General Hospital
A Gay Blog Calls Out GH's Felix As "Lipstick Yielding Gay Male Nurse"! Ron Carlivati Fires Back To Negative Comments!
Courtesy/ABC
A firestorm of controversy had erupted over the last 24 hours on the popular Gay blog, Towleroad! In a post, Towleroad, after referencing a review from We Love Soaps on the introduction of the new character of Felix Dubois (played by Marc Anthony Samuel) on General Hospital took to task what they interpret as a negative portrayal of a gay character.
As many had seen in his first on-screen appearance, the character of Felix carried on him some lipstick. However Towleroad’s slant on this was, “To establish his character as gay, his first scenes involved him pulling out a tube of lipstick and offering to touch up a heterosexual woman. Oy.” After this posting, readers to the blog continued on with negative comments, outrage, and attacks including this one: “This idiocy from General Hospital is the equivalent of a blackface minstrel show. With enough ridicule, I hope the producer and writer become a laughing stock, which is what they deserve.”
However, GH’s head writer, Ron Carlivati, who has spearheaded the introduction of many a gay character and story to daytime television, fired back at the comments when he posted: “To Andy Towle and the readers of this blog: My name is Ron Carlivati and I am the Head Writer of General Hospital. I am also an openly gay man. I created the character of Felix Dubois, the “lipstick-wielding gay male nurse,” and I am frankly appalled by the intolerance and internalized homophobia expressed in this post and in the majority of its comments. During my career, I have brought no fewer than six gay characters to daytime television: male, female, Black, White, Hispanic…all shapes and sizes. I have written coming out stories, gay bashing stories, gay marriage stories, gay parenting stories and gay love stories. I wrote the first love scene between two gay men that ever aired on daytime TV. I won a GLADD award for these stories. What exactly is it about this character that is causing such righteous indignation? The fact that he carries a tube of lipstick in his scrubs? SPOILER ALERT: Felix sells cosmetics to put himself through nursing school. This will be revealed on Monday’s show. Not because I think gay men love lipstick, and certainly not to “establish” himself as gay. But even if that were the reason, so what? Does this make him too queeny? Not straight-acting enough? Is that the only type of gay character allowed on TV now? As far as I’m concerned, to be offended by this character is what is offensive. And just FYI, the majority of women (our core audience) I have heard from thus far about Felix have expressed to me how much they like him. The only people who seem to have a problem with him are certain gay men who are apparently afraid of a gay character who might be portrayed as a little bit effeminate. Well, I say shame on you, and shame on Andy Towle, too. Oy, indeed.”
So what do you think about the character of Felix? And, what do you think of Ron Carlivati’s comments? Hard to argue with the points he made! Shouldn’t we all just wait and see how this Felix character unfolds? Weigh-in!
You tell ’em, Ron!
+1
I absolutely LOVE Felix. I hope GH keeps him around!
I like him! people need to grow up! NOW!
Let’s put things in perspective here, folks. Ron Carlivati started to write a great story with Oliver and Kyle, but then turned it into a complete and total farce with Dorian faking it as a Lesbian to get the gay vote in Llanview. It was a total and complete slap in the face to the gay community. It was sloppy, embarrassing, and if this is what he really thinks GH viewers want to see, he’s just as much out of touch as he was on One Life to Live, which he drove into the ground with rehashed storylines until the last six months of the show, where he was forced to either step it up or live on as the worst head writer in Soap History .
I totally agree with this writer. I loved Oliver and Kyle. To get rid of them and the way they disappeared and never reappeared was awful. And the Dorian story was beyond disgusting. I agree, sloppy, embarrassing and I don’t know what. Was it supposed to be funny? I don’t see how anyone could have a strong about Felix who has been on the show 5 minutes or less. But he seems likable. I was wondering why he had lipstick on him, gay or straight, it seemed a bit strange, but I figured we’d be learning more about him. I think Oliver and Kyle should move to Port Charles to make up for what happened in Llanview.
Ron is not to blame for what happened eventually to the Kish storyline – that along with a lot of things in that period of the show were dictates of Brian Frons, who shoved Stacy Morasco down our throats as well and ordered Kish to be gotten rid of.
I’d like to think we’ve got to the point where we can have a femmy gay guy portrayed, because lets face it, they do exist lol. It’s not like everyone has to be totally straight acting to prove some point any more
That was Brion Frons who got rid of them because of too many complaints from the straight audience. It was not Carlivati who wanted them to end. The head writer only has so much control over the story which is sad (but understandable).
Good for you Ron, I think what you said is on the mark. I watched Friday’s episode and I was not offended at all. As a matter of act I didn’t think a thing of it when he pulled out the lipstick. People have nothing better do do that bitch about every little thing. Keep up the awesome job Ron.
I didn’t think anything of it, either. I just thought Felix was being a nice guy. I’m glad we’ll get to know him better.
Sadly I have to admit, Norma, that I (a heterosexual female), thought Felix was gay with the lipstick because he also said things like (I have no idea how to spell it) when he told Sabrina she needed to fix up her hair. HOWEVER, this was only the first episode in which the character appeared and I am interested to see what else Felix is all about. But gay or straight, I am interested in seeing where this goes.
To be perfectly honest, I was more worried about Sabrina using a “tube of lipstick” that someone had in their pocket (implying it COULD have been used) because I have had other women, unbeknownst to me when sharing a room that used my cosmetics and I ended up with impetigo (skin infection). The spoiler kind of implies that it was a new tube.
I am saddened that people are on the defensive these days without even seeing it through. It was just the first episode. So sad.
Ron, you ‘da man! Well said, I couldn’t add anything else to your thoughtful and on the money comments.
RC wrote: “During my career, I have brought no fewer than six gay characters to daytime television: male, female, Black, White, Hispanic…all shapes and sizes. ” 6 gay characters yet no Asian american characters? CNN recently reported that 3% of the US population identifies as lgbt while Pew research indicated that Asian americans represent 3% of the US population and are growing even faster than Latinos. Thus shouldn’t there be equal number of gay and Asian american characters from hollywood? Yet there’s a lack of Asian american representation from film and tv. hollywood is LA based and there are even more Asian americans than African americans amongs the LA population. Yet where are the Asian american characters? He did NOT indicate Asian americans. How disappointing especially considering that there are numerous Asian americans that are a part of the medical profession as doctors and nurses. Asian americans
Oh for god sake! The saying “You can not make everyone happy” apply’s here! I watch my soaps and I do not see race, sexuality nor a persons size. I see humans and good story telling. It is the nay Sayers like this that truly are the offending ones. What Ron has done with this soap has turned around a drying soap and gave it fresh life. That is what should be important not complaining about such silly issues. I also really am proud that he had the guts to go onto that website and voice his own concern and stand up for our soap and his story telling. Not allot of people would do that. Less complaining and more watching!!
Folks, FYI, this person also does some major bellyaching about the whole Asian-American issue on daytimeconfidential.com too. It’s a never ending saga with this person. All they talk about is Asian actors/actresses or other Asian men and women in the media who’ve been pushed aside or whatever. He never discusses the soaps, just the injustices that the Asian American community continue to suffer. Well bc, you’re just making yourself look pathetic.
To michael: it’s not pathetic when gay issues are complained abt by ALL these people writing on message boards as shown by the numerous responses abt this gh “controversy”? But for your skewed “mind” w/c is biased it’s “pathetic” when there are complaints abt Asian americans? Yet the more flattering Asian americans roles among hollywood projects are openly whitewashed by hollywood and given to white actors who sometimes have to use yellowface. Wouldn’t the African american community scream racism if roles for blacks were given to white actors especially if the white actors had to use blackface? While Asian american actors are cast only for offensive roles to propagate harmful stereotypes and openly bash and discriminate against Asians. Wouldn’t the lgbt community scream homophobia if the only lgbt characters they had were degrading and used as punch lines?
Thus for you only people can complain abt gay representation from hollywood amongs soaps and primetime shows. But people are “pathetic” if they complain abt the lack to no representation of Asian americans on soaps and primetime and films and hollywood mediums. And yet Asian americans are equal to lgbt at 3% among the US population. Therefore lgbts are a higher priority? People should only complain abt lgbt issues bec they’re “special” and people should shut up abt the racism towards Asian americans from hollywood? To say that’s disturbing is putting it mildly.
Everyone has a cross to bear.
Your upset that out of six GAY characters one of them wasn’t asian??? I guess asian lesbians should get more screen time but unfortunately only ten percent of the population is gay and only three percent of the US population is asian. Asian lesbians unite!
To shannon: You’re wrong. Only 3% of the US population is lgbt. CNN recently reported that 3% of the US population is lgbt and they wouldn’t get that wrong bec the “face” of cnn is openly gay anderson cooper. It’s quite obvious as to this reported % increase for lgbt population bec it’s to further lgbt discussions and issues. How ridiculous are some lgbt people to actually think that the lgbt population is nearly equal to the African american population w/c is 12%! It’s to push lgbt issues at the forefront when Latino americans are larger and should get more exposure than lgbt issues while Asian americans are equal to lgbt community but Asian americans are growing faster than any other group. MSNBC has already reported that the next election’s newest and most influential coalition is going to be Latino Americans and Asian americans. They didn’t report that abt lgbt community. But lgbt issues often get more attention than Latino and Asian american issues bec the mainstream manhattan media complex and hollywood have influential gays and there’s a bias.
BC are you not reading what you write? Because you are making the same points over and over again hoping to get a different response from people who are forced to read your novel posts. You made your point hijacked the tread now move on! Or do you have nothing else to offer?
Micheal. Your response just made me love & respect you so much more~~
Is India part of Asia? If you watched OLTL you know that Carlivati had 3 characters who were getting plenty of story who were from India. On GH they have Dr Kelly Lee who is on recurring and used to have more storyline.
I loved the character and like Ron Carlivati am appaulled by peoples negative reactions. I support Ron and agree with the points made. I think people are to quick to judge and quite frankly it is disgusting.
agreed!
Wow! Way to go Ron Carlivati, people should really hold up and take a wait & see approach to Felix. This was so ridiculous and he is so very on the money, the internalized homophobia is rampant in the gay community. Especially the queens who inhabit the soap chat rooms/boards, Felix is a breath of fresh air. Not only an openly gay male character, but an openly gay, employed, African American male character, who isn’t a junkie, whore or prisoner. Keep up the great work, Ron!
I ALREADY LIKE FELIX ,AND HOPE TO SEE ALOT MORE OF HIM.
This kerfuffle abt an effeminate GH character could become somewhat controversial bec the manhattan mainstream media complex and hollywood obviously like to further dialogue regarding lgbt issues but these same establishments give little to no discussions on any entertainment issues related to Asian american discrimination and lack of representation. There have to be all kinds of gay characters like Bond villains and effeminate chars w/ romantic storylines on glee and straight acting romantic leads on numerous shows. But Asian american females are usually the ff: 1. pliable women who are meek and mild. they’re too docile and subservient to make them “lower” than other female chars. they’re dehumanized and stereotyped as submissive and passive. 2. “dragon lady” 3. hypersexualized when paired w/ white male chars. While Asian american male characters are portrayed as asexualized martial arts experts like Rain from ninja assassin and Korean actor from gi joe. If the Asian character has a romantic storyline then he is whitewashed. “The weapon” is abt an Asian american char named Zhou who deals w/ his issues being of Asian ethnicity and being culturally american. Obviously it’s integral to the storyline that an Asian american actor be cast yet hollywood gave the part to white actor david henrie. It’s the same thing w/ tom cruise portraying a Japanese soldier on “all you need is kill”. These fictional Asian chars are whitewashed and it’s even worse when historical Asians are whitewashed. Genghis khan was portrayed by john wayne using offensive yellowface while the remake cast mickey rourke who’ll obviously use yellowface. Even present day Asian americans are whitewashed. harrison ford’s role as a doctor on “extraordinary measures” is based on an Asian american. If fictional black chars and historical black figures and roles based on present day black people went to white actors and were thus whitewashed then everyone from the manhattan mainstream media complex led by msnbc to hollywood folks would be screaming racism. but hollywood’s racism against Asian americans is accepted.
2 broke girls showrunner is openly gay patrik king who recently stated that he cast matthew moy as han bec his face was not “threatening” and that the char is not a “type” during an interview. how delusional. han is such a stereotypically offensive Asian american char. han is mocked for being a foreigner. he’s accented and dorky and doesn’t dress well and has no romantic storyline and is even described as not “threatening” by his creator? how is this not a type? Asian americans have to be depicted not by handsome actors who are romantic leading men precisely bec that would be too threatening to the old white establishment that runs hollywood. it’s probably even more threatening now bec Asian americans are graduating at higher rates than whites and make up 50% of professional and managerial roles according to the la times. hollywood hires Asian american actors if the roles are demeaning but whitewashes the better and more flattering Asian american roles bec those roles are too good for Asian american actors and can only be portrayed by white actors. the huffington post reported that a major gay party had a “theme” that was very racist towards Asian americans. it was called mr. wong’s dong emporium and it had all kinds of dehumanizing and stereotypical Asian themes w/c meant to bash Asian americans. For something that racist to happen amongst the lgbt community of manhattan is very disturbing considering how new yorkers love to proclaim themselves as being the most “progressive” and “liberal”. manhattan and hollywood are obviously the entertainment sectors w/c makes this “party” even more disturbing. There’s obviously a major discrepancy when hollywood can openly bash Asian americans w/ their whitewashing and stereotypical portrayals and yet diverse representations of lgbt chars are praised and awarded and encouraged by hollywood. it’s bec “diversity” loving hollywood is really only for specific kinds of diversity. lgbt characters who are often white are the “right kinda minority” while Asian americans can be openly bashed and discriminated against by hollywood.
As a gay man I think these people are insane. Um hello maybe the character hits to close to home to you queens. A) I hate the character B) who gives a shit. I again A GAY MAN WAS NOT OFFENDED!! I laughed and said really, TOO FUNNY!! But Ron that character MUST GO a long with that new Dr & Nurse
Do they watch the queens on New Normal. HELLLLOOOOO most gays on TV are protrayed WAY LIPSTICK GAY!!!!! Get a grip!!! Gays as a gay speaking. You need to SETTLE DOWN!!!
As for Ron and his “lip stick carrying gay nelly queen character”, I too would also be offended. Ron, I don’t give too hoots about the fact that you’re openly gay. What I really give two hoots about is the fact that you’re perpetuating a sterotype that a great deal of Americans have of gay men: 1–they walk around like women, carrying purses, and wearing dresses, gobs of make up, fake eyelashes, and 6″ high heel shoes 2–effiminate, 3–they act like nelly queens. I too am an openly gay man Ron, but when it’s characters or actual gay men who act like your character, I run across the street to just get away from guys like that because IMHO they make the gay community look bad with their idiotic behavior. Sorry, I’d rather be with a MAN, not some gay twink who acts like a woman all the time. Just my preference, not internalized homophobia.
Get over yourself Ron. You don’t speak for me at all. Also, now that I know that you have this character on GH, you can bet I won’t be tuning in. Besides, I’ve never liked GH anyway.
Michael, what you feel is the EXACT definition of internalized homophobia. You dislike and “run across the street” from “some gay twink” because he’s not “a MAN” and “acts like a woman”? Your homophobia creates a misconception in your mind that a man who wears dresses, make up, and high heels “acts like a woman”. No, they are being themselves. Are we still stuck in some sort of Abercrombe version of the dark ages where clothes are the measure of how manly someone is? It’s fine to be put off by a character (or even an actual human) whose outgoing, perhaps even flamboyant, manner annoys you. We all have our likes and dislikes. However, don’t try to act surprised that a male nurse who sells cosmetics on the side is a bit flamboyant. Hell, you shouldn’t be surprised if they one day rip off their scrubs to reveal a Wonder Woman suit and then suddenly save the world by giving the Ice Princess a makeover. There are plenty of gay men who are effiminate. It’s OK for them to be portrayed on TV as such, just like Will and Grace did with the character of Jack. Would ANYONE who watched that show be the least bit surprised if – during the student nurse storyline – Jack pulled out a lipstick and gave a co-worker or a patient or a CPR dummy a mini-makeover? Of course not. I actually think a character like this would be PERFECT for The Bold and The Beautiful. The characters on that show are just wayyyyyy to conservative to be leading a major fashion house. I say they age RJ ASAP and let him debut his “nelly queens” line pronto…..
from what i have seen of felix i like the character – i love the way ron responded & i totally agree with what he said & how he said it………
All I have to say is , Ron I love you!! Way to go!
Go Ron. I can’t believe there’s a controversy already. I loved the introduction of this character.
Oy, indeed.
I think the whole issue is a shame. I support Ron in his statements. Why shouldn’t all types of people be represented? We see and know all kinds of people in real life.
Keep going, Ron. You’re doing a fantastic job on GH!
You should fire back Ron. Why does sexual preference have to do with anything. This is the 21st century and all the homophobes should go back to the 19th century. We accept people in this day and age. Personally I adore Ron more than I can say. What he and Frank have done for me is inexpressible. You go Ron and be happy and do not care what other people think. I think you are perfect to me.
I loved Felix. Too bad so many people are pitching a fit over what looks to be another interesting character. Ron Carlivati has turned GH into must -see soap.
Should I be pitching a fit over the fab Maxie/Lulu hormone scenes last week? The ones that had me rolling on the floor? After all, some might get the impression RC was implying women’s hormones make them just plain hysterical rather than the good joke RC had going over the effects of hormone injection.
*smh* over people’s stupidity…
You go Ron!!!! I have many male gay friends. Some lipstick wielding, some not. But truth is I love them all the same. They are different as we all are different. As Ron said they should have reserved their opinion until the storyline played out a little more and get to know the character BEFORE you pass judgement. They jumped way too soon and I think that maybe an apology is in the cards here,
I’m gay and not very effeminate but do not feel offended or threatened by a character like Felix. Ron responded extremely well to the horrible comments on that blog.
I totally support Ron C, he is the Best writer Daytime has seen in 20 yrs. No one has written Gay Characters (KISH) better and Gay representation better. Remember he showed the first Drag bar ever on daytime? It was the network/Frons that canned the Kish story. I had assumed Felix was a drag queen, but never suspected he sold cosmetics. LOL. I am still waiting for Lucas Jones to return with Huge story, some day.
Loved Ron Carlivati’s response! I think people are just too damn touchy in this world. Chill out!
Had Ron established himself as a character writer and not a plot point writer perhaps the audience would have a more wait and see attitude. But he hasn’t. People are wondering why hasn’t Anna figured out she’s kissing a rubber-faced, smokey breath man. Did people leap to conclusions? Yes. Did people revert back to stereotypes? Yes. But he hasn’t shown /introduced a character with any depth since he started. I give you Dr. Britt as proof. I don’t think the failure is on the ones who openly questioned Felix. People should wonder about what they are being shown. They should question it because that’s how you open up discourse.
And as an African American, when ever someone says something racist, and then backs it up with “But I have black friends,” I just shake my head.
Jerron: That whole “but I have black friends” routine is exactly the kind of mentality from hollywood. The “there are racial minority actors and therefore hollywood can’t be racist” is hollywood’s way of saying “but I have black friends.”
Wow.. I am just liking Ron more and more… Very impressed with his comments and not sitting back and letting blogs continue to slam him….. very well written Ron.. glad and proud that you are on my team! Thanks for all the good work you do for daytime!
I am in the Addicted to General Hospital Facebook page and I was having the same argument. Great job, Ron. You wrote better than did. Oy!
I’m sure in the next few weeks with the up coming Nurses Ball we will see a lot of people added to GH. After all they will need singers, dancers, story tellers to fill the show. Daytime tv is a way to escape from your every day routine and enjoy something exciting and new like it used to be. Good for Ron speaking up I think he is doing a fantastic job on GH like he did on OLTL. Can’t wait to see what happens.
I totally agree with Ron Carlivati. I thought the story line was great.
Did anyone who’s complaining about the “stereotype” portrayal of Felix, ever consider …
… the idea of how they “suggest” Felix should act, is a “stereotype” as well? 🙂
When will people stop trying to make others act as they say, and just accept someone for themselves, however they are, act, or look?
2012 America: everyone has something to say or complain about something. All I have to say is I respect and adore Ron Carlivatti more and more.
I am having a really hard time with this. So, gay people want representation on these shows. And when they show a gay man with lipstick, controversy erupts. Um…gay men do that! They choose to be effiminate and do things as women. They are called queer for a reason. So why the anger? The truth hurts sometimes. Its like holding up a mirror and not liking what you see. Who has the power to change that? YOU! And what is up with Ron? Defensive much? How would it sound if a straight writer went on a rant like that…“My name is Megan McTavish and I have written 47 straight weddings, I have written 473 straight love scenes, and countless hours of straight romance.“ i dont get why gays are complaining and why Ron is publicly defending.
Exciteable.
“They are called Queer, for a reason.”
per your words…. “This is the height of arrogance and ignorance.”
I see nothing wrong with Felix…..Or the storyline of this particular story…
I cannot name another time ever in history when I have heard ANY writer of ANY show be so callous and cold to fans in a public forum! A writer saying SHAME ON YOU to a fan??? That is the height of arrogance and ignorance!! Writers are behind the scenes and only keep their job if they do it well. I dont give two hoots who Ron Carlivati chooses to sleep with! The fact that he spoke out in the manner he did is utterly disgusting!
Oh Ashlee, get a grip. We live in a twitter/blog world and Ron is just supposed to take the attacks? He can’t defend himself? What Ron said is perfectly justifiable in defense of Felix. I can’t believe you this upset over what Ron said. You have a teeny tiny threshold for outrage let me tell you. Also, by Ron telling us his private life, maybe someone didn’t know that he is gay and feel that here’s another straight writer throwing stereotypes out there. Heck, I can think of a million stereotypes of someone who spells there name with two ‘e’s like you do. I’m sure a whole blog can be written about that and wouldn’t you be justified in your outrage…yes, you should. I don’t understand which I’m more baffled by, your so-called breakdown over what Ron said or what Towel was whining about in the first place!
@Ashlee:
Ron Carlivati had as much right to reply to the writer of the blog, as the writer of the blog did to express his opinions publicly. That’s what’s so great about this country we live in, there’s this thing called freedom of speech. And that right applies to everyone, not just some people.
The writer of the blog passed judgment on a character after one episode, and based on a written review from another site. It’s obvious he didn’t even see the character of Felix, and that he doesn’t watch the show. So why shouldn’t Ron have the opportunity to reply to a baseless, unwarranted attack?
People are free to write what they want, but sometimes you have to answer for your words.
Has anyone been to this website/blog in question??? Talk about stereotypes! First you see countless well-built men with Torso’s of greek gods. Isn’t that a huge stereotype in inself. I’m gay, do I look like that? Um…no. Just like straight people who are all different, so are gay people. Some gays even voted for Romney. Some gays don’t like Madonna, Gaga, or Liza! Sheesh!
I thought Ron’s response was right on point. How come they didn’t bash Bold & Beautiful which ACTUALLY takes place in the fashion and has yet to establish a gay presence? Ok, Joanna Johnson and Crystal Chappel were introduced but it still took a long time to see anything. Blogs exist to bash and bash. We live in the internet world and as soon as something airs, or is said, the internet is bashing or praising. Sometimes that praise or bashing is truly justified….or sometimes quite baffling as in this case.
Felix only aired once. GH airs 5 days a week. The point of a soap is to continue to watch ALL five days. Our collective patience wears thin and we MUST comment immediately on what we see. I knew some on the internet were having fits over lipstick-gate but that’s their business. Like Ron said, just tune in an episode with him later and you’ll find out WHY he carries the lipstick. No, it’s not to look like Rupaul but maybe he’s an entrepreneur who invented some crazy popular shade of color that got him through nursing school. Makes sense to me. I watch GH too and I’ve said what Felix thought about Patrick too…in my head of course…LOL! Felix was instantly a great character to me when he called Britt, Dr. West Nile (as in the disease!)
I swear you can’t win. Either GH gets crap for incorporating a gay storyline or if it doesn’t. Do you see blogs complain that the men are too masculine? Tracy must be too old for a romantic storyline! Molly couldn’t have written a novel! I don’t go on Towelroad…I watch GH. I’m proud to say I watch GH and it’s vastly improved since a gay man has become headwriter. Isn’t Frank Valenti gay too?
Sorry for the length of this but come on! Much ado about Towelroad needing something to carp about. By the way, anyone who is tied to bringing back juicy Lucy Coe to Port Charles is tops in my book…lipstick or not!
Oops, I meant to say…Frank VALENTINI.
I’d like to see more of Felix before I make a judgement. But I gotta agree with Frank Valenti, some people can be too uptight. I’m not a gay guy, but as a lesbian it bugs me sometimes when some fans get so upset about showing a gay or lesbian character as anything but “straight” acting/ appearing. Now if Felix were only shown as a two-dimensional nelly-queen with no other purpose than to provide comedy and ridicule, than I would probably be offended.
Most people don’t really fit “stereotypes” most of the time, but occasionally sometimes people do do stereotypical things. For example, most lesbians are not crew-cut tough diesel dykes. However, I realize that right now I am typing this reply wearing Lands End flannel shirt (because it’s a nasty cold damp day outside today). So why shouldn’t characters on television occasionally reflect this reality.
I just figured he was a female empersonator that would love to perform at the Nurses Ball! I can’t put “gay” and “lipstick” together… that’s a whole ‘nother thing. Either cross dresser or female empersonator, or crossgender, or what have you. But I don’t ever see a guy with lipstick in his pocket and think ‘oh hey, he’s gay’. That’s just not the deal. The character just lit up when the gal mentioned the nurses ball and performing…. and he seemed to be selling the lipstick to her, or least the shade (which wasn’t her shade btw) so I was immediately thinking female empersonator = an entertainer.
oh and another deal with him being a female empersonator… he would for sure know how to make someone look more girly – or vamp it up – like the gal with the crush on Patrick. GH’s ugly better (except you can clearly she’s really cute, just in dire need of a hair do make over and maybe different eye wear or just contacts! 🙂
ugly better = ugly Betty!
silly fingers!
It would not surprise me that a nurse might have a lipstick or lotion or other comfort item to help a sick patient feel pretty when the body is failing. The best nurses are compassionate and thoughtful that way. What does it have to do with being gay?
We are so sensitive these days. To determine that this new GH character is a pure stereotype seems a bad call.
Well said Frank!
Well said Ron! Shamefull how members of our own community can be the most untolerant!
Yes well said Ron! Love the character, love the show!!
I am taking a wait and see approach to Felix.
It has been two days and I LOVE this character FELIX He has charisma on the screen. Good job Ron and team! I just wish you would brig back Joe Scully for Tracy and Connie!!!! Talk about CHEMISTRY!!!!
I am a gay man and I am by no means a “lipstick wielding” , make over loving stereotype. But the truth is, a number of gay men are and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. why is their such an outrage over a portrayal that is in some instances correct. we’re not all macho manly men who love men. some of us are more in touch with our feminine sides so i dont understand the problem when a gay man is portrayed as such on tv and movies. its not an insult or slap across our collective homosexual faces. im glad more and more gay characters are being featured on television and movies and see no problem with the Felix character. Not everything has to be a political argument, fellahs. Chill out.
This entire controversy is insane. Felix wasn’t WEARING THE DAMNED LIPSTICK. He happen to have it in his pocket. And there was absolutely NOTHING effeminate. about him. No one even asked WHY he had lipstick in his pocket. They just went crazy and off the rails. It’s 2012 people, we are not THAT precious. Felix is a gay man, a nurse, who sells makeup as a means to pay for his education. That doesn’t make him a drag queen or effeminate or any of those other terms that don’t apply.
All the readers on Towleroad and many here just made huge assumptions about why Felix had lipstick in his purse without waiting one more damned episode to find out. Are American viewers really that lacking in critical thinking skills? It’s called “character development”. You watch the show and learn about the character. Felix had been in like 2 scenes for a total of maybe 5 minutes and people were raging against the machine about him. It’s a soap opera not a documentary. Let the damn story unfold. If all those folks hysterically wringing their hands and gnashing their teeth had just watched a few more episodes, they would have understood why Felix had a tube of lipstick in his pocket. It makes perfect sense and has NOTHING to do with his gender presentation or level of masculinity (as far as we know). And if you think Felix is “effeminate” then it’s clear that you don’t actually know what that word means. What a bunch or reactionary fogies. Seriously. We gay folks should know better than to make assumptions about a characters based upon something so superficial and ridiculous preconceived notions. If anyone is stereotyping Felix, it’s the readers over at Towleroad, not Ron.
I wasn’t so much offended as a gay man by Felix as I was offended as a soap fan who likes his shows to push the envelope and create unique characters rather than simply putting forth the same thing we’ve seen a million times. But they don’t call this HW “ReRon” for nothing. If he can repeat a soap cliche or even repeat himself, he’ll do it as if soap fans are mindless enough to lap it up. And apparently, many are. This regime can’t even get their portrayals of women into the 1950’s so it doesn’t shock me that their first creation of a gay character on GH would be exactly the way Felix is. Yes, he’s a new character. And yes, things may change with this story. But who in their right mind wouldn’t want to introduce GH’s first gay character in years with a little more depth that having him apply lipstick and call his patients “girlfriend”? (Seriously, are we to believe that gay men, even the most queeny of us, call their patients/clients “girlfriend”?) It’s more of an error of insight and logic than it is insulting stereotype. After all, an effeminate gay character isn’t the problem. Unless the implied message is that only gay men are “girly” or that someone’s stereotypical gay mannerisms and speech are what defines a gay person. Sadly, like so many poorly drawn characters on GH, Felix lacks depth, gives me no reason to root for him and makes me embarrassed that I continue to call myself a soap fan. This is a show that shows women routinely falling into bed with men they know to be rapists and killers. This is a show that has mentally unstable women used as sexual tools and games for killer mobsters. This is a show where people have super power mask that can transform their body size and speech. This is a soap that in the past year has used nearly every soap cliche in the book: baby switches, DID, returns from the dead, etc. GH isn’t about anything near reality when it comes to portraying ANYONE. or anything. And that mroe than Felix is GH’s problem.
As a straight african american man who has a boatload of gay friends, I love the character of Felix and I hope we get to see more of him. And if certain people seem offended by the character, here’s a simple solution…CHANGE THE DAMN CHANNEL!!!! DUH!!!!
I agree.
I like the character “Felix”. I am happy to see more diversity on daytime television.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.
Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
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