Homophobia on "So You Think You Can Dance?" Weigh In Now

[Editor's update: Nigel Lythgoe has issued a public apology for his remarks.  Read the full story here].

Boy, gay viewers haven’t been this offended by something they’ve seen on television in a long time.  I’m talking about last night’s episode of “So You Think You Can Dance,” where five minutes of possibly the most homophobic dialogue took place by blank creator blank.

We want to know what you think.  If you missed the clip that everyone’s talking about, watch it below.  After you watch, we invite you to post your opinion of what took place on the comments section below.

Comments

[ohplease]

it wasn't even a little homophobic. spare me.

[Aaron]

That judge is a wanker

[T Kelland]

I honestly don't think that the comments that were made were in any way homophobic. I watched the 2 hour premier last night, and I enjoyed it. SYTYCD is a competition and the competitors and critiqued on their performance by judges who have experience in professional dance in many styles.

The fact that it was two males, is totally fine. But when they take on the role that is NORMALLY suited for a male and female, they take away from the traditional form of that style. Which I understand can make some people confused, esp with the switching of roles as much as they did. I believe they are BOTH fantastic dancers. The Fall near the end didn't help them either.

I honestly don't believe the judges made any homophobic gesture at all. Basically the judges agreed that the switching of the male and female role was confusing and that they preferred to see THAT particular style of dance with a male and female, since it's such a traditional dance. The judges even said, it MAY have been a better performance if they each had chosen a role and didn't switch.

I'm confused as to why anyone would think that this was a homophobic critique?

[The Truth]

Here's the real question:

Who the BLEEEEEP still watches this show? Didn't this show used to be called Dance Fever or something?

[Wesley]

Does anyone else have this conversation with absolutely ANYONE confused about gay men dating? Why do we have to be labeled as playing the Male or Female role?....I'm soooo glad they based their judgments on the actual dancing, being a dancer myself I appreciated that, and while I do agree that ballroom dancing needs two separate roles (so maybe they shouldn't have been trading off) the judges comments might as well have been drunken pillow talk with the gays' fag hag. I'm a passive dater but a top in bed, does that make me the male or female role? neither. I don't take labels, and no one should take a label lying down like they did.

[sailor]

Somebody please explain how any part of those clips was homophobic? Certainly they performd better than I could ever hope but the basic sentiment of the judges was correct - as good as they were technically, it was confusing to watch and difficult to follow.

To any of the gang that were offended by this - get a life, your
constant whining over imagined slights is yet another reason why I avoid most of the gay community. Dare I say -suck it up and act like a man?

[Steve]

That was homophobic? A little embarrassing here and there, but you'll have to explain where it was homophobic.

[Rain City Blues]

Is that a mullet? Only in Colorado would you see an 80's throwback and a 70's throwback (the girl) judging a dance contest. What is this, trailer trash judge the arts? I'm surprised they don't use Lynrd Skynrd as the theme music. Between those two and the Laura Ingalls wannabe, I wonder how out of touch these idiots can get.

Seriously, why does anyone watch this stuff? I know TV is a mental gutter anyway, but come on now. I'm insulted by the homophobia to be sure, but I'm even more insulted by the insults to my intelligence.

I hope this show gets pulled, and not just because they're bigots; they're also entirely irrelevant.

[Jason]

I think that the only thing that can even slightly be considered homophobic was the comment that the if the two guys were on the show it would alienate many of the show's viewers. I think that this was the ultimate reason the two weren't given a ticket to Las Vegas.

[JC]

I am really confused.

[Brad]

They weren't so homophobic as they were just ignorant--especially the British dude. The woman with the mohawk seemed to approach talking about it be best but even she really seemed to trip over her words. Straight people sometimes just don't know what the hell they're talking about when it comes to this sort of thing.

[greggie]

It was NOT homophobic. The judges were talking about the dancing.

[Michael]

I do not think the judges showed any homophobia. I think the dancing was terribly awkward in presentation and technically. We need to stop being so "over-sensitive" every time a gay person is on television.

[tiqueboy]

As with anything new, acceptance takes time. It was not homophobic in a hatefull way and I think it will be a loooooong time before this is acceptable and marketable entertainment. However, someone has to be the first and I hope they and others will contiinue to have the courage to keep pushing forward for a more inclusiuve and non-judgemental society.

[james]

SO why is the Gay Community out-raged??? I thought the comments were fair and he expressed himslef very professionally and honestly. He admitted it was his first exposure and he "didn't know what to say or think," and then he complimented them. I think if someone is out-raged they have taken the entire intnet OUT of context. I saw NOTHING wrong with his comments.J

[Ravenov]

How anyone can say the male judge, Nigel?, saying "try dancing with a woman you may just like it" is not homophobic I don't know.

I was just slightly aggravated at their attitudes and in some ways they had some valid points but that last comment was totally rude and homophobic!

[ron]

I'm not sure why people want to jump to a conclusion so fast. The comments were NOT homophic. Between Miss California an this show everyone should chill. Again, the comments in both cases were NOT homophic

[PBnRay]

well i actually didnt see all that much homophobia... it wasn't like the judges were saying too men CANT dance together... they were saying it was confusing to see what roles they each played in a style of dance where the male/female sterotype is extreme for male and females. it was hard for me to watch too... when for hundreds of years something is done ONE way to see it done in a different way is hard to switch that thought process over... for instance if ballroom was all men and a man and woman came on the show and danced it would have been just as confusing cause it would be "weird" to see it done that way...and on top of that they werent THAT GOOD! if they were great and didnt make it through thats one thing... even when they asked them to dance and be judged seperately they werent that good.

but i will say this... i think its exciting that these guys are exploring this side of ball room dance... and to keep working on the stylizing of the typical male/female roles of ball room and making it their own! its hard to be the first to do something that goes against the "norm". keep up the hard work...and dont let not making a dance show stop you on you journey to expand minds and expand an art form. it truely was exciting it see

[Rob]

I vote it is homophobic. They were okay until they said I like to see you dance with a girl. I will not be watching this show no more.

[Jay]

What's the straight guys gay.com profile?

Am I wrong for laughing through the entire performance?

I agree, they are both GREAT dancers. So, do two 'goods' make a 'bad'?

-j

[l3unny_l3oi]

Cmon!!...That was like pouring water on fire to get it to burn! That was as far from homophobic as u can get (in this world) Give me something more than that, and not this bs!

[Alex]

It wasn't really homophobic but it was really offensive, to me anyway. It isn't a small slight to say that 'you are male! Fit your approved gender role or do nothing at all!' it's a major slap to the face to anyone who wants to try doing something different, like they did. I don't watch this show, and I don't know anything about dancing, but for the judges to say categorically that they would be better off dancing with women just because it might make people a little uncomfortable really is ignorant and offensive. Just because it's different doesn't mean it's automatically wrong, people!

[Richie]

"you might even like it" was the only questionable comment made by the judges. Since it was meant in the "just try a girl sexually..." realm. Maybe the male judge should "just try it with a boy"...meaning ballroom dancing of course. However, this sort of "smile and bash" form of judging, popularized by American Idol, isn't humiliating to guys dancing together, but to anyone who the judges don't see fitting the competition. In terms of a style of dance that classically includes a male and female partner (and male and female roles) I don't think that the comments were out of line or homophobic.

[3-dog]

is this the 1950s?
i meen seriously "what men should do" sounds like a typical genderist bigot to me. why CANT men wear heels and be sexy...i did today and got way more compliments than wierd looks... and im in the midwest...thats right i wore black sandal heels, and a tank op, jeans and just fot the hell of it had a goatee....mixxed the gender markers just for sheer fun

[Sonny]

It wasn't homophobia it was, however, heterosexism (specfically heteronormativtity).

[Carl]

Please, there was no homophobia in that! If they were actually great dancers they'd never have this come up! just a ploy because they didn't get thru methinks!

[Dale]

So I guess that I can see where it could be taken as homophobic in that, for dancers, the judges certainly didn't seem to have much of a grasp on male/male dynamics. I think that their statements about "At one moment you're the woman, then you become the woman..." are kind of how people feel looking a gay relationships in general. I am not offended, and generally find that many gay people offend way too easily, but I do think that finishing it with "I'd like to see you dance with a girl," is a bit less than supportive for our community.

Whatever.

[Christopher]

What was wrong with that? Since when did the gay community become so hyper sensitive? Lets be honest, you don’t see a male on male ballroom couple very often. They were professional and honest in their critique. Lets tone down the sensitivity meter just a tad.

[Michael]

For one, they messed up on their first attempt because of mistakes. Their second attempt wasn't any better, so I concur with the judges' verdict that neither of them deserve to advance in the competition.

On an objective note, I do feel that the judges were apprehensive--and somewhat discriminative--in witnessing two men perform a dance that has been customarily done between a man and a woman, especially after a recommendation passed that both of them split up and perform with female partners. I don't know how long the directors gave these two guys to familiarize themselves with their female partners, but it wasn't long enough for them to develop a strong familiarity on an emotional, mental, and physical level. As such, the network found the "perfect" way of eliminating them without coming off as discriminatory or prejudice to the viewing public.

Furthermore, based on the judges' "neoclassical mindset" that this particular dance form is solely restricted to the male/female role and not open for interpretation beyond same-sex boundaries, is proof enough that their biased nature played a pivoting role in their decision to turn them away. In reality, dance is an interpretive art form (both old and new) that is continually evolving. Seeing two men dance this particular form "would alienate [their] viewers." What more proof do you need? It came out of the horse's mouth. Let's not beat around the bush: Two guys dancing just didn't cut it for the producers nor the judges, which is why that farce was a good excuse to eliminate them without appearing homophobic.

[denny]

i watch this show every year and most of the time love it. however this was not in any way homophobic. and believe me i wish i could say it was. the british judge was rude yes but not homophobic. there are always gay dancers on this show but they usually dont dance with another man weather he is straight or gay. i hope this crazy incident doesnt make people not watch the show. i love the show and rember when lacy who is not with dancing with the stars was on so you think you can dance. so grow up people and just remember that there are rude people in the world.

[Michael]

I don't think it was homophobic in the traditional manner. But I feel it was a polite slur made by trying to say a specific dance role is male or female. I personally see more men dancing with men or women dancing with women. So traditioinally for me it was NORMAL. When I see a male and female dancing together I find it a little different for sure. But until people stop placing people in "ROLES" as to MALE or FEMALE this will continue. I mean does this mean I should hire a woman to come in my home and clean my toliet and wash my clothes and cook me dinner? Traditionally it is a womans role and should we maintain this out dated practice? Shoule the woman sit home and only the men work? Traditional events are what we percieve them as being. I was rasied in a house hold with parents seen us as future Americans. PERIOD. We were all taught to cook, clean, laundry, sewing, automotive repair, etc. The role was not female or male. My dad did laundry as well as my mother. My mother changed the oil in the car as did my father. Gender roles went out with other out dated thoughts and perceptions. We have such a varied diverse society now and people use the excuse " It Confuses Me" well all I have to say is YOUR JUST FREAKIN STUPID. I have a transexual friend who by birth is male. But lives as a woman, has Breasts and still has his penis. People ask the stupid question of "which restroom should you use?" Well common sense tells you the womens. She would look pretty stupid going in the mens room. People just need to stop hiding behind ignorance and the "CONFUSION" statment and just accept they are just ignorant and be on thier way. I could go on and on but I think the point is made. Confusion is a state of ignorance and until you can think with an open mind.. you will remain in a state of confusion.
Michael

[Mike]

Sonny, I love it:
"It wasn't homophobia it was, however, heterosexism (specfically heteronormativtity)."
That's exactly it. I've got to remember to use those terms next time. Love it.
I don't think they meant it to be mean and I'm betting they're not anywhere near homophobes considering the industry they're part of, but laughing at the male/male team, telling them to try it with a woman, etc., was just stupid. Judge the dancing...don't like it? Just say "not right for this competition." Keep your borderline offensiveness to yourself.
And...about the gay community being hypersensitive. Nah, this is a message board...it's all opinionated.

[Sir Gaga]

omg get over yourselves gay.com it was not homophobic... nigel himself is probably gay no matter how much he tries to play it off...

[Rob]

I am glad when i started watching that, that i turned the channel. The comment for the male judge was enough to make me boycott this show.

I did not see anything homophobic about that dance, even if there was the show name is So you think you can dance. So what if two guys came out and danced with one another. Sorry to say but there is millions who would enjoy watching these 2 dance the night away and pay to see it .

[Marty]

I think the guy judge is pretty opposed to homosexuality yet he was trying to stay open and comfortable with, which I applaud him for because he is supposed to be non-biased.

However, I understand where they are coming from Same Sex Dancing is a very new style of dance and these guys are pushing the typical boundaries. The more this style of dance is done, seen and perfected the more it will be accepted.

[JC]

Dumb bitch ass judges forgot their gender theory 101 from college. Durf.

[FuzzyBearIn]

god get over your selfs all that was said was people are use to seeing a womens role and a mans role in ballroom dancing it was a crateek not gay bashing beside that he couldnt even hold his partner up LOL imagine that the straight guy was weeker than the gay guy they really did need to practice more !!!

[Ignorance]

I think they don't want to accept gay people in a Straight thing called Ball room dancing. Its DISCRIMINATION. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANY FORM OF ACCEPTANCE in what these Homophobes call traditional. If it wasn't for all these sex sites and all the whores GIVING HOMOPHOBES WEAPONS TO SHOOT US DOWN there would be no excuse for that behavior. Lets just put it this way you will never see two men on prime time TV being seen as everyday NORMAL! WE'RE HATED MORE THEN AFRICAN AMERICANS. They're shocked at the fact men can be intimate even if its NOT SEXUAL AT ALL.

[Ignorance]

These Judges the Camera Crew and everyone on the ser HAVE THESE MEN AS THE BIGGEST JOKE OF THE DAY. They're going to be laughing at this for Months and maybe years to come. Pretending to be straight having to be apart of this as a witness BEHIND YOUR BACK STYLE OF BACKSTABBING HUMOR is my own experience. Its so great to know even your boss and the head of human resources have a great sense of humor at the expense of gay people and We all wonder why we get fired or never get promoted. This is no different when They make sure the coast is clear before they start BASHING the minority the office humor and the bud of everyone's jokes

[Gay Rights]

I watched this expecting to be livid, and I actually have to admit that I was not. I only watched the first video, but the judges comments were honest and, for the most part, respectful. He did not insult gays... he just offered his honest opinions which were that he didn't like it and that he felt it would alienate the majority of the show's audience. In 50 years' time, I hope we're able to see more same sex dance couples, but for now, I have to admit, the judges' comments seemed fair.

[Trent Fairbury]

Seems to me from the comments above that the writer of this article needs to redefine homophobic,..it wasn't. What it was were a few non-gay and smarmy jokers trying to slide past and act as ninnified as the celebrity and pseudo-celebrity judges on other ridiculous shows that no one watches and basically display no capacity for wit, talent at being judges, or ability to entertain anyone.

In short, wasted tv show, wasted air time, and get a new writer.

[greg]

The judges didn't like it, so they're homophobic? Get a grip! I didn't like it. Ain't nothing wrong with two guys dancing, but let's be honest - their technique needed to adjust for it. It was awful, it was confusing. And the comment about alienating viewers - was a simple statement of fact. Does anyone think that isn't true? God, I am so sick to death of this community and its whining.

[Tom]

I don't think that the comments were homophobic in any way. The dance that they were doing is usually done by a male and a female. Also the fact that they kept switching between roles in the dance was a little confusing. Their comments were more for educational purposes to help the men grow into better, more powerful dancers, not to bash on them in any way. I also felt a little embarrassed for them when they fell. The dancing was good though, and I'd like to see more of what they can do.

[John]

Here is the thing..I watched the show. I was not so much offeneded by the judges comments about him being put off by two males dancing, nor the comment about try dancing with a girl you might just like it. I feel they have a right to their opinions and beliefs. I do not share his attitdute towards two people trying something new and different with their style of dancing. In fact I wish more people with his mind set would be more open about it. It is always nice to know who your friends and who is not. Even if you share his opinion about those two dancers...you have to admit that his opening comments really showed they didn't stand a chance at going on. He started out with not knowing what to say to he was a bit put off by two males dancing in that style and went on to state that the viewers would likely be put off as well. Then closed the deal with try a girl you might just like it. Really? I guess passive aggressive behavior bothers me more then outspoken opinionated behavior. Grow some balls and tell people what you really think don't hide behind little comments and a smile and know that you message got across while still holding on to deinability with your what? what did I say that was wrong bs.

[Nate B.]

Yeah; there were a few parts that made my teeth clench a little bit... especially when the two guys claimed that their male-male dancing increased their "masculine energy"... lol. I see the problematic affect Nigel's comments could have, especially "alienating the audience." For one, it's stereotyping the audience (which I'm willing to bet is mostly straight women and gay men), but it also makes an offensive comment that people aren't willing (as a population) to see two men challenge gender roles. I think this discussion is much more removed from sexuality than it is gender-identity, especially as one of the dancers (the much cuter one :P) identifies as straight. The Transgendered community should be the ones up in arms about this, but not necessarily homosexuals. Just my $.02

[Jim]

There was nothing homophobic at all There are further issues to concern oneself with like job discrimination etc. Gay male dancers abound in this art and they were both asked to dance with women in choreography and failed that also. Im sure there are lesbians dancing with men there and pass. BTW they DID fall down so i believe they wanted to make a statement more than perfecting their dance technique. they should have done the routine to "Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross then im sure the African American contingent would weigh in also. Everyne should just chill !!!

[ROCKWOOD]

Um.....I'm not sensing much homophobic attitude. The comment about the viewers not being too receptive to two male dancers touching one another was a bit off colour.

I think Nigel tries to pull off a Simon, which he doesn't do very well.

The judges were more harsh on some of the other contestents than they were on the two guys.

So...calm down ladies.......

[David]

Okay, I get where you're coming from with it starting by jokingly playing It's Raining Men and ending with the whole they should be with a woman or girl bit. What I don't get is how you can praise something like Bruno, then knock something like this.

Just today, you've applauded us for supporting a performer for no reason other than his sexuality. You've approved another gay flamboyant stereotype in a comedy film. Now you bash a reality show for telling two men that their act isn't working. It's a good thing you don't ever have to explain yourself, because it's a mentality I'll never understand.

[Eddie]

It wasn't homophobic, the dance did not work and they were trying to be constructive the only way they knew how. Take it as a challenge and maybe two guys can ballroom dance together in a new unforseen way.

[carlos]

The Judges made professional comments. Dont forget that this is dance competition and the Guys that went to second round a big % is gay. They couple were good dancers but not good enought to get all the way to the finals. Talent is a talent and u have it o u dont.