In response to the video Celluliod Closet we watched with Diego a couple weeks ago:

Though America seems to be gradually more accepting of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual rhetoric in Hollywood blockbusters, there is much evidence that a good portion of “acceptable” LGB imagery is portrayed in a heterosexual way. A prominent example of this is found in the popular TV sitcom, Will and Grace. The main character, Will is portrayed as a successful, attractive New York lawyer who lives with his best friend Grace; Will is openly gay. Over five seasons of the show, and Will has never held a real relationship with any man. American audiences can easily accept this image of Will because he appears to be straight man; he is living with a straight woman and he does not present any stereotypical “gay” behavior. Marisa Connolly puts the show’s success clearly: “The placement of Will and Grace as a heterosexual couple almost destined to be together seems to be the reason for it’s widespread appeal and lack of criticism from right-wing groups”. The public is clearly more comfortable with gay themes when they are accompanied by hetero “undertones”.

Citation:

http://gnovisjournal.org/files/Marisa-Connolly-Homosexuality-on-Television.pdf