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Although most Americans are either tolerant of or indifferent toward the idea of gay performers and entertainment, a significant minority still finds the prospect of gay stars distasteful, according to the results of a nationwide Gallup poll conducted for EW. Predictably, attitudes vary widely by demographic: The young (ages 18 to 29), those with some college education, and women were notably more accepting of homosexual entertainers and subject matter than the 50-and-over set, those with no college education, and men. A typical break down: 60% of young viewers said they wouldn't mind seeing a gay kiss on television, but 80% of those 50 and over said they'd be disgruntled with a same-sex smooch. Some of the other findings follow.
-- Albert Kim
Do you know of any gay actors? Yes 50% No 49%
If one of your favorite actors were to announce he/she was gay, would this change your opinion of him/her? Yes 32% No 66%
If you answered 'Yes,' would your opinion become more or less favorable about that actor? More favorable 5% Less favorable 91%
Would you be less interested in seeing a movie/TV show starring your favorite actor if you learned that he/she was: An alleged child molester 79% Accused of spousal abuse 59% Arrested for possession of drugs 41% Arrested for drunk driving 36% In a pornographic magazine 32% A spokesperson for a cause you didn't support 30% Gay 29% Caught by police having sex with a prostitute 28% Married and having an affair 28% Found to have a criminal record 24% An alcoholic 23% HIV-positive 18% A compulsive gambler 15%
Is it right or wrong for the media to out a male actor? Right 10% Wrong 88%
Are there too many or too few homosexual characters and situations in today's movies? Too many 33% Too few 10% The right amount 36% Don't know 19%
Would you be offended by a TV show that showed two people of the same sex kissing romantically? Yes 60% No 38%
From a telephone survey of 622 Americans taken for Entertainment Weekly Aug. 16-23 by the Gallup Organization. Sampling error is plus or minus 4.4%.
