Tickled Pink: TVLand's Salute to Gay Pride Month

I came across an interesting special on TVLand the other evening. It will be repeated tonight, Friday, on TVLand at 8 pm ET.

So what do you know, Paul Lynde was gay. He was really campy. And TV Land shows brillant clips from this guest spots on Bewitched.

A whole gaggle of A and B list gay TV stars comment on gays and TV. Of course, Carson and Thom from Queer Eye are prominent. Also are some lesbian standups such as Judy Gold.

The whole genre of gay TV and gay TV influence is covered in this special. Our fascination with the Diva, the larger than life strong female such as Maude and Bea Arthur in Golden Girls. Also our fascination for older women such as in Dynasty, Designing Women and Desparate Housewives. (Seems we have a fondness for TV shows starting with the letter, D.)

Also the buddy shows, both male and female are explored. Xena and CHiPS come to mind.

The hour is entertaining and informative, if you are clueless about TV. It is trivial, but mindboggling all at the same time.

How progressive TV looked in the 70's and early 80's with Soap, for instance. Also Roseanne was progressive before Ellen. And Ellen, set the stage for opening up the closet door once and for all. We can laugh and hopefully knock down stereotypes all with one stroke of the pen.

One of the commentators said that since gay men don't fight with their fists, they learn to fight and slash out with their mouths. This may be true to a point. The vicious and foul mouth queen sure is stereotypical of how some see us. But if any stereotype is forever buried, I hope this will be the one.

Bob Mackie has a ball talking about Carol Burnett and Cher. They are both gay icons, Cher is to this day. They seem to out drag the drag queen in a fun and harmless way, vamping their way in about everything they did in front of the TV cameras.

So grab a healthful snack, lay back, get comfortable (sounds like the start of foreplay, but I digress) and tune in for this delightful special. It will leave you wanting more. But after all, more is ultimately less. Enjoy!!