Reply #74: Not all gay men live in SF, you know

[Susang]

I happen to know a man who's a dead ringer for Big Gay Al and he just so happens to be the bartender at Scot's, the gay bar I hang at. Right down to the bright Hawaiian shirts and scarf. I also know a drag queen who could give Big Gay Al a run for his money when in comes to flamboyant behavior. Is it possible that Chicago's gay community has become more theatrical than San Francisco's? Or perhaps it's just possible that your acquaintance does not necessarily represent the entire spectrum of the gay community?

I think you completely missed the point of Big Gay and of the gay characters in South Park. Big Gay Al is the only character in South Park who is completely happy. He leads a fabulous life and helps alienated gay animals, particularly Stan's dog (voiced by George Clooney, no less, so I suppose you're going to have to hate him now too, seeing as he is friends with Stone and Parker).

The miserable and perverted characters are those who are closeted and untrue to themselves (and others) like Mr. Garrison. Most of my gay friends adore South Park and have no problems with Parker and Stone, as they preach acceptance and tolerance in a way that actually might get through to straight teenagers. It is a cartoon, after all.