Twitter Trolls Cry "Kiddie Porn" After "The Fosters" Airs Gay Tween Kiss
The Fosters aired what's thought to be the youngest same-sex kiss in television history this week, and that's a great thing.
But, as expected, the historical moment has been tainted haters trolling ABC Family on Twitter over what they believe is "disgusting" and "inappropriate" content.
First off: Why is this same-sex kiss a great thing? Because, time and time again, we hear a familiar narrative in the coming-out stories of adults—that a lack of role models led them to feel shame and make bad choices when they were young.
The fact that two 13-year-old boys fell in love and kissed on cable television this week proves we're moving toward providing a better, safer place for teens who now have the luxury of seeing their identity validatedin the mainstream media.
Yesterday, GLAAD praised the kiss in a statement to The Wrap, saying: "For LGBT youth, stories like this are a powerful moment to see themselves represented and recognize they aren’t alone. These characters also foster understanding and acceptance in their peer groups, ultimately creating a safer environment for LGBT youth."
Unfortunately, the Stop-Shoving-It-In-My-Face crusaders had just as much to say. On Twitter, one user called the kiss "kiddie porn":
Basic cable now peddling in gay kiddie porn. ABC Family Airs Youngest-Ever Gay Kiss Between Two 13-Year-Old Boys http://t.co/5ndg3xoMp5— Ann Barnhardt (@AnnBarnhardt) March 4, 2015
DISGUSTING, WHY IS THIS BEING FORCED ON US:@Drudge_Siren: ABCFAMILY 'THE FOSTERS' Airs Same-Sex Kiss Between Boys... http://t.co/KGjcSsbVfo” — GLENN (@GCGATOR24) March 4, 2015
And the rants go on:
Nothing about this entire show seems suitable for children: ABC Family's 'The Fosters' Airs Youngest-Ever Gay Kiss http://t.co/RucHGmqrzg— Adam Cassandra (@adamcassandra) March 4, 2015
I refuse to watch this garbage! ABC FAMILY’S ‘THE FOSTERS’ AIRS YOUNGEST-EVER GAY KISS BETWEEN TWO 13-YEAR-OLD BOYS http://t.co/hAKZ4spEfY — Matt (@POTUS7) March 5, 2015
Thankfully, there was more praise than hate:
— Annika Marks (@Annika_Marks) March 3, 2015
#Jonnor happened today. Life is complete. #JudeAndConnor #TheFosters @TheFostersABCF @gavinmacintosh @haydenbyerly — julia (@juliaguerinn) March 3, 2015
Hayden Byerly, the actor who plays Jude Jacob—one half of the young kissing couple—thanked fans for the support. "Lots of buzz today!!!" he wrote on Instagram. "Thank you so much for the support! The Fosters is all about educating and making a change."
Below, check out the kiss, which happens around the 1:50 mark.
