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This Friends Main Character Was Supposed to Be Gay
The inclusion of a gay character in the hit '90s sitcom could have been a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation.
One of the main characters of the hit '90s TV show Friends was reportedly supposed to be gay.
The sitcom — which jumpstarted the careers of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer — almost featured what would've been a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ character.
Queertyreports that Friends producers originally intended the character of Chandler Bing (played by Perry) to be gay. The plot was cut for unknown reasons, but it certainly would've been a groundbreaking moment for gay representation, considering how big of a hit the show became.
The show has been criticized in the decades since its premiere for its problematic portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, specifically its handling of Ross' lesbian ex-wife and Chandler's transgender mom. There is a running gag throughout the series of people assuming Chandler is gay, but the idea makes him uncomfortable and is played for laughs.
According to Out, there was also supposed to be an episode where Chandler is a regular at a male strip club because of the tuna melts but was left on the cutting room floor because Perry was uncomfortable with it.
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
