For the GEP: my letter to FOX
I’m a straight British woman in my 40s. I watch Glee with my 74-year old Mum and two teenage nieces. I’ve bought the DVD box sets then replaced with the Blu-Ray. I’ve bought 174 music tracks from iTunes UK/amazonuk. I saw Glee Live at Manchester Arena and the O2 in London. We went to see the Glee Concert 3D movie in the cinema, I bought the soundtrack and then the DVD. I play an active part in your engaged audience online.
All this, because I have the deepest, most sincere admiration for the exceptionally gifted Chris Colfer. He is a true once-in-a-generation talent. In the honesty and integrity with which he lives his life, he is also an inspiration. And because, as a victim of relentless bullying during my own school years, I identify strongly with Kurt Hummel. Kurt, who we met in the pilot literally surrounded by his bullies but still fighting back. My 74-year old Mum has been educated and inspired out of her ignorance and heedless homophobia. She loves Kurt like a “secret son,” adores and admires Chris Colfer. It’s Chris’s amazing portrayal, even more than the writing, that makes Kurt such a rich, nuanced character whose complexity transcends and confounds the stereotype. Kurt’s is the true hero’s journey on Glee. He will always be unique and always have to struggle because of it. I understand that.
But Glee has crossed a line with Kurt. His story in Season 3 became one of effeminophobia and failure.
