I've had very mixed feelings about the line where having fun ends and derogatory bashing begins. I agree that no one on a reality television show is under any obligation to be the Gay Poster Child to Red State America --- that I want all gay people to be accepted for who they are, not just those gay people who mold themselves to fit some sort of stereotypical "straight" or "masculine" model.As I have stated previously, I do have issues with some of the casting decisions, especially those involving gay men. I liked Chip and Reichen in the fourth season. I especially liked the speech that they gave at the end. I liked that they may have helped to explode some stereotypes --- but I don't think that being athletic or "butch" should be a requirement for a gay man to appear on a reality television program.
At the same time, I wish that the producers would cast more gay men like the ones I know instead of just the constant parade of "nelly" guys. I still wonder if it just a coincidence that TAR has not featured any more "butch" gay men since Chip and Reichen won in the fourth season.
I don't think that Tom and Terry should be assumed to be interchangeable with all gay men ... but I don't want to be so PC that nobody can have some fun at their expense either.
My biggest pet peeve is how much sexual humor in the discussions of previous seasons has revolved around the gay men --- as if straight women and straight men do not engage in most of the same activities --- or get interested in similar things in their partners. Fortunately, the cheerleaders and their Cocks have deflected some of that this season.