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Greg
Aug 28, 2007
11:01pm

Although, due to the exigencies of work my interest has waned over the years, I admit, I used to like a good soap. A group of my Sigma Nu frat bros at U.K. used to watch All My Children during lunch, and we had a helluva time talking back to Wally, Devon and Billy Clyde Tuggle.

Then, during the summer of '91, when a knee surgery laid me up for a week, a friend's wife suggested I watch ATWT to kill some time. The oldest soap on TV, it still had some of its original characters: Nancy, Lisa (Bob, maybe?) and with soapland's penchant for tangled lineage (even though at one point I vowed, "By god, I will figure this out!") there was no way I could ever figure out who was related to whom.

My point is, even though I haven't watched a soap in years, I know my way around the genre. And I have to wonder: The typical plot points, i.e., lying, cheating, adultery, prostitution, bed-hopping, these things people aren't concerned about their children being exposed to, but two men kissing and they're apopletic? Gimme a freakin' break.

This comes on the heels of U.S. Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) being arrested for propositioning an undercover cop for oral sex in a restroom, Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) being a client of the DC Madam's, and Jenna Bush's reported out-of-marriage pregnancy. I am sick to death of the phony hypocrisy of the family-values crowd.

I happened to have a Summer Friday a few weeks ago, and was on the stair-climber at the gym. ATWT was on one of the TVs hanging down from the ceiling. Again, I haven't seen that show in probably 16 years, and didn't know of this story line. As the two guys leaned in, I remember thinking, "OK, here's where the scene cuts away." To my amazement, it didn't. I don't know if CBS or P&G have intruded in any way with the show since, but I say good for them for having some balls, if only for a moment. But, you know, at the end of the day, it's all about $, so I plan to write P&G and tell them of my support.

I'm sorry this was so long.

Greg

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Mike Solano
Aug 30, 2007
1:41am

I am a 44 year old gay male. CBS & P&G should be APPLAUDED for finally recognizing loving gay male couples exist in our society. And YES, they begin their journeys as teens and twenty-somethings, just like the rest of the world. And YES, they can share beautiful moments such as Luke and Noah's kiss on the Aug 17 episode. I have read several message boards with both messages of support and criticism. Perhaps those who are so offended by two men kissing should realize for one moment what it is like for our community, who are beseiged by heterosexism daily, but are forced to endure it. Now the "kiss" is on the "other" lip... so be it! SO THANKS CBS & P&G. Please continue to show us you believe in equality for ALL people!

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Don
Aug 31, 2007
12:16pm

I have been watching ATWT since 1968 when I was 11 years old and my mother had it on the television. Then everone was sleeping with someone elses spouse just as they continue to do today on all the soaps. You have two young men kiss and there is such a negative response. Is this bettyjean hoping all of Oakdale finds Jesus? Come on give it a break. There are gay people. Get used to it. There not going anywhere. I think P&G and CBS have "Did the right thing" in showing that two persons of the same sex can show compassion and love. I will go out my way to purchase more P&G products of this.

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Jay
Sep 12, 2007
2:03am

As a straight guy as well, I have spent some times watching CBS soaps with my girlfriend and was watching the show the day of the 'kiss' and I didn't know it was going to happen. I think my gfriend kept me in the dark thinking it would make me uncomfortable, but it didn't. Why would it? I think it was done tastefully and was kind of like..'hey so what, way to go guys'! If that is your thing, you need to be accepted and loved as str8 people are...think about how much we have been subjected to with the lying, cheating, murders, rape, blackmail on the soaps. Is that family values okay, but gay kiss isn't? We are basically a society of self-righteous hippocrits and need to get over it all. We should much more be concerned about nuclear war, education, health, economy, gas prices, crime and less about how two people choose to live their lives. So what? We need to not stick our heads in the sand and ignore things that should be fixed or worked on. I think today, 9/11, should stick in our hearts more than two dudes making out on network TV.

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Gene
Aug 26, 2007
12:55am

I personaly thought it was extremly well done. KUDO's to the Producers and actors for having the Gonads to break ground on this very controversial topic.
What I don't understand is how and why are there so many Ostriches with their heads in the sand (or somewhere else) on this subject, after all it was "just a kiss". Hey Betty,Godsgirl and Goodmother, when was the last time you danced with another woman,held hands with another woman,kissed another woman. Women have been doing it for Decades and nobody has said a word about it.
I am 70 years old and have been Gay since I can remember. Only My GOD can judge me.

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Tom
Aug 26, 2007
2:22am

I think people are having a fit because it wasn't a quick peck.

No, it a long, hot, passionate kiss. That's why the freaks called it "making love."

They must flee in terror every time Brad is shirtless. And Alison's porn star past must give them the vapors!

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Joe
Sep 5, 2007
5:37pm

First of, let me state that I am a 29 y/o straight Catholic man. That should raise a few eyebrows right there! LOL!

Anyhow, I have been watching ATWT since I was very young, being raised by Mom and Grandma, you tend to watch what they do. I even got to meet Kim Zimmer (Reva, GL) last summer. So, I know this genre REALLY well.

If you're looking for a show that's the basis of moral high ground, don't watch soaps! LOL! I bet they use the Ten Commandments as a guide while they right, because I've seen soap characters break every single one of them.

As for my Christian brethren having such a conniption fit about this, lighten up. For cryin' out loud, it's JUST a TV show! If you don't like it, don't watch. It's not as if the kiss was full tongue on action. It was actually more tastfully done than some of the straight kisses on the show.

As a Catholic, I fully take Jesus' words to heart. If we judge others with harshness, we better be prepared to be judged by God is the same manner. We are NOT that final judge. It's always best to keep that in mind.

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ernest
Dec 14, 2007
7:50am

I think that this story has been a great part of ATWT, they took a love triangle and made it very unique, not only did it bring in new viewers, but it also made me and others happy to see the gay community as more then a joke on screen, or a prissy flamboyant guy raving about clothes and hair. It is a story that can be relatable to a lot of teens and young adults who are struggling with who they are. I hope they keep these guys on and this story to really come alive in the coming months and years. Its important.

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KayCie Gravelle
Dec 14, 2007
2:41am

When in doubt turn to the bible.. seems to be the protocol when people see something they don’t like . No one complained when Meg slept with Craig and then headed out and slept with Paul all in one episode but a kiss between two men causes an upraor. This story is amazing and I fully back it 100%. Love is love no matter who its between <3

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Martin
Jan 19, 2008
2:21pm

Personally, I'd rather see two guys who apparently LIKE each other kiss than a man and woman doing it for recreation. The Bible-thumpers will always be around, and we have to put up with them, or better yet...ignore them.

The reason people feel safe quoting the Bible is that they never see themselves, just the activities and "sins" of others. That must be a pretty empty world for you, filled with false perfection.

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JKen
Mar 15, 2008
7:50am

And I love the nice little public announcements that say to 'practice and teach acceptance' and even lead into 'CBS Cares' yet if they practiced what they promote, they would not be such hypocrites and not show the guys kissing.

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Nicole - Funky Kids Clothes
Apr 3, 2008
2:24pm

Come on!!! Haven't we moved on from the Brookside scene all those years ago - love is love regardless of gender a person happens to be!!

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Rob
Apr 14, 2008
10:02am

Im a 22yo christian male. I firmly believe in the Bible and what it says about 'unnatural' relations but who are we to judge? It is not our place. Just look at the world we live in...its a dark, depraved world out there and complaining about it isn't going to change anything. Be a light. Like Joe said, if you don't like it, don't watch it.

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Adultery Investigator
Apr 27, 2008
10:11am

Who cares, its just their opinion. However, the majority of people probably feel that way so the networks should listen. After all, its still a business right?

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Matt - Novelty License Plates
Jun 25, 2008
7:59pm

The writers of the "As The World Turns" have accomplished two things with that single gay kiss scene. First, it definitely brought in more viewers as the controversial storyline was hinted at and then finally portrayed. Second, it brought in more sponsors for that particular episode (and possibly more). In the end, it is a business and the CBS brass are concerned about their bottom line.

On the whole topic of the controversy of the scene, I think that it was done very tastefully and not at all far from what's normally showcased in "As The World Turns." All soap operas are filled with topics of a sexual nature. This isn't any different. It simply brings to the forefront that same-sex relationships do exist.. even in the make believe world of soaps. I also understand that some folks do not accept this because of their faith and/or religious beliefs. However, I agree with your conclusion of hypocrisy. The show is already filled with sexually "immoral" scenes and yet no one whines about them.

The As The World Turns Gay Kiss scene was about keeping pace with the mainstream and creating a buzz that will make the company some money. That's all it is.

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Christian Videos
Sep 6, 2008
7:35pm

I am looking for a great way to start a mininstry. Does anyone have any ideas?

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david
Sep 6, 2008
8:09pm

I'm wondering if that's better or worse than Viagra spam.