(Warning: Spoilers below.)
In the third episode of Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World, lesbian couple Dana and Kirsten receive some surprising news: Despite all their efforts to impregnate Kirsten, it is Dana who, through a series of improbable events, is with child. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first instance of lesbian pregnancy on television (outside of a documentary) where the more butch partner is pregnant. Hurrah for breaking multiple levels of stereotypes.
The writers also plumb another truth of lesbian parenting as Kirsten bemoans that Dana will be seen as their child’s “real mom,” while she will remain merely the “lesbian lover.” The writers wrap it in a coating of farce, however, that will amuse some but offend others. Dana, who never intended to become pregnant, considers an abortion. Kirsten talks her out of it. It then dawns on her that this has cemented her claim to motherhood: the child will “realize she owes her life to me just as much as you.” It’s a ridiculous argument, but on one level, that’s the point. Kirsten doesn’t—or shouldn’t—need to do any such thing in order to be considered the child’s real mom.
No, it’s not necessary to push to boundaries of political correctness in order to convey that. Happiest Gay Couple’s approach will not appeal to everyone. As I said before, however, I think it’s a sign of confidence in our community that we can poke well-intentioned fun at LGBT parenthood, knowing it can withstand the jibes. One thing is certain: You’ll learn a whole lot more of the truth about LGBT families by watching Happiest Gay Couple than by watching Fox News.
