How to Get Away With...

"Gay" sex scenes seem to be a repeat occurrence on the show How To Get Away With Murder. The character Conor Walsh is constantly hooking up or "talking" to other guys in the show. And, the way the audience is taking it though has been varied. The sex scenes involving Conor and his partners are really pushing the envelope as far as what society recognizes as the norm. They imply very specific sex acts and I think it's great that the producers and writers realize that they are capturing real life. These scenes should be no more shocking than that of a heterosexual sex scene. Even still this has not been the only issue with the character of Conor in the show. But, before getting into any of the angst or controversy of these scenes lets look at what Conor Walsh, played by Jack Falahee, does to add to the show's development and diversity on television.

• Adds to the diversity of the cast in representation of gay males
• Introduces audience to many aspects of the gay male community
• Depicts a gay male confident in his sexuality
• Presents gay males as savvy and clever businessmen

All these great things Jack Falahee brings to the show with his character Conor, yet there are still people who are in contempt about how gay men a being portrayed in the show. Some of the things that viewers are looking for in gay male representation in the show is a gay male character on TV who

• Aren't skinny, white, or stereotypically great looking
• Doesn't take advantage of gay men of color
• "Doesn't antagonize straight women" specifically straight black women (Cliché of white gay male vs. straight black woman)
• Doesn't portray gay men as only wanting sex

These are all valid concerns when discussing representation. Though, what I do believe is overlooked in some of these issues is that the character of Conor in the first four episodes of How To get Away With Murder has brought in at least two other gay males representations as well as discussion of other issues within the gay community. Yes, Conor in the show Conor is our focal point for representation of gay men, but he allows for the viewer to see a more diverse demographic when it comes to gay men. Some of these include

• Gay men of color
• Gay men who ARE monogamous
• Gay men who use sex to get what they want
• Gay men who have insecurities
• Lack of family support with sexuality
• Male experimentation
• Bisexuality

All of these things have been made possible in the show because of the crafting of Conor's character. I also believe it lends to a larger potential in character development. I think given time many of the contempt with the representation of gay males will be settle. Yes, we do need more diverse representation of any group. But, for what How To Get Away With Murder is doing the choice in character is the right one.

Happy Viewing!