abstract | - An Aesop (or Gaysop if you will) that was pretty common in The Nineties when gay people started becoming more and more prominent in the media. Basically, a character will be introduced that is soon revealed to be gay or bi (or if they were gutsy enough, a previously known character would be outed). Then the rest of the episode would be spent on one of the main characters discriminating against them, or fearing that they'll turn him gay or something, even if characterization would indicate that he would not be so ignorant. Obviously by the end, the main character learns his lesson that "homosexuals are people too" and should be treated equally just like everyone else. Unfortunately, if the gay character is not pre-established, he'll probably disappear with no further mention after this episode. If he is part of the supporting cast, the subject of his sexuality will rarely be brought up again. Some will consider the Gay Aesop a Discredited Trope, since gay characters are now relatively prevalent (compared to previous decades), at least in Western media. See also Coming Out Story and Fair for Its Day. Examples of Gay Aesop include:
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