Shonda Rhimes, the creator of such shows as Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Scandal, responded to a tweet she received asking why her shows often feature gay and lesbian characters. Rhimes, clearly miffed that the question had even been asked, defended her decision with a litany of reasons posted on her blog.
Rhimes was recently honored at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year with the Golden Gate Award, which is given to a media professional who has made a significant contribution in supporting LGBT equality. Her full response to the twitter question is below:
RT @yvonneh48 love your shows but why all the gay and lesbian story lines?
Because I believe everyone should get to see themselves reflected on TV. EVERYONE. And because I love all my gay and lesbian friends. AND because I think same-sex marriage is the civil rights fight of our era and back when being a person of color was the civil rights fight, people like Norman Lear put black people on TV and helped change some minds. So you know, it's gotta be paid forward. As long as we are willing to sit by while one person is not free, none of us are free. And FINALLY: because as long as someone feels like it is okay to ask the question "why all the gay people on your shows", then there is still a HUGE problem that needs to be solved. It's like asking "Why all the black people on your shows". (Which is, in fact, why there are also a lot of people of color on my shows . Cause people keep asking. Like it's unusual. Which means we have a LONG way to go). Okay, done preaching.
GLAAD commends Shonda Rhimes for her continued commitment to bringing attention to LGBT characters and elevating their stories, as well as her dedication to advancing equality for the LGBT community.