This was posted on soc.motss a few days ago.... "Melrose Place" to Confront Gay-Bashing After several months of near invisibility, Matt (Doug Savant), the gay man occupying one of the units in trendy "Melrose Place" (KTTV-TV, Fox, Ch. 11, Wed., 9:00pm), will have his character significantly developed. Beginning with the Oct. 28 episode, a storyline where Matt falls victim to a gay-bashing and loses his job was introduced. "Melrose Place" has found an impressive niche in the Nielsen ratings, and is one of the new shows Fox is counting on to reach its "Fourth National Network" status. Write: "Melrose Place," Darren Star, Executive Producer, Spelling Enterprises, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036. Following a story in the Aug. issue of GLAAD/LA Reports in which the invisibility of Matt was questioned, we were called by Sharon Magnuson of Fox Television to conduct an interview with Doug. Following are excerpts from the Oct. 5 interview: GLAAD/LA Reports: How did this role come about for you? What was your reaction to the character being gay? Savant: The role came about in sort of the usual way. It was pilot season and I was reading various scripts that were going to be developed and was attracted to the role of Matt and went through the audition procedure with Darren Star, the creator, Aaron Spelling, the producer, and the network. I was not really aware of how much anticipation would be greeting the new show as I hadn't been closely following "Beverly Hills, 90210." I knew up-front that the character was gay and I wasn't really attracted to any of the other roles. I really thought that it might be a good chance, potentially, for something being done right and to address some of the important issues, like homophobia. I was very excited by the opportunity, and never really questioned the choice. GLAAD/LA Reports: What has it been like on the set? What's the attitude of the cast and crew toward the character? Savant: There are the jokes that exist in the workplace, just like any place else, and it could be the evil that we know is homophobia. But, I appreciate humor, and feel that I am treated just like any other member of the cast...with the attempts at humor, being rather unoriginal and mundane. It's a great environment and even with my being sensitive to the issues, and there is some veiled homophobia perhaps, but it's been great. GLAAD/LA Reports: What kind of grades do you give the network in its support for the gay positive image? Savant: I think the network has been supportive, but let's face it, it's very unusual for a gay character to be on a series. It is even more so the exception that the gay character is not there just for comic relief -- where the character can be dismissed by the viewers as not being like their brother, or friend or co-worker who doesn't really behave this way. But this character is someone who defies a label. The character is progressing -- and we all want things to develop more quickly -- but there are eight other cast members, and suffice it to say that I'm happy that things are beginning to evolve. Also, the writers and producers did not want the character defined solely by his sexuality, but wanted to first show that he was out and accepted by his friends in the building. I think we would be ethically remiss if Matt was defined solely by his sexual orientation just as much as if that aspect of his life was left out completely. Now we are beginning to develop the character with at least two upcoming episodes dealing with gay bashing and I am glad that it's not being neatly tied-up within one hour. GLAAD/LA Reports: There was a time when everyone was asking, "Where's Matt? Why aren't you visible?" What happened? Savant: I asked that question myself. I was frustrated, but things are coming around, and I think it's because it's time for these issues to be discussed -- and break down the homophobia. I have tremendous support from the community so far, but I'm sure there will be some outcry from the fundamentalists when this storyline is broadcast. GLAAD/LA Reports: How has playing this character changed your life? Do people still react to you in the same way? Savant: Basically, on the superficial level, like am I recognized when I go out, thankfully that hasn't happened, because I don't think that's a good way to live -- like you're always being watched. It has opened my eyes to a more intense level of understanding about homophobia. With my parents it has been a bit awkward when they announce to their friends that I am starring in a television show and then quietly say that it's the gay man on "Melrose Place." GLAAD/LA Reports: Would you be able to attend our Media Awards Show and Dinner on March 20 next year? Savant: That would be wonderful. I'd be happy to come and take part. Write: Doug Savant, c/o Jay Michael Bloom, 9200 Sunset Blvd., Suite 710, Los Angeles 90069. Quotable Quote... Surprising support from the hate-mongers at Donald Wildmon's American Family Association on Doug Savant's character, "Matt, another regular, is a homosexual who operates a half-way house and feeds homeless kids. He is infinitely more sensitive and compassionate about these issues than any of his trendy friends." A Letter from Doug Savant GLAAD/LA Monitor/Response Committe Member Shawn Griffin wrote a letter to Doug Savant, voicing support for his ground-breaking role in "Melrose Place," and raising the question over the invisibility of positive gay/lesbian role models on television. Mr. Savant took time to respond in a hand-written letter, and gave permission for the letter to be reprinted in GLAAD/LA Reports. Dear Shawn, A quick note to tell you how happy I am to receive your letter of support. Thank you. I am just now beginning to understand how important it will be to gay teens everywhere to have a positive role model to identify with. How necessary it is to the gay community at large to have an honest, open and dignified representation of a "not easily labeled" gay man on television, as opposed to stereotypic, easily dismissed, campy-characters that have been the standard characterization of the gay community. Please don't get me wrong -- I love good camp -- but these characters are sometimes dismissed with a laugh for lack of identification as everyman. Finally, I think this character could have a positive impact on the straight viewing audience as well. For if someone doesn't already have an ongoing relationship with an openly gay man, they can be exposed to Matt and hopefully begin to have the requisite compassion and understanding needed to obliterate the insidious evil that is homophobia. Thanks again Shawn. Your support is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Doug Savant - "Melrose Place"