End the unequal treatment of the gay and lesbian relationships on Glee

The subject of Glee’s unequal treatment of romantic relationships has been a topic of constant debate and criticism over recent weeks. Many of those who are unconcerned say Glee is a farce; it doesn’t take itself too seriously and, therefore, we shouldn’t either. But Glee gave-up this position when it held itself up as a beacon of light for people who are underrepresented to look toward and be comforted by.

While it has been clear from the beginning that the relationship between Finn and Rachel was going to be core to the show, at some point the show decided to make itself a platform for equality in love regardless of orientation and gender. The representation of the homosexual couples is incredibly important not only to the fans who love them, but to the society who protests them.

This isn’t about “shippings” or which pairings are “better.” It is a simple matter of remarkably unequal representation. When the “heterosexual white couple” gets repeated opportunities to be overly affectionate while the other couples are barely allowed to touch or interact privately, the argument that Glee gives “equal representation” becomes flawed. Glee has promised its fans equality in love for all, but is moving further and further away from this idea, becoming the embodiment of the unequal treatment it purports to oppose. How can we expect change and growing acceptance when the show that is supposed to push for it, gives in to and upholds the hetero-normative stereotype?

Glee would do well to remain true to the characters they have created and the stories they promised to tell, even if it isn’t their most lucrative possible pursuit. I think that many of us would rather see Glee go down as a martyr of change, than a sell out.