODY is watching this show…which is probably why it got canceled.
Yeah, I actually didn’t watch it until it moved to wednesday…and now I feel bad about that.
Madd-
You should. The show’s cancellation is your fault.
UGH I know…
The character’s name is Austin. Austin and Justin were ostensibly competing for the same girl, Austin “won” and as he and Justin were teasing each other about it later, they kissed. They’ve been keeping it fairly quiet – Justin doesn’t want his mom to know (you know, that way that so many teenage boys think their parents are clueless) and Austin disappeared for a little while (most of an episode), trying to figure things out.
I sure hope you’re under 18 – because that question sounds really pervy.
The actor’s name is Ryan McGinnis.
Willow coming out to Buffy… Buffy’s reaction is so surprised and genuine, supportive but shocked at the same time. And then the best part is at the end of that episode when Willow confesses her feelings to Tara, and everything is right with the universe.
Willow was the first one I thought of. You’re so right, Buffy’s reaction rang true. My best friend’s reaction was just like it.
Arguably the best thing about Willow’s coming out was how it was handled over the long run and not really made explicit until five or six episodes later. Which led to another Xander Harris classic “No, it was back before that, when you two went off to college and forgot all about me. Just left me in the basement to – TARA’S YOUR GIRLFRIEND!?!”
My favorite coming out moment was when Andy finally admitted to Aunt Bee that he and Gomer were lovers. Everyone took it so while except Barney. What a homophobic jerk!
Yeah Willow on Buffy was a good one…and then Kurt to his dad on Glee was also very good…
That was really sweet…
I’m so over the majority of gay characters on television being portrayed as/by flaming queens thisclose to being a drag queen. Is it because the audience needs to “know” that they’re gay? God forbid we have a character on television who actually informs us that he is gay because he doesn’t fancy grand gestures, Lady Gaga or lisping.
Although I love “Ugly Betty” and I’m sad that is o almost ver. I agree with Henry. Justin’s character would have been more effective if he would have been less obvious. His mannerisms and the way he dresses are kind of extreme.I know they are gays who behave like him but the spectrum is much wider than what tv usually presents (Jack from W&G, Marc in UB, etc.)
Well UB’s characters are suppose to be over the top. But Marc’s boyfriends tended to be straight-acting. In defense I liked that Justin was flaming but secure in himself and that his family-even his macho dad-accepted it.
Good point…
Oh, give me a break with your anti-femme, internalized homophobia BS. I bet you have “straight-acting” on your Manhunt profile. There are plenty of non-femme gay characters on TV. You just refuse to notice them because you’re terrified of people thinking you’re a sissy. I love how someone points out Jack from Will & Grace, but conveniently neglects to mention Will. And on this very topic, you decry Justin’s “flaming” personality while completely disregarding the fact that the boyfriend is not a flamer. Feel free to continue neglecting the manlier gay characters on Southland, Lost, The Office, True Blood, and many many more programs.
Very well said Crispy!
who’s gay on Lost?
@Harry, “Mr. Friendly” (the Other with the gray hair) was gay. It was shown in a flashback.
Wow, Crispy, projecting much?
Way to attack the wrong person, j*ck*ss! [Hint: you frigging AGREED with Henry about flaming characters, you self-loathing moron!]
You obviously don’t watch enough TV. See: Kevin on “Brothers & Sisters,” Calvin on “Greek,” and Arizona on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Wow. I just realized all of these shows and “Ugly Betty” air/aired on networks in the ABC family. Crazy.
ABC has a history of acceptance, multiculturalism, and just plain great stories featuring characters from all over the spectrum. ABC is the only company for which I have brand loyalty.
Tara’s alter Buck gettin’ down with a bartender lady, then her hubby reacting to her alter’s infidelity as simply betrayal with nothing to do with the gay aspects of it.
Makes gay sex seem pretty run of the mill, and the infidelity between partners as the real issue at hand. Love US of Tara on Shotime
I was thinking of Lance Loud on American Family. The fact he came out in a documentary on National Television almost 40 years ago was extremely brave.
Also thought about Bily Crystal as Jodie Dallas on Soap confronting his brother about being in denial about Jodie’s sexuality
Jack coming out to his mother on Will & Grace. It was hilarious and touching.
oh wow just that little clip has me in tears!!!!!! so beautiful!!!
Me!…. Oops, it’s not time yet…
Lol!
I definitely think that the coming out moments on Buffy and Glee are my top two, but another show that has really been in the top two for me is ABC Family’s “Greek.” Calvin is both incredibly straight-acting and incredibly gay. The transformation of his boyfriend Grant from in the closet to out and proud and Heath, another gay man who doesn’t define himself solely from his sexuality. I also loved that the diversity of a college campus allowed the writers to explore multiple reactions: Some surprised but accepting, others confused, and some offended. By making gay a characteristic and not a character, “Greek” has helped to usher in a new era of homosexuality on television.