Here's hoping that this time around, the conversation around the kiss can go beyond viewing it as a gimmick, and lead way to a conversation about why people thought it was outrageous in the first place. 'Saturday Night Live' may have recently warmed up to LGBTQ culture – its Harry Styles ' Sara Lee' sketch in particular, starring gay cast member Bowen Yang from just last year, is a triumph – but the show's homophobic and transphobic tendencies during 'Weekend Update' hardly go unnoticed. That impact seeps into our culture, prompting tweets and Instagram DMs and Google searches for all the world to see. No single show could bear all of that responsibility nor should it. But the series remains an institution that people regularly watch and discuss, even if it's simply to gab about a YouTube clip of one of the sketches. That's not to equate 'SNL' as an indicator of our overall culture. But there's still progress to be made on 'SNL.' I believe he has previously said he's only been attracted to women, but he would be open to any impulses. LGBTQ protections appear in the workplace. Presidential administrations give way to new ones. The moment reminded me of how I felt when I watched Andrew Garfield and Ryan Reynolds kiss at the Golden Globes four years ago.Ī lot can happen in four years.
