11 Quotes by Damon Romine

GLAAD is reaching out to the show's producers to discuss our concerns and the concerns of community members and allies who have contacted us about this matter.

It doesn't surprise me that the American Family Association would be afraid of this series. It shows a family that's both deeply religious and loving and accepting of their gay son.

What it really points to is the rural gay experience. When you look at television and film, it often seems like being gay is a big-city experience. But it's an international experience, no matter where you live.

The real offense here was in the producers' decision to add insult to injury by turning a contestant's gender expression into the butt of a joke.

Viewers can be both entertained and educated by stories on television that reflect the diversity of families and communities across this country. Images on television and in film have the power to help Americans embrace their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender family members, friends and neighbors with understanding and acceptance.

These representations on reality television have really broadened people's perceptions of gays and lesbians.

This is a shocking misrepresentation of reality and of the audience watching these programs.

This is a series about an American family, one which is inclusive of both faith and gay people. NBC is to be commended for standing up against anti-gay religious extremists, and to its commitment to the core American values of equality and non-discrimination.

This character really does create an interesting and complex story that isn't often told. What it does, in an unconventional way, is tackle the subject of homophobia.