**Introduction**
Soap operas have been a staple of daytime television for decades. These dramatic series, often featuring storylines full of love, betrayal, and heartbreak, have entertained audiences for generations. In recent years, many soap operas have begun to incorporate more diverse narratives, including characters who identify as LGBTQ+. One of the most significant milestones in this progression occurred in 2011, when “Days of Our Lives” introduced the first gay character in the show’s history. In 2014, the series made history once again by introducing the first gay couple to ever get married on a soap opera. In this blog post, we will explore the story of Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis, the first-ever soap opera gay couple.
**Who were the characters?**
Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis were both introduced on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives.” Horton, played by Chandler Massey, had been a central character on the show since his birth in 1995. In 2010, the showrunners decided to give the character a new storyline, and they introduced the idea that he might be gay. This was a significant move, as it marked the first time the show had ever featured a gay character.
Sonny Kiriakis, played by Freddie Smith, was introduced the following year. He was the nephew of one of the show’s longtime central characters, Victor Kiriakis. Sonny was immediately attracted to Will, and the two characters began a flirtatious relationship.
**Breaking barriers**
The introduction of these two characters was groundbreaking for daytime television. While gay characters had appeared on other TV shows in the past, they were still a rarity on daytime dramas. “Days of Our Lives” was taking a bold step forward by introducing a character who identified as LGBTQ+. It is worth noting that the show did receive some backlash from conservative groups who felt that the storyline was inappropriate for daytime television. However, the show’s producers stood firm in their decision and continued to tell the story of Will’s self-discovery and exploration of his sexuality.
**The relationship begins**
Will and Sonny’s relationship was not a smooth one. The two characters had plenty of obstacles to overcome, including disapproval from some family members and friends. Additionally, Will was not comfortable with his sexuality at first, and he struggled to accept who he was. However, the two characters eventually overcame these challenges and became involved in a romantic relationship.
Their relationship was not without drama, of course. Soap operas thrive on drama and conflict, and Will and Sonny’s storyline was no different. They faced challenges that were both external and internal, including issues with fidelity, jealousy, and a variety of other obstacles. Nonetheless, they remained committed to each other throughout the ups and downs of their relationship.
**The wedding**
In 2014, Will and Sonny made history when they became the first same-sex couple to get married on a daytime soap opera. The wedding took place in the show’s 12,000th episode and was a monumental moment for LGBTQ+ representation in television. The wedding was not without drama, of course, as a violent confrontation with an intruder threatened to disrupt the ceremony. However, the two characters eventually exchanged vows and became the first gay couple in soap opera history to be married.
**The impact**
The impact of Will and Sonny’s relationship on daytime television cannot be overstated. The introduction of these two characters paved the way for other shows to follow suit, and we have seen more and more LGBTQ+ representation on soap operas in recent years. Watching the two characters struggle to come to terms with their feelings and face the challenges of being in a relationship was a powerful and moving experience for many viewers. For the first time, LGBTQ+ viewers had a character to identify with, and their stories were finally being told on a platform that reached millions of viewers.
In addition to the impact on LGBTQ+ representation, the storyline also had an impact on the actors involved. Chandler Massey, who played Will Horton, has spoken openly about how the storyline changed his life. He has said that playing a gay character gave him a better understanding of what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and has made him a more empathetic person. The impact of the storyline went well beyond the show itself and helped to create real-world change.
**Conclusion**
Will Horton and Sonny Kiriakis were the first gay couple on a soap opera, and their relationship was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation on television. The two characters faced challenges and obstacles, but they remained committed to each other, and their relationship eventually led to a historic wedding. The impact of their storyline cannot be overstated, as it helped to pave the way for other shows to follow suit and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ characters on daytime television. Their love story moved and inspired millions of viewers, and it will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of soap operas.
FAQ
Who was the first gay character on soaps?
The topic of who was the first gay character on soaps is an interesting one because it marks a significant milestone in the representation of LGBTQ+ people on television. The inclusion of gay characters in soap operas was particularly groundbreaking because soaps reach large, diverse audiences on a daily basis, and therefore have the power to shape people’s perceptions and attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
The first gay character on a soap opera was introduced in the United States in 1977. The show “Soap” featured a character named Jodie Dallas, played by Billy Crystal, who was an openly gay man. This was a groundbreaking move, as it made Jodie the first gay series regular in American television history. However, the representation of Jodie Dallas was not without controversy, as some critics accused the show of perpetuating negative stereotypes about gay men.
In Great Britain, the first openly gay character on a soap opera was introduced in 1982, on the show “Brookside.” The character, Gordon Collins, was played by actor Nigel Cowley, and became a prominent figure in the series. The show was widely praised for its portrayal of Collins, as it depicted his relationships and struggles in a sensitive manner, and helped to pave the way for future LGBTQ+ representation on British television.
The inclusion of gay characters on soap operas has continued to evolve and expand in the years since Jodie Dallas and Gordon Collins, with shows like “Coronation Street,” “EastEnders,” and “Emmerdale” all featuring prominent LGBTQ+ storylines and characters. While the representation of LGBTQ+ people on television is far from perfect, the inclusion of these characters on soaps has helped to raise awareness and promote understanding of LGBTQ+ issues to millions of people around the world.
What was the first gay kiss in a children’s show?
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the representation of LGBT characters in media and entertainment. However, this was not always the case. In fact, it was not until the mid-1990s that UK children’s television featured the first gay kiss on screen.
The historic moment occurred on November 7, 1994, in the popular children’s drama Byker Grove, which aired on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) children’s channel, CBBC. The show was set in Newcastle upon Tyne and focused on the lives of a group of young people attending a youth club.
The storyline leading up to the kiss involved the budding romance between two male characters, Noddy Fishwick (played by Martin Delaney) and Gary Hendrix (played by Tim Vincent). It explored the theme of “coming out” and the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in society.
The kiss took place in the back of a cinema and was a brief, closed-mouth peck on the lips. Though the actual kiss was not shown on screen, the scene caused a stir at the time and garnered significant media attention. The BBC received almost 150 complaints from viewers, while others praised the show for its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBT characters.
The success of the Byker Grove storyline paved the way for more LGBT representation in children’s television, although progress was slow. It was not until almost 20 years later that other children’s shows, such as The Legend of Korra and Steven Universe, featured explicit LGBT relationships.
The first gay kiss in a UK children’s show occurred in 1994 on Byker Grove. The scene was a momentous occasion in the history of LGBT representation in media and played a crucial role in paving the way for more diverse and inclusive portrayals of characters in children’s programming.
Who was General Hospital favorite couple?
General Hospital has had many memorable couples over the years, but without a doubt, the most famous and beloved couple is Luke and Laura Spencer. Their love story captured the hearts of viewers and made them a cultural phenomenon.
Luke and Laura first met on November 16, 1979, when Luke, a street-smart bartender, rescued Laura, a proper and innocent student, from an attacker. From that moment, viewers could sense the chemistry between them, and it wasn’t long before they were caught up in a whirlwind love affair.
Their initial storyline focused on Laura’s rape by Luke’s nemesis, Frank Smith, which led to Luke’s exploration of more serious issues. The storyline also introduced a darker side of the character, which was a new direction for daytime soap operas at the time.
The couple’s popularity increased when they became entangled in an international espionage plot, which culminated in their legendary wedding in 1981. The wedding was watched by 30 million viewers, making it the most-watched daytime television event in history.
In the years that followed, Luke and Laura faced many challenges, including the discovery that Luke had a child from a previous relationship and Laura’s struggle with mental illness. Despite these obstacles, they remained a strong and devoted couple.
Their enduring popularity is due in part to the incredible performances of the actors who portrayed them, Anthony Geary and Genie Francis. Geary won a record-breaking eight Daytime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Luke, while Francis won a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal of Laura.
Luke and Laura Spencer were General Hospital’s favorite couple, and their iconic love story remains a landmark moment in television history.