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Shonda Rhimes Is Not Here for Your Homophobic Bullsh*t
Shonda Rhimes Is Not Here for Your Homophobic Bullsh*t
The TV creator goes on Twitter to defend LGBT characters on her shows
October 20 2014 2:45 PM EST
September 03 2015 1:10 AM EST
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Shonda Rhimes Is Not Here for Your Homophobic Bullsh*t
The TV creator goes on Twitter to defend LGBT characters on her shows
Photo: Getty
There's no doubt that Shonda Rhimes has pushed the envelope in terms of the types of LGBT characters and stories fans see on TV week to week in such hit series, Grey's Anatomy and Scandal. The most recent ABC show, How to Get Away With Murder, which is produced by Rhimes' production company but written and created by gay producer Peter Nowalk, has sparked a frenzy thanks to a number of sex scenes featuring the openly gay law student, Connor, which aired during its first four episodes.
These scenes, while sexy and significant, have resulted in criticism from homophobic fans. Over the weekend, one such fan set Rhimes off. The producer unleashed a fervor of tweets in support of LGBT storylines suggesting that if you weren't here for what her series are showcasing then not to watch at all.
\u201c. @Dabdelhakiem There are no GAY scenes. There are scenes with people in them.\u201d— shonda rhimes (@shonda rhimes) 1413751745
\u201c. @Dabdelhakiem If u use the phrase "gay scenes", u are not only LATE to the party but also NOT INVITED to the party. Bye Felicia. #oneLOVE\u201d— shonda rhimes (@shonda rhimes) 1413751949
\u201cOk, tweeps. Someone got me all riled up and fighting 4 my friends and their love and the equality of all -- I am supposed to be WRITING.\u201d— shonda rhimes (@shonda rhimes) 1413752473
\u201cI love all you Tweeples. Even the ones who still need to grow. And remember that at some point, someone discriminated against you too.\u201d— shonda rhimes (@shonda rhimes) 1413752618
As for Nowalk, he hasn't responded to Rhimes or critics on Twitter, but he did tellOut how significant gay characters were to his show. "In terms of putting out the character in network TV, especially someone who's young and confident, is very important to me."
And in another interview, Greg Berlanti, creator and producer of Arrow and The Flash on the CW, also applauded the show. "It was a big deal," he said of the premiere. "I think you need to include people from all walks of life and that's really, for television, such an immediate thing."