Hats off to Kyle XY

Bobby and I just got done watching this week's episode of Kyle XY. I'll admit - we've both been big fans since the show premiered last summer. It's fun to watch and always leaves you wanting to come back for more. Plus let's face it...Matt Dallas is very attractive.

We were both pleasantly surprised that this week's episode featured a GLBT positive sub-plot. The episode - "Free to Be You and Me" - addressed the issue of banning same-sex couples at high school dances.

The folks at AfterEllen.com did a nice job summarizing:

It starts off with everyone hustling to get their Spring Fling Dance tickets. Lori and Hilary, best friends who have recently had bad experiences with guys they've dated, decide to buy couple tickets. The problem is that the school doesn't allow same-sex couples to buy couple tickets. But the characters aren't deterred; one of the characters Andy (who is probably most open and intelligent) takes it upon herself to set up an alternative dance where orientation doesn't matter.

Adding to all this positive attitude towards different orientations, Lori and Hilary share a kiss!

I'm pleased at how well the producers presented and handled an issue that remains a serious challenge for GLBT youth across the country. The show has handled other issues - such as marijuana, sex and drinking - in a very realistic manner. A departure from the Leave it to Beaver and Growing Pains "after school special" approach. Given that the show airs on ABC Family and not say, HBO or Fox, it has the added bonus of being considered "family friendly" and not relegated to rebel or "kid unfriendly" status.

Not so long ago I was impressed with how another teen/young adult drama - Everwood - handled a GLBT youth related multi-episode story arc involving a young person coming to terms with his sexuality. Everwood, much to my dismay, was brought to a premature end when WB and UPN merged to create The CW (something I have not yet been able to forgive the infant network for).

It was also revealed in this week's Kyle XY episode that one of the aforementioned characters, Andy, has lesbian Moms raising her. They didn't go into details on this yet - something I hope that they will do.

Hats off to Kyle XY for their realistic and appropriate handling of this sensitive, and often poorly handled by TV Execs, issue. I hope that we continue to see important issues facing GLBT youth and children of GLBT families brought forward in a medium still treated as a babysitter and opinion maker.

Ironically...Triangle Foundation's Annual Dinner on September 29th will be, in a way, highlighting the issue of GLBT youth at dances. More details coming soon...