The presence of queer characters in today’s stories is much more prominent than before, leading to a resurgence of the Gay Best Friend character in period pieces like “And Just Like That…”. Despite the show’s modern inclusivity, the character of Anthony remains firmly rooted in the late ’90s, with the addition of a younger boyfriend who seems like a wish fulfillment fantasy. The writers seemed to struggle with giving Anthony more dignity, attempting to transform him into a replacement for Samantha Jones. However, the heart of the character remains evident as he interacts with the ladies and eagerly waits for invitations to events like the Met Gala.
In “The Gilded Age,” which unexpectedly became popular among gay audiences, creator Julian Fellowes plays with the character of Ward McAllister, portrayed by Nathan Lane, but hesitates to officially label him as gay. The show’s official gay storyline feels dull and earnest in comparison. The portrayal of the Gay Best Friend in a contemporary setting remains unclear, with questions about whether the character is regressive, retro, or potentially subversive in today’s climate of mandated affirmation.
In the realm of gay pop culture, there is a constant theme of triumph over adversity, as seen in shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The idea of marginalizing a gay character, while once undesirable, may now be viewed as daring and intriguing in a landscape where gay representation is still lacking in many areas of pop culture.
