Was being literal too easy? Characters coded as queer have a history on screen as old as cinema itself. In some cases, the strategy created a legend without ever stating the obvious – whether initially intended as nefarious abuse or a hilarious nod.
Scroll for 10 of our favorite examples from classic TV and films.
Ursula
The Little Mermaid (above)
Uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde)
Bewitched
Marcie and Peppermint Patty
Peanuts
Monroe (Jm J. Bullock)
Too Close for Comfort
Gabrielle (Renee O’Connor)
Xena, Warrior Princess
Plato (Sal Mineo)
Rebel Without a Cause
Jo (Nancy McKeon)
The Facts of Life
Ernie & Bert
Sesame Street
Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris)
Lost in Space (and every other villain Jonathan Harris played)
Ryan Evans (Lucas Stephen Grabeel)
High School Musical
This feature also appeared in Q ATLus magazine. Read the latest issue here:
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