A Top Chef for Marriage Equality
Tom Colicchio
There are a few reality shows that I watch every week, and Top Chef joined that list a few seasons ago. I appreciate that it is about skill and talent, and not just a bunch of ego-centered people in cat fights. My partner got me hooked on it. During a period when we were separated, he really got in touch with his inner chef and began to cook more, and one of the things we did as we started to work out our differences, was to watch the show together. We’ve been back together for a while, and watching each week remains a part of our “date night” although we are most likely to TIVO it and watch later in the week.
Last night we watched the episode where the chefs cook for a heterosexual wedding in Las Vegas, and some of the gay chefs express their feelings about how marriage is restricted to heterosexuals. This seems all the more poignant , there in Las Vegas- Sin City. There have been out gay and lesbian chefs on the show, but it seems to me the first time, the show has expressed a somewhat political perspective, and in an era where gays on reality shows are usually there to be the bitchy ones with the catchy sound bites, it was especially refreshing.
As a gay man, I’m not looking for reality TV or any TV for that matter to be all serious. I like the flirting and fun stuff as much as the next guy. Â And the episode of Top Chef where sexy handsome guy Spike takes a bubble bath with another guy will forever be a favorite for me. Can you tell I have a crush on Spike? but that said, it would be great if Reality TV included some reality, and so the way this wedding episode framed the inequality of Civil Marriage was perfect.
Michael’s blog posts on Change.org are most always right on the mark, and in the linked entry, he talks about how judge Tom Colicchio speaks out in a blog entry about Marriage Equality. Colicchio has always had a gay following, and it is great to see him put down in black and white such strong statements of support for equal rights. Michael’s blog entry as well as Tom’s are well worth reading.
So, often the talk about Marriage Equality turns to a discussion of the actions needed to change laws. This political direction is critically important, but episodes like this Top[ Chef demonstrate how equally critical it is for people to simply be willing to speak out about their feelings, and give voice to what they feel is right and wrong. Ashley expressed her feelings and then she did her job and made good food. (Well, at least 1 good dish), and in that is a good lesson for the rest of us. Speak up and share with others and keep doing our jobs. In a word or two, be out of the closet and willing to express what is important to you, to those around you.
Equality isn't a gay or straight issue, but one that impacts everyone. With the willingness to be out and give voice to our demand for full equality, we enable others to add their voices, and build a coalition of those who see full equality for everyone.
A Top Chef for Marriage Equality (Gay Rights - Change.org).
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