Why The “Simpsons” Gay Episode Was So Groundbreaking

ZAP!
From: NewNowNext

 Two months before Ellen’s iconic coming-out episode, another TV show aired an episode that would be groundbreaking in its own way, and still holds up almost two decades later.

“Homer’s Phobia” was the fifteenth episode of the eighth season of The Simpsons, airing on February 16th, 1997, and guest-starred John Waters as a new friend of the family, who to Homer’s horror, finds out is gay.

 The Simpsons executive producer David Mirkin talked to Huff Post Live about the episode and why it resonated with so many fans, winning an Emmy and a GLAAD Award, and becoming one of the highlights of the show’s first decade.

According to David, it’s all about the connection fans felt with Homer:

“Because there’s so much humor and because it’s a cartoon, people are more accepting [of the subjects]. It seems less dire — it seems less intense. And so it sneaks up on you, which is the greatest way to change minds and make people realize things. And they’re connected to Homer so in going through his experience of learning and having that personal connection with someone is the greatest change.”

There are so many memorable moments from that episode. Who can forget:

* “He prefers the company of men.” “Who doesn’t?”

* “They ruined all our best names like Bruce and Lance and Julian.”

* “I like my beer cold, my TV loud and my homosexuals flaming”

And of course, the trip to The Anvil.

You can see David Mirkin discuss that episode, and other classic The Simpsons episodes below (“Homer’s Phobia” begins at 18:25)