Rue McClanahan and 'The Golden Girls' in the LGBT Community

With the death of Rue McClanahan last week due to complications from a stroke, yet another light went out amongst the remaining cast of "The Golden Girls," as well as an iconic figure for the LGBT community. During the 7- year run of the show, "The Golden Girls" went a long way towards normalizing the idea of same sex households and sexually precocious retirees amongst a public that found both concepts disconcerting. While the character of Blanche that Rue McClanahan made famous may have been straight, there is no arguing with the fact that she was her own person and was unabashedly active in the bedroom.

Despite the fact that all four characters of "The Golden Girls" were heterosexual, homosexual euphemisms and undertones were an on-going joke throughout the series during an era in which much of the country still flinched at the word. Even today, multiple women living in the same household raises eyebrows in many communities, but television programing like "The Golden Girls" was one of the first steps to educating conservatives that what goes on behind the closed doors of an unconventional household is not much different from any other home.

In order to properly appreciate the role that Rue McClanahan's Blanche Devereaux played in the LGBT community, you have to remember the era during which the series originally ran. "The Golden Girls" series ran from 1985 through 1992, the same period that the AIDS epidemic reached its peak in the gay community of the United States. During a time in which virtually everyone in the gay community was either being affected by the epidemic or knew someone who was, the sexually liberated Blanche Deveraux gave LGBT viewers a lovable character to live through vicariously. For younger gay and lesbian viewers, the open-minded ladies on "The Golden Girls" often provided a refuge from real family members who were far less accepting of a homosexual or transgendered lifestyle.

At the same time, Blanche and her friends dealt with sexual issues in a frank manner that was rarely seen on television during that era. Near the end of the series, the characters dealt directly with the issue of AIDS in an episode known as "72 hours." While Rose awaited HIV test results for a blood transfusion that may had been contaminated, Rue McClanahan's character confided that she had undergone HIV testing due to her sexual history, which was an experience that many members of the LGBT community could relate to. Blanche also shared that she insisted that her future partners disclose their medical condition and take proper precautions before becoming sexually active. Another classic Golden Girls moments amongst members of the LGBT occurred in the episode "Isn't It Romantic?" during which Blanche interrupts Dorothy and Sophia while they are discussing a woman who appears to have a crush on Rose.

Blanche: What's so funny?
Sophia: For starters, Jean's a lesbian.
Blanche: What's funny about that?
Sophia: You aren't surprised?
Blanche: Of course, not. Isn't Danny Thomas one?
Dorothy: Not Lebanese, Blanche. Lesbian.
Blanche: Lesbian. Lesbian? Lesbian!

Blanche goes on to become indignant at the thought that a woman could possibly prefer Rose over her and demands that Dorothy put herself in Jean's shoes to make a similar decision. Despite these and similar antics, the girls proceed to deal with the issue in way that is remarkably tender and mature. Bare in mind, this episode broadcast in 1986, nearly a decade before other sitcoms began to deal with homosexuality with anything other than snickers or empty platitudes.

In addition to the direct impact that Rue McClanahan and "The Golden Girls" had upon members of the LGBT community, there is also something to be said for the joy and comfort that her friends brought individuals from all walks of life. Whether you are lesbian, gay, transgendered or straight, we have all had our share of "cheesecake" moments during which all that we wanted was the comfort of our friends and family. On those unenviable nights that we were forced to make it all alone, Rue McClanahan and the rest of the Golden Girls provided us with the simple reassurance that true love and friendship were both possible and enduring.

Sources:
http://www.lgbtpov.com/2010/06/flash-gold-girls-star-rue-mcclanahan-dies/
http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/06/06/rue-mcclanahan-golden-girls-gay-icons/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/arts/04mcclanahan.html?src=me
http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/03/rue-mcclanahan-golden-girls-died/