An enormous hit for the Fox network, Glee is the comedy-drama based on the high school musical choir. Often described as a modern-day Grease, the show never shirked from tackling big issues such as relationships, race, sexuality, and identity.
The show was especially popular with the LGBTQ+ community - partly because it has so many gay characters. If you’ve watched Glee, can you name all of the homosexual characters that have appeared throughout the series - there might be more than you think!
From trans women to gay men, everyone is represented within the show’s family. If you consider yourself to be an expert, see if you remember the following facts.
The Gay Guy from Glee Who Everyone Knows
There are plenty of gay guys on Glee to choose from, but the one that really stands out for many is David Karofsky, played by actor Max Adler. A divisive figure, Karofsky was a jock and started out by being especially nasty to Kurt.
It later transpired that the reason for the bullying was that Karofsky was in the closet and was harboring a secret crush on Kurt. In season two, Karofsky reveals his feelings by kissing Kurt and starts on the long path to self-acceptance. It’s not an easy journey for Karofsky, and after making a pact with Santana to pretend to be dating - in order for them both to hide their homosexuality to be prom king and queen - he later attempts to take his own life.
Thankfully he survives and goes on to briefly date Blaine, the man with whom Kurt is in love. Blaine and Kurt eventually get back together, and Karofsky stays on friendly terms with them both. It may not be the romantic ending he wanted, but it’s a happy conclusion nevertheless.
Trying to Remember the Gay Kid on Glee?
The gay boy from Glee has a special place in the audience’s heart, but can you remember his name? Kurt Hummel, played by Chris Colfer, was the first openly homosexual character in the show and portrayed an innocent vulnerability that was instantly endearing. Always looking slightly out of place and with an ageless and almost gender-free style, Kurt is one of those characters who will stay with you long after the TV is switched off.
Phenomenally talented and with the ability to put his own twist on whatever song he was presented with, Kurt matured over the episodes. He went on to find love, with viewers cheering on his relationship with Blaine while wondering if the sexual chemistry that fizzed between him and heterosexual Finn would ever bubble over.
It’s fair to say that the road to happiness wasn’t easy for Kurt and Blaine, with bullying and cheating along the way. Eventually, though, this pair of lovers realized that they didn’t want to be with anyone else and get engaged and marry. Who doesn’t love a happy ending - especially when it’s accompanied by a song?!
Is Santana from Glee Gay or Not?
Santana Lopez, played by the late Naya Rivera, was one of the most fascinating character arcs throughout the series. Although the gay boys on Glee get plenty of attention, there are strong female characters on the show too.
Starting out as the stereotypical cheerleader mean girl, Santana gradually worked her way into the fold. She never completely relented and remained one of the few who wasn’t immersed in sentimentality and gushing happiness.
However, despite her tough exterior, Santana has a soft heart, and over the series, she comes to terms with her sexuality, discovering that she is a lesbian. Originally making a joke about promiscuity, Santana falls into a relationship with Brittany, which burns fiercely. Full of passion, intensity, and true sexual chemistry, it’s proof that not all relationships have to look the same to be satisfying.
Although she originally received criticism for her vocal performances, she went on to deliver some of the best songs in the whole show. Standout moments include her Fleetwood Mac covers and, of course, her poignant tribute to Finn after his death.
A Comprehensive List of the Glee Gay Characters
It will come as no surprise to discover that there are many atypical gender and sexuality identities among the Glee characters. Here’s a comprehensive list of all that appear:
- Adam Crawford
- Alistair
- Blaine Anderson
- Brittany Pierce
- Chandler Kiehl
- Dani
- David Karofsky
- Elaine
- Elliott Gilbert
- Gavroche
- Hiram Berry
- Jeremiah
- Kurt Hummel
- Leroy Berry
- Lindsay Lohan
- Perez Hilton
- Rick Denham
- Sandy Ryerson
- Santana Lopez
- Sebastian Smythe
- Sheldon Beiste
- Spencer Porter
- Unique Adams
Not all of the above characters are regulars in the show; some only make a brief appearance. But it’s very clear that the LGBTQ+ community is well-represented across the episodes, making it a very inclusive and positive program for all to enjoy.
Are There Any Gay Actors on the Glee Cast?
The show is a real melting pot of diversity, but it’s not all fictional. Among the cast is a number of actors who are part of the LGBTQ+ community in real life. Not all of the homosexual characters are played by gay actors; some straight characters are played by LGBTQ+ actors, and some LGBTQ+ characters are played by straight actors. With Glee, nothing is always as it seems!
Some of the most well-known gay actors on the cast include:
- Alex Newell (Unique)
- Chris Colfer (Kurt)
- Jake Zyrus (Sunshine)
- Jane Lynch (Sue)
- Jonathan Groff (Jesse)
- Kevin McHale (Artie)
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