Premium Content:

Long-time closeted character to come out on 'The Simpsons'

smithers

A much-loved character is due to come out after 27 years on Fox’s ‘The Simpsons’, growing the LGBT community in fictional Springfield.

- Advertisement -

One of the longest-running gags in the decades long series is Waylon Smithers closeted, unrequited love for his oblivious, elderly boss Mr Burns. Now, the glaring tension of the dynamic will be dispelled to make way for an all new out-of-the-closet Smithers.

Simpsons writer Rob LaZebnik says the story arc is a result of his own son’s coming out.

I thought ‘What better way to tell my son I love him than to write a cartoon about it?,” he told New York Post.

LaZebnik’s son Johnny said his father’s support is hardly a revelation.

“He’s unbelievably accepting,” Johnny said, “He once sent me an email, and the header was just ‘How does Grindr work?’

The Simpsons have addressed LGBTIQ issues on a number of occasions in the programs long history, with Marge’s sister Patty coming out as a lesbian in Season 16 and the iconic 1997 episode ‘Homer’s Phobia’ guest starring John Waters who challenges Homer’s notions of masculinity and asserted a clear condemnation of homophobia.

Smithers’ coming out episode ‘The Burns Cage’ will air in Australia later this year.

OIP Staff

 

Latest

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Shura, Say Now, Mark James, Shamir Bailey, Lara Villani, and Peder Elias.

One Nation candidate says he was joking when he said, “The only thing worse than a gay person with power is a woman”.

Stuart Bonds has brushed off concerns over his history of promoting conspiracy theories.

Labor commits $10 million to LGBTIQA+ inclusive health care

Health Minister Mark Butler made the announcement earlier this week.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Shura, Say Now, Mark James, Shamir Bailey, Lara Villani, and Peder Elias.

One Nation candidate says he was joking when he said, “The only thing worse than a gay person with power is a woman”.

Stuart Bonds has brushed off concerns over his history of promoting conspiracy theories.

Labor commits $10 million to LGBTIQA+ inclusive health care

Health Minister Mark Butler made the announcement earlier this week.

Stars urged to boycott Hungary over laws banning Pride gatherings

Robbie Williams, Chappel Roan, Emile Sande and Katy Perry are all scheduled to visit the country.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New music from Shura, Say Now, Mark James, Shamir Bailey, Lara Villani, and Peder Elias.

One Nation candidate says he was joking when he said, “The only thing worse than a gay person with power is a woman”.

Stuart Bonds has brushed off concerns over his history of promoting conspiracy theories.