Why Do Gay Men Love The Golden Girls?

[@toddponton3406]

I had no idea Bea Arthur left $300,000 for the home for children who were thrown out on the street for being gay. God bless you Bea. Funny, strong, and charitable. Give Betty a hug for me.

[@lindahoward4465]

Bless you Bea 🙏🥰😘

[@digitalgenuis7732]

I think about this everyday and I think she deserves blessing like you say .

[@IlyaNLeo]

😭🙏

[@cdd4248]

Aaaahhh, give Betty a hug- a very sweet thing to say.

[@annavizard970]

I love knowing that. I'm not gay, but I was a runaway, and kids like us are invisable to all but the preditors. That support may actually save lives.

[@mewdreamer]

Estelle giving chicken soup in the hopes that it would help the people dealing with AIDS is both heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.

[@burkematthews9092]

I cried at that part

[@emilyflotilla931]

Truly "Chicken Soup for the Soul."

[@jackstrubbe7608]

And yet ever so much realistic and caring than Reagan was at the offset of the AIDS crisis. I loved her for it.

[@trudigoodman4825]

Well she was a Jewish Mom.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Providing tasty healthy homemade comfort food goes a very long way. Bless Estelle.

[@breadcrumbhoarder]

It’s heartbreaking that Estelle thought chicken soup would cure aids patients but I bet that, in a time of such pain and turmoil, knowing someone cared about you so much that they made you chicken soup must have been a great comfort.

[@susanlodges48]

Will you be attending the Heterosexual Pride day on 25th February? We, too, need respect.

[@Author.Noelle.Alexandria]

Especially since that was still when people thought that being in the same room as someone with AIDS was going to infect you. There was a lot of societal shunning. Some caring enough to BE THERE and to try would have been incredibly important.

[@Ambipie]

​@@susanlodges48 march in the yearly pride parade with your gay comrades first

[@brookevangelderen704]

@@susanlodges48 no ❤

[@Appyboi]

@@susanlodges48 You know shutting the fuck up is absolutely free right?

[@danesouthard3715]

My grandmother was the first person to “clock” me as being gay when I was just 6yrs old. I would get sent to her house for a month or 2 during the summer. She sat me down 1 day after we watched the golden girls together and told me that she knew I was “special “ and that was ok, and that as I grow up, people may not understand me being special but it was something that sets me apart and I should be proud of that” although, at the time I didn’t fully concept what we were talking about, but I came to realize and appreciate our conversation as I got older. Before this conversation, I was a shy kid who didn’t talk much , but Watching the Golden girls with my grandmother became our secret bonding time where we would laugh & I learned to become comfortable in my own skin. Golden girls gave me that platform, and to this day, anytime I’m wanting to Watch something familiar and comforting, & am missing my grandmother, I’ll watch old reruns of the golden girls and smile.

[@missparsley3202]

What a beautiful touching story...🤗 Good tidings to you and keep your grandmother near to your heart. I am sure she's watching you from 'Above'. God bless🙏 Best Regards from Belgium 🇧🇪 🍀🌺✌️🌟

[@LifesNeverHumDrum]

I’m so glad you had someone like that in your life ❤

[@ashleykerwood3565]

awwww

[@lecoramassamba]

Incredible 🥹 She was a blessing. I’m glad you had her 😍💖

[@laurenbeth4126]

Beautiful just beautiful 🙏🏼🥺😊

[@SacredDaturaa]

"there's no such thing as gay dwarves" "c'mon you've seen Snow White" Okay, that joke got a chuckle out of me.

[@KNPrince]

I laughed cause when he said that.. not a second before Bea Author said "Snow White" I thought it.

[@SacredDaturaa]

@@KNPrince Great minds, and all that xD

[@maevependragon]

Hahahaha yes!!!! Gotta love Bea!!!

[@HutchIsOnYT]

Betty White saying “brothers can’t marry sisters” was hilarious

[@rikkirikki4892]

"AIDS is not a bad person's disease, Rose" That line has stayed with me since I was a young girl up to today. Quite literally it was my first introduction to what HIV/AIDS was as a little girl watching episodes with my mom in the 90s, guided me through how I understood and spoke about the illness until I was old enough to look into it myself and to this day whenever HIV/AIDS is mentioned or discussed that quote *always* pops into my head for a moment. If it was that important to me I can't imagine how important it was to adults actively dealing with the illness for various reasons in the early 90s.

[@wulfrache]

It is tho, you rarely if EVER get aids doing something you should be doing.

[@susanlodges48]

Will you be attending the Heterosexual Pride day on 25th February? We, too, need respect.

[@mochabearry]

@life is not worth living for a guy like me They do, not sure why this person keeps spamming dumb things…

[@magnum_cx8805]

@@susanlodges48 Why do you interpret other people being happy as them disrespecting you?

[@decati31]

​@@susanlodges48shut up bigot

[@naneki1992]

Estelle giving AIDS patients chicken soup thinking it would help is BREAKING me 😭😭😭

[@desertrose1226]

She was a lovely darling lady.

[@josettedaejung6309]

All four of them were wonderful people. My girlfriend and I just had a birthday party for Ms. Betty White's 100th birthday. I 'll bet they're gossiping and eating cheesecake at their little kitchen table in Heaven right now. ❤

[@touraneindanke]

In a way it did help... Thinking of yrself in the same position... I would love to think someone brings me some love in a cup and attention to go with that. 💪💪💪🍀

[@talan123]

To be fair, it probably was as helpful as anything they had at the time.

[@valkyrie1066]

Hey, we do what we CAN.....right?

[@mariosanchezgumiel7757]

"The Golden Girls" dealt with serious issues: AIDS, homosexuality, ageism, racism... always with humor, with a didactic purpose, and, in my view, much more realistically than many of today's shows.

[@unlimitedmovies123]

Loved that show❤️❤️

[@adamjonkie5601]

Love the one representing us transmen.

[@ShakeDownStreet0714]

@@adamjonkie5601 Not every lesbian, gay man, or bisexual person wants to associate with the trans people. You can't force people to date trans people.

[@jodoodlyboi2963]

@the cool nice guy🎩 that’s not very cool nice guy of you. You’re talking about other people stereotyping, yet here you are doing the very same. Just let people appreciate a show that gave them comfort and helped them accept themselves

[@FIRING_BLIND]

Right?! It was genuinely ahead of it's time in so many ways

[@markwhitman9029]

Just remembered that when Bea passed she left 300K to the LGBTQ youth community! Not only a brilliant actress but a admirable humanitarian!!

[@adrivoid5376]

As a lesbian woman- the whole premise of the show ‘older woman relying on eachother, living together, and still be alive and romantically active in a life that doesnt surround their male partner or children’ it was v powerful

[@AnimusBehemoth]

As a pan amab enby, I never really thought about that aspect. It really is amazing just how many people found messages of comfort or joy or acceptance in this show.

[@Skeleton_Black]

i am not a lesbian but a woman and i was an 80s baby and i used to watch this show as a kid and used to aspire to be like this. also reminds me of my grandmother. my grandparents got divorced in the 80s and my grandmother and her sister bought a house and have lived together ever since.. they both died about 5 yrs ago and they ended up living together as sisters from 80s till they died 5 yrs ago. my grandmother never got remarried after the divorce. she and her sister was a lesbian. after my grandmother divorced. she spent her retirement yrs travelling around the world. so this show reminds me alot of my grandmother and her sister. their relationship and them living together and what i aspire to be when i get older. i don't really care about finding a man but the golden girls women look happy and lead happy full lives with each other

[@susanlodges48]

Will you be attending the Heterosexual Pride day next week?

[@mochabearry]

@@susanlodges48 What sort of stupid question…

[@AutumnForest862]

Even for us straight young women, it was magical to see older, single women just enjoying life.

[@Tabs1986]

I remember i just moved into my grandparents and i got real sick. I remember telling my grandma that i was gay and had slept with a guy at a trade school. She took me to go get an AIDS test and said no matter what the results are I will always love you gay or straight. each time I see the AIDS episode I think of that day my grandma showed me that no matter what people need to be loved.

[@petergrieder9393]

Sounds like your Grandma is Golden!

[@Tabs1986]

@@petergrieder9393 yes she is. Thank you

[@petergrieder9393]

@@Tabs1986 You bet my friend. Tell your Grandma she's cool from me. Some random guy from Ontario.

[@Tabs1986]

@@petergrieder9393 will do. Btw she asked me if i knew what grindr was...LOL

[@maevependragon]

Awwww what a great story! I'm happy you have such a loving grandmother!!!

[@Auron12786]

These 4 women are great examples of why age and being a “product of the times” doesn’t excuse things like racism and LGBT+ phobia

[@christiandorr1546]

YES! Those "excuses" are always bullshit to me.

[@julilla1]

This is absolutely true. My mother told me in about 1976 that my uncles were gay, and explained what it was as I was only about 7. She said they didn't want us to tell my grandfather and I asked why and she said "Because some people think it's wrong, but it's not wrong. Those people who think that it is are wrong, they think God doesn't like it. But God is love and if your uncles fall in love with men, there is nothing but God in it."

[@lefantomer]

Or maybe because they just like to think of women as old bats lacking the essential equipment?

[@Ninnjette-]

Some of the episodes at the time were looked at as pushing it, if it wasn’t looked at as pushing it then obviously the subject matter would have been excepted and there would have been no drama surrounding them. So no your comment doesn’t make sense.

[@lefantomer]

@@Ninnjette- Neither does yours. That's usually a sign of evasion. Bye-bye ninnjette!

[@RogueAstro85]

I'm a nurse and the one thing I can bond with most of my elderly patients on is our love of the Golden Girls. One of my patients said the cutest thing "Oh I love that Blanche, she goes through men like I go through a box of crackers" 😂

[@Silencer796]

Lol

[@user-me3ge8de4o]

Lmaoo

[@JennaLeigh]

I laughed out loud! Love it😂

[@rebeccacarter1914]

I am not gay, but single, without children, in my sixties, and I visit my family in the cemetery. I understand what it's like to be alone and how you come up with coping strategies. Thank God for good friends. We are all just doing our best to get along.

[@AG-iu9lv]

It's lovely that you have your people. ❤

[@herminepursch2470]

I still go to grade school reunions a lot of them are gone now some of us used to talk about being the golden girls right now I share a house with my son, nephew, and childhood friend

[@notactive-11111]

For the episode "Ebbtide's Revenge" where Sophia's crossdressing son, Phil, died, the script included a scene where Sophia would approach the casket and make very cutting remarks about seeing him in a teddy and Estelle was so troubled by that, that she called one of the producers and told him she didnt want to do the episode. The idea of Sophia looking at her dead son and making jokes felt heartless to her. They said she was absolutely right and they we-wrote parts of it episode and it got nominated for a Writers Guild Award.

[@madabbafan]

Estelle refused to play roles where her character was to be homophobic or rasist or show any form of bigotry.

[@Ipernova]

I think this show was so loved by the lgbt+ community because it showcased what the actual "gay lifestyle" was like, in a truthful way, free of homophobic prejudice, negative messages, and scaremongering propaganda: friends living together and becoming family, supporting each other and building something outside the mainstream nuclear family paradigm. It was relatable and encouraging at the same time.

[@Author.Noelle.Alexandria]

Blanche was used in a wonderful way in this show. She was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy as well as homophobic. When she’s show intolerance, she’d be shown why she was wrong. But since her character was also fun, we could forgive her when she learned something and still see her as a good person for her growth. It would have been so easy to make her a bad guy for the views she started out with, and kept her as a bad guy, rather than to portray her as someone fun who had bad views, but was open to change.

[@mochabearry]

@@Author.Noelle.Alexandria Love it

[@magsshaw]

they were so ahead of their time, I'm always impressed by the episode on chronic fatigue syndrome and medical misogyny they did way back in 1989!

[@Butterflier00]

more like...it was happening then and nothing has improved over the last 40ish decades....

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

@@Butterflier00 40 decades? 400 years?

[@andreakoroknai1071]

I often rewatch GG and last year I rewatched Sex and the City and SatC is sooo cringe and outdated while Golden Girls holds up

[@mohawkcub]

@@noneofurbusiness5223 It's the two parter Sick And Tired, the season 5 opener.

[@nono-io5kt]

@@mohawkcub Little balls of sunshine.

[@TheNraveles]

Also the fact that the show even addressed massive things like addiction, homelessness, sex work, death, grief, aging, so many things

[@michaellandon1960]

I guess you're talking about San Francisco

[@richardberman2778]

Bea was my mom's first cousin, and Golden Girls was required viewing in our house when I was in high school. She actually had an incredible life story: she was a marine in WWII and was also a founding member of the OSS, which was later renamed the CIA. She and uncle Gene were very nice people, and Bea did a lot for people with no press or public recognition. She and her sister Kay had almost identical speaking voices, and whenever we would go out with her, people would always come over for autographs - only to be disappointed.

[@missparsley3202]

What a magnificent story. I have always loved The Golden Girls show. I am a lot like Dorothy and also live with my mom in real life. We quarrel like Dorothy and Sofia, but when I was small and we watched this sitcom together, we were always laughing and having the best time. I still enjoy it, when they occasionally broadcast reruns of the show. I wish I can one day retire and have fun with besties like they were. This was always my favorite sitcom.🤗💐👍 Kind Regards from Belgium 🇧🇪🍀✌️ God bless 🙏

[@VanessaJohnson-g7f]

Wow I wonder if she ever met Julia Child, who was also an early member of the OSS. Fun to think of the possibility of those two smart, tall, independent being chums and having advwntures during WWII.

[@robertpeacock894]

As a straight male listening to how classy and great the women were on the show I grew up on I’m crying. Thanks for this video, and the happiest tears.

[@dorisbrannon5141]

As a straight female I am too!

[@Mizelei2012]

As a straight man I don't understand why your sexual orientations have anything to do with your assessments of their eloquence.

[@robertpeacock894]

@@Mizelei2012 because it’s great to see how much of a safe space they gave other people besides myself and yours in the 80’s and 90’s when during the AIDS scare so many were being treated awfully in their own homes.

[@Mizelei2012]

@@robertpeacock894 that makes sense. Except for the part where it says "in their own homes". Wouldn't it be worse in public or in the streets? Especially if 'their own home' excludes their parental home.

[@jstone7365]

I used to watch the Golden Girls as a kid with my grandma. A cute short story about her. I used to walk to my grandma's house after middle school every day, and I had a friend who would walk me often just so we could talk. One day my grandma and I were watching Ellen, and she gestured to the tv saying "People like her are okay. Theyre not bad. There's nothing wrong with them." And though I had just discovered my own sexuality of being queer I was confused as to why she would know to speak to me about it. Turns out my grandma thought me and the girl who walked me were dating cuz she went out of her way to walk me to my grandma's. It then took me years to realize that the girl had a crush on me. But long story short my grandma was letting me know it was okay to be gay. And for that I'm thankful. Watching the Golden Girls, I Love Lucy, The Nanny, and many classic old shows with my grandma are cherished memories of mine.

[@MontagZoso]

Awesome story and you had a Wonderful Grandma! 👍❤️💐

[@500TurtlesFilm]

Great story. Thanks for sharing. Grandma sounds like a real peach!

[@peterriverajr6899]

That's a beautiful story.

[@ma.2089]

Your grandmother sounds like an absolute sweetheart.

[@Zemzabbers]

Coolest nanny like everrrrrr

[@tj921able]

The saddest episode to me was when Sophia's son died and all she could say was "her baby was gone". Sophia loved her children so much and the pain in Estelle's voice shows how she was a GREAT actress. I loved how accepting Sophia was of him as well.

[@KNPrince]

Yes.. I agree with you 100%.. and also Sophia sending Phil a "catalog gift" I think Blanche asks "LL Bean?" and Sophia shoots back "No Victoria Secret"... I always loved that line and makes me chuckle just thinking about it...

[@basementdwellercosplay]

I love 'isn't it romantic' simply cause it ends with them as friends. They don't split ways cause Rose feels uncomfortable, Rose would rather have a friend then make someone feel unwanted

[@seamusmoley963]

the story about Estelle Getty offering Stan Zimmerman a lil pep talk offering her support is just so wholesome. She was such a great ally to the lgbt+ community, especially at a time when supporting our community could have have meant career suicide. She had no fear in taking on roles that would make people think about their own beliefs

[@fulla1]

I always loved The Golden Girls, mainly because I found it funny. As a now grown up gay (and happily married) man, I see so clearly what this show has done to society - not only in the US. Of course I now know about the activism of all the Girls, but this sums it up so perfectly, that I watched it with tears in my eyes. BTW: I never officially came out to my family, but it was my grandma, who called me and asked, if the guy I'm hanging around a lot maybe is my boyfriend. I immediately knew that it's ok for her and answered "yes". From this day on, he was not only a "friend of the family", he was part of it and eventually I put a ring on it.

[@catebrooks6779]

🥰🥰🥰😭😭😭🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@tookitogo]

Awwww! That’s an amazing story! What I also like about how your grandma handled it is something I wish more people knew: coming out is scary. I didn’t learn until after I came out that both of my parents had gay friends, and that we’d even had some civil rights activists and a trans woman in the family (back when that was far rarer than it is today). I had never had any reason to suspect that they’d react _badly,_ but still you can’t be absolutely certain of that _unless they tell you._ So the thing I wish parents knew is that they should not _assume_ their kids _know_ they’d be OK with it, but rather to proactively and explicitly tell them so. As I have since said to a few parents who have had suspicions their kids might be gay: “Bring up the topic casually, and tell your kids that you would love and support them unconditionally if they happen to be LGBT+. If it turns out that they are, you’ll have removed an immeasurable worry from their shoulders, and created more openness and trust between you. And if it turns out they’re not, you’ve still instilled in them tolerance and acceptance.” Your grandma must have instinctively understood this! My own grandma returned to Florida for the final 20-odd years of her life. (In fact, my mom grew up in Miami!) A few years before she died, I was in a long-distance relationship with a guy in Florida, and we planned my visits so that I could see both him and Granny when I flew down. One time, he came and stayed with me at Granny’s house. When it came time to make sleeping arrangements at the house, we said we could just share a bed, and Granny said “it’s good to have a bed buddy!”. To this day, I don’t know whether she was completely oblivious, or completely perceptive. (I had only just come out to my parents, so Granny had not been told, and we never did bring it up.)

[@CerinAmroth]

I see so many people that bonded with their grandmother and I never got too close with mine as both of them lived far away and died when I was very young. I miss something I never had.

[@loferx]

Picturing Estelle Getty saying "you're one of us!" to the writer made me greatly happy

[@pearlgirl5643]

Was Estelle possibly Lesbian or bi herself? I don’t know much about her personal life.

[@MateusGowen]

@@pearlgirl5643 she was straight, as were the other 3. She was married to her husband, Arthur, but moved out to California in the mid 80's when she began working on Golden Girls. He didn't want to leave New York, and so he stayed there with their 2 sons, Carl and Barry. They didn't see each other often but still made the marriage work. Arthur died in 2004, and Estelle died in 2008 from Lewy body dementia.

[@TheRavendearest]

Thank you so much for this. I'm a 65 year old Gay man and fondly remember watching the golden girls with my friends in the bars...they all died of AIDS in the 80's and 90's this brought back so many memories and touched me deeply.

[@blahblog4322]

Sorry you had to go through that

[@thethrowawaythatstayed7055]

I’m not a gay guy, I’m a queer gal and I grew up in the 90/2000s but watching GG dvds always felt like a warm safe hug to me. My own granny yelled at me when I came out to her a couple of years ago and made me cry (we haven’t spoken since). These ladies wouldn’t do that. Thankfully my partners grandma is a supportive ally, so I’ve got the real deal now! She was a refugee and lived through the Nazis and Soviets. She has NO time for hate and is well and truly a part of my found family.

[@maevependragon]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I have had family disown me for my own sexuality and I'm glad your partner's grandma is so supportive. I definitely understand how this show was a comfort to the LGBTQUIA+ community....to those out and not. I felt the same way!

[@cc1k435]

Good for you for finding your support system in life. I have a really difficult family, and I'm not even gay, but I've always realized how brutal they would have been if any of us were. There are plenty of reasons to have a "found family," and I know I sure appreciate mine. There are a lot of people in this world who just can't seem to deal with life honestly and maturely, let alone figure out what's important and what shouldn't be at all. 😊

[@littlegreycellsmine4291]

Thank you for your documentar​y. Very well presented and for once I could understand everything being said.

[@catebrooks6779]

😭😭😭😭😭😭I'm so glad you found your family!! *hugs*

[@momistaken]

Hey, I’m a Granny and I love you 😘💕! Your granny isn’t a real Granny, she probably came in from one of those cartoon space ships!

[@robjacobs6168]

One of the most touching moments in the show, which makes me (much like audience members during the taping) tear up every single time is during the "Ebbtide's Revenge" episode, when Phil has passed and Sophia comes to terms with his queer identity. First Rose gives a very touching speech and then after Big Sal responds to her lamenting what it was, or what she had said or done to make him the way he was with "What he was Sophia, was a good man!" Her "My baby is gone" still is one of the most heartbreaking moments on the show. Also notice Rose gently patting Dorothy's leg in support...

[@joelarama]

As a gay man who periodically suffers from depression, the Golden Girls has been an absolute life saver for me. I get so lost in the comedy and brilliant performances it lifts my mood immeasurably. Love, love, love this show.

[@Dragonflylane77]

I'm a straight white woman and I feel the same way. ❤

[@JK-zz4ip]

I'm a straight woman who grew up watching this show, I think I underestimated this show and the importance it had on my own development and the importance it had for many other people.

[@music_YT2023]

My grandma was a nurse and later a librarian and she watched has us watching the Golden Girls religiously. While she didn't talk much, she was very adamant in her support for the oppressed and educating the masses. Love your deep dives on classic television and the in front of and behind the scenes activism.

[@josettedaejung6309]

Your gran was an incredible lady!

[@leonardszubinski4709]

Your so called "activism" is none other than LGBTQ indoctrination!

[@flwrfan1752]

@@leonardszubinski4709-You are so wise-A wide acre.

[@music_YT2023]

@@leonardszubinski4709 Being aware of - and activating for - the rights of oppressed peoples is indoctrination now? Here I thought it was just compassion and understanding.

[@pigs18]

@@music_YT2023 I remember reading about some Middle Eastern guy who said the same thing (until they nailed him to a pole).

[@stepfanhuntsman5470]

"Imagine how this episode must have felt to a gay man..." Nope don't need to imagine it, that episode was my god damn lifeline during some of the darker parts of my life. Golden Girls will forever have a special special place in my heart.

[@PBthesquirrel]

My heart!! I started crying when he showed the scene with Rose saying, "if my test comes back positive, you won't want to be around me." This isolation mentality has been traumatic for anyone who is HIV+ and so unnecessary. Seeing people suffer from that kind of treatment always gets me:( I'm glad they pointed out how dumb that POV is by showcasing America's sweetheart to potentially have contracted HIV

[@1mobetter99]

Sadly, all too true. I started nurse's training in 1986, when we were still learning about HIV. Even the seasoned nurses were afraid to enter into the closed rooms; all we really knew for sure was that it probably wasn't air-born. Growing up, I was interested in palliative/end of life care; there was no way I was leaving them alone behind that door when all I needed were some gloves, a gown, and a smile. I've never forgotten how it felt, looking at the door handle of that closed door while listening to everyone say they were too afraid to enter the room; I can still see it. I gained invaluable nursing skills, but sadly, I had to say goodbye to all of my patients, one by one. I remember them still, almost 40 years later. I never thought I'd be working through another dark time.

[@kategleason6481]

Lindy, you make me proud to be a nurse. Lotsa love!

[@annmarieknapp2480]

I'm so glad you mentioned the HIV crisis back in the 80s and 90s. It was a very frightening time and quite a bit of homophobia...it was awful. Younger folks today have no idea how lucky they are to have cocktails of antivirals that have made massive advances on longevity and health. Coming of age as a teen, the idea of sex, was terrifying. And it wasn't pregnancy I feared it was a fatal disease. The idea of hookup culture still surprises me because it was so dangerous back in the day. Now with overturning of Roe and the anxiety of what will happen to contraception, sex has becoming a serious topic again. Doesn't matter what a person's sexual orientation, there is a conservative movement that isn't so accepting of LGBTQ and strong females. I was hoping we were past this. I wonder how the Golden Girls would discuss the reversal of Roe today. Really happy the show has endured and been so positive for so many people.

[@POLITIMICOST]

The 4 ladies would be saying with one voice "are you kidding me? We are STILL fighting for this crap again?"

[@LP-bi4vc]

"We are the only family Rose has here, so we have to help her" is a beautiful line that says so much.

[@MsNooneinparticular]

Estelle bringing chicken soup to the men with AIDS thinking it would make them better... I'm not crying, you're crying. These women were all the sweetest souls. Best writing in sitcom history. Great breakdown sir.

[@michaellandon1960]

Chicken Soup doesn't make you live.

[@caitlinkershaw8006]

@@michaellandon1960 no, but it was a sweet gesture given to a group of people that were being dehumanised at that time. Also, the AIDS epidemic was considered only for gay people, so clearly nobody knew much about how to treat it if they didn't even know that anyone could get it. Sorry for this rant but giving them chicken soup probably made them feel better because they were being treated as human and with generosity while their bodies were deteriorating from the disease

[@supershepherd]

@@michaellandon1960 Obviously not, but like any loving mother figure that's the first thing she turns to when someone she cares about is sick.

[@michaellandon1960]

@@caitlinkershaw8006You analyze the situation like my Proctologist

[@herlocksholmes-uv5qw]

@@michaellandon1960 Of course not, but it's sweet either way. My grandmother up to this day believes that, when someone is with a cold, she can cure them faster if she makes vegetable soup, and it makes me feel warm everytime she does that when she notices I'm sick. Estelle probably had a similar mentality, and even if it didn't help, I'm sure it was at least comforting that this old lady wanted to help

[@RaulieGonzo97]

Never knew about Estelle and her history with the LGBTQ community. So interesting. Love your videos!

[@Exiled.New.Yorker]

Broadway family is family.

[@Ggg496]

She was lovely

[@StalkinU]

thanks to your comment I now know I can stop watching this child abuse promoting video. homosexuality has NOTHING to do with lgbtq pedophilia.

[@TehMomo_]

@@StalkinU you lost, bro

[@EyeonthePrize247]

@@StalkinU What does that have to do with OP’s comment?

[@AthalieM]

That scene between Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy included Blanche saying, "To think that Jean would prefer Rose over me! That's ridiculous!" SOOOOO funny. Amazing balance of humor and seriousness.

[@faustfilms]

I'm so very, very lucky to have been an extra on this show. It was a union job, so the pay was good. I still have the pay stub in my scrap book. It was a two day shoot, so that paid the rent for that month. As a gay man, I had no idea this gig would be in a show that not only stood the test of time, but would help us gays in our quest for equality. I must say, I only met one Golden Girl, as you were trained that if you are a nobody, you don't engage any principals...don't even make eye contact. Betty White ran over to me within a few minutes of the start of the shoot (this was at Sunset Gower Studios, as their usual set had had a fire, and we were shooting in a different studio). Though I only met one of the cast, I feel so honored to have met that one. If you read that BW was the best, believe it. I've honestly never met anyone so caring and loving.

[@jeffmazziotta]

As a straight man, I may not be able to fully understand the struggles that the LGBT+ community has to overcome on a day to day basis but I absolutely hope we can continue towards a society where they can freely be themselves with no retribution or judgement. I love how the golden girls has helped push our society forward in these goals and the work done by the staff and crew behind the scenes to push for equality and support for people who are persecuted simply for being true to themselves. Thank you for such a well put together video

[@blahblog4322]

Your guilt is no interest of mine

[@charlesmendeley9823]

Thanks for your encouraging. ❤

[@Mizelei2012]

As a straight man, I too would like to use this opportunity to show everyone how virtuous I am by saying I support the current thing

[@blahblog4322]

@@Mizelei2012 that is so funny lol as a gay man I want to thank you for being validated by a straight man and thanks for letting me know I'm ok to be gay LOL your comment had me in stiches

[@vipermad358]

I am a straight, white, cisgender guy in his mid-fifties. I never watched this show, but when Betty White died I had a conversation about this topic with one of my co-workers, who is gay. This video is very touching. I had no idea about these actors' back-stories and ahead-of-their-time advocacy for the gay community -- especially during the horrible AIDS epidemic, which I remember well. Anyway, great job! Indeed, love is love. Peace.

[@vipermad358]

@@paulsmith2279 Nah. I just ask my gay friends. I ain't going to college anytime soon, kiddo.

[@laurenc5306]

From a bi woman, it always makes me happy to see straight cis allies. Thank you for your support

[@laurenc5306]

@Kipper Knickerz I ... don't know where you've gotten this idea from. I frequently see straight men call themselves cis online, usually when discussing LGBT topics. It's not that unusual, especially on the Internet

[@daniellarkins3849]

@@vipermad358 not even 1 episode?

[@daniellarkins3849]

@@vipermad358 When did you get gay friends? Did you ever have homophobic views and what made you change them?

[@Guns_and_Butter]

I’m a black heterosexual male and I might be one of the biggest Golden Girls fans ever lol. Shoutout to LGBT+ supporting one of the GOATs of shows. P.S Blantche was my boo thing 😂🤣

[@raqueldeshow9678]

Werq

[@blueskye6372]

Virtual hug. 👋💜👌🧡🙂

[@CheshireCesare]

Proof that no matter who you are, everyone comes together in agreement in loving The Golden Girls ^_^ 👏🏼

[@knowhatnot347]

Rose was mine, Betty white was the greatest actress ever, may all the queens RIP

[@susanlodges48]

Will you be attending the Heterosexual Pride day on 25th February? We, too, need respect.

[@takata98]

It's interesting to hear Dorothy say "Parents don't talk to their kids about sex!" There are so many parents out there who still figure their kids are "Too Young for that conversation" so they put it off, and then by the time they figure they should, it's either now to embarrassing or they figure the kids are at such an age they know about it already so it's too late!. It happens in every generation sadly!.

[@debbieomi]

I always encouraged my son to ask me anything in addition to having age appropriate conversations about everything- religion, politics, puberty, sex, whatever. His sophomore year, when kids were turning 15, he told me that five of his friends (3 girls, 2 boys) were discussing whether a female could get pregnant from ingesting sperm. I was gobsmacked that kids that age would even begin to think that was possible! He said he told them the sperm wasn't going anywhere but into her stomach and not her uterus but that he would ask me and let them know. They got embarrassed and said you can't ask a parent something like that. I was quite proud when he told me that he told them he could ask me anything in the world and if I didn't know the answer, I would help him find it and that they could call me if they wanted. lol I didn't think parents would appreciate that very much as much as I would have loved to be open and honest with them, too.

[@hubbaman9885]

That's impressive. I was only taught that it is only males that have hormones and are supposedly "sex crazed" growing up by my mother and grandmother whom I was primarily raised by. I knew at a young age that was not true, largely had to learn about sex in school. Kudos to you for making it safe for your son to ask his loving mother anything. I couldn't do that with mine, not without a standard lecture of how only males think with their organs. Made wonder later in life if she was gay in secret or just a man hater. And as a straight male, I love the Golden Girls! I grew up watching it and still do to this day.

[@Sabbathtage]

One thing my mom did right is she explained it very simply to me at 4. I asked wear babies com from and she explained sex like a "lock and a key". I was like "Oh, okay" and went on with my day. When sex education started in school I was comfortable with the knowledge and looked at the kids who didn't know with bewilderment. So glad I want blushing or lost in class that week.

[@gamer2101]

I come from a family of preachers and they did not talk about sex. It’s important but thank god they didn’t talk to me about it. Lol. I am also a lesbian so I didn’t tell them until I was 20. It didn’t go well so but they love me and we don’t talk about it. Lol

[@debbieomi]

@@gamer2101 Would you be able to take a girlfriend to a family gathering? My mom's cousin was a divorced lesbian who had a lifelong partner but they never "officially" came out to everyone. Marilyn and Bonnie raised Marilyn's son and daughter from her marriage, living together from about 1975 until Bonnie passed in '17 and Marilyn followed in '18. The family always referred to Bonnie as the roommate. I was 13 in '77 when I figured it out at a family picnic. They never touched but they made googly eyes at each other the same way my uncle did with his fiance. lol I asked my mom and at first, she insisted they were just roommates but after giving it some consideration, decided I just might be right. It was confirmed to very few family members over the years, one of whom was my mother. From that point on, she made it very clear that when they were in our home or if we were visiting them (we lived several hours apart so visits were 2-3 times a year), they were expected to be their normal selves, that they were loved, accepted, and respected. Many years later, I told cousin Marilyn that I was sorry they never felt they could be themselves around 95% of the family. I hope it's different for you and there will be a time of acceptance and understanding. I will never understand a parent not being over the moon happy when their child has found someone they love and who loves them back. I don't care what gender, orientation, color, race, religion- just be good to my baby boy! Sorry, I tend to go on and on! lol

[@hayberdasher8625]

The whole "destroying marriage" argument is nothing more than one set of people trying to push their beliefs onto everyone else. Bravo to these women and the show writers standing up against the status quo.

[@jenniferedmunds6070]

A long time ago.. when AIDS was just starting to peak in North America I was a nurse in western Canada. There was no cure and really no treatment beyond supportive therapy at that time. I had an admission one afternoon... a young man who had come to my small city to help set up a chain hobby store. He was admitted with unexplained fevers. During his admission process, he confided that he was gay and was newly HIV positive. At that time, our hospital really hadn't seen any HIV patients. I had received some extra education about HIV and knew everything that was known about transmission at the time. There was definitely bias against gay people and especially HIV/AIDS patients in my community. When tests showed that he had lymphoma, it was clear that he now had full blown AIDS. He cried, and I stayed right next to him... held his hand, and hugged him. I worked to help him get flights home so he could be with his partner. Less than a month later, I received a package. It was from his partner. He told me that Michael had died from lymphoma and complications related to HIV. He wanted me to know how much he appreciated the way that I had cared for his life partner and true love. It broke my heart. I was thankful that I had been educated about AIDS properly and that I was able to be in the right place and time to support him.

[@christinaify]

RIP Betty White. 35 years old and crying over a celebrity death seems strange, but her and Robin gutted me.

[@josephinebournes8212]

You're not the only one

[@saundraschaefer]

Yeah. Her death hit pretty hard.

[@Himesua]

Same....same

[@agonistes06]

i couldn't agree more.

[@POLITIMICOST]

It's because wonderful people like that grace the world while they're here and we hate to see them leave it. 😢

[@Daxsymbiote]

As a gay guy. I feel it's best to be 'Blanche' to your straight friends, and 'Dorothy' to your gay friends. You can't go wrong with that ;-)

[@barbarastanwyck4288]

i spent a lot of my youth being a 'sophia' to all my friends until one day i realized i was being mean, not hilarious....

[@GoodLuckBabe_xo]

I've never heard that put so well lol

[@seto749]

Eh, straights worth befriending don't need the playing up to stereotype.

[@TM-np5lq]

@seto749 Thank you for maybe the smartest comment I've seen all day. Simple Honesty and authenticity would benefit EVERYONE on all sides.

[@hilmir]

As a gay guy, you only need to be yourself. Lol

[@kimberlee9608]

My lesbian heart sings knowing Golden Girls used Betty White to PERFECTION in the unavoidable “when you have a crush on a straight girl and you two finally address it” conversation. Makes me love her even more ❤️

[@josettedaejung6309]

"Jean prefers Rose over me? That's ridiculous!"😆😆

[@joshuarobertson8866]

@@josettedaejung6309 That reaction was so Blanche 😂

[@benjamingeiger]

That episode had my favorite Sophia quote of all time: "Some people like cats instead of dogs. Frankly, I'd rather live with a lesbian than a cat. Unless the lesbian sheds, then I don't know."

[@amandaredd3057]

Oh man, that part at the end of the episode when Phil dies when Sophia says what she does about "what was the day I did whatever it was I did to make him the way he was" and his wife Angela says "what he was, Sophia, was a good man" That still guts me. Estelle was amazing

[@gordongraham7]

I'm one of the gazillion gay men who love this show and this video is absolutely wonderful. I laughed and cried as so many cherished memories came back to me. The show was special. Thanks for posting this. It made this old gay man very happy. ❤

[@ringbling420]

I'm a straight man and I still loved Golden Girls - not just because I grew up with it but as a kid watching it was one of those shows that made you laugh and taught you something along the way. Years later - I realized how much this show taught me to be accepting of others who are different than you - but as long as they aren't hurting anyone they aren't doing anything wrong. This show cuts across all genders, sexual orientations, race and many others it should be revered by all!

[@amyschildgamerlive4519]

Always great to have an ally regardless of orientation you belong with us! 🌈

[@eluemina2366]

You are a wonderful person.

[@sexychocolateable]

I'm a straight female and I love the Golden Girls I remember the first episode came out and one of my friend was gay and he came out to me when we were in high school and it was in the 90's I kept his secret with me and I still support him

[@amyschildgamerlive4519]

@@sexychocolateable that's awesome! You're a good friend and definitely an ally!

[@emilychristina3172]

I’m a straight female and the reason I love GG so much is their friendship, how loyal & supportive they are to each other. I’ve always struggled with my weight, even in elementary school, and didn’t have any friends, so I always wanted to have friends like Rose, Dorothy, Sophia & Blanche, who love you no matter what you look like ❤️❤️❤️

[@searchingfororion]

Two things; this thumbnail is *everything.* Secondly, I'm ♿ yet relatively young. For my birthday my caregiver bought me a shirt with the images of the Golden Girls vignetted in pride colors. Despite discussing a variety of topics, the show had never come up - but she saw it while shopping and instantly thought of me. 😂 She wasn't wrong! 🏳️‍🌈

[@brmbkl]

They really missed an opportunity for a epic sitcom moment where Rose would walk into a party and say "are you a friend of Dorothy's" and a couple of guys would reply "oh we"re all friends of Doeothy here"...

[@maddieb.4282]

I just went to see John Waters speak in SF and he referenced that phrase, I had to explain it to the person I was with 😂 I love this comment, it’s so perfectly timed for me

[@bluecollarlit]

Haha I first heard the expression "friend of Dorothy" watching The Crown.

[@wendellellison3482]

These four women touched more souls than they will ever know. An absolute Godsend! Timelessly AMAZING!!!

[@debbieomi]

This video brought up lots of emotion for me. I had just moved to an urban area from rural northern Michigan and experiencing quite a bit of gay culture for the first time. I remember the "neighborhood" bar that I began going to because a friend was a bouncer there. Turned out it was a gay bar, a low key, everyone knows your name, neighborhood bar. I made incredibly good friends, some I only got to share a short time with due to AIDS. I remember those Saturday night viewing parties. As the credits rolled, the dj or band would take the stage again. I look back to that time 30ish years ago as some of the best years in my life when I felt so much love and acceptance, my brain was exploding with information, I experienced real grief for the first time and on a huge scale and everything that shaped me into an activist ally. I finished this video over an hour ago and I'm lying here thinking about those friends, wondering what life would've been for those who were taken too soon. I've lost contact with all but one fellow over the years so I wonder what life is for them. gah! Maybe time for some Facebook sleuthing. Anyhow, thank you, Matt, for all of this.

[@rossbeijing]

How beautiful! Thanks for sharing. 🌈

[@ayindestevens6152]

Thanks for sharing and Good Luck in finding them!

[@paradisesunrise81]

This is so sweet, thank you for sharing.

[@amyschildgamerlive4519]

Always nice to have an ally! Regardless of your orientation you belong with us! 🌈

[@debbieomi]

@@amyschildgamerlive4519 I have felt that kinship since I was a child. My mother would talk about the two homosexual boys she went to high school with (in the early 60s) and how they were such good friends to her. At the same time, I'm hearing it's a sin from the pulpit and "love the sinner, hate the sin". That made no friggin' sense to me. I was a roley-poley little girl and was ostracized from it. But, I knew that was something I could change and somehow knew that being gay was just the way some people were and nothing could or SHOULD be done about it. And, why did some people think it was ok to make gay folks feel less than or like nothing? grrrr Getting worked up here. Anyhow, I stand proudly with all my LBGTQ+ friends and will until the day I die.

[@lisawilliams2013]

“Isn’t It Romantic?” is one of my favorite episodes of any series. It was intelligent, funny, and bittersweet. Gonna rewatch it today! 💖

[@noahhutchins5164]

It's so beautiful! I love that episode as well. The ending is just so sweet

[@josettedaejung6309]

My favourite episode is "In a Bed of Rose's".

[@djslarge]

I’m shocked you didn’t mention the episode where Dorothy has chronic fatigue syndrome. The comparison between a mysterious illness and AIDS is so obvious, especially Estelle talking about the thousands who had to die before they knew what was going on

[@doodadsdandy]

i totally understand where you’re coming from but that episode was more so about medical misogyny and ageism where doctors were dismissing Dorothy and telling her that nothing was wrong, to have a vacation, to get her hair done and it’ll make her feel better. One of the executive producers of the show, Susan Harris, based the episode off of her experience also getting diagnosed with chronic fatigue! pretty cool stuff

[@maddieb.4282]

It doesn’t just have to be an allegory…. It was LITERAL, a story about real WOMEN who were ignored because of their gender. Sexism by the medical industrial complex still happens today. They made different episodes about AIDS that you can certainly credit but if you prioritize the interpretation of a symbolic gay male activism over a literal female interpretation of the story, you’re unconsciously engaging in misogyny yourself

[@valeriemcdonald440]

As someone with chronic fatigue syndrome, I view that as an episode about chronic fatigue syndrome lol. But it is definitely applicable to a lot of people's experiences with doctors.

[@taechic]

Golden girls was one of the few shows my whole family watched and loved. My parents are immigrants from Cameroon and typically watched a lot of Nigerian movies but all of us came together and found joy in this show. ❤️

[@John-ct9zs]

I never knew this was a show that had a huge gay following. I'm a straight guy and I loved The Golden Girls when it came out in the mid 1980s, I was a 9, 10 year old kid and it was just a show to watch in the evening. I continued watching even in high school, but probably not with the same regularity. I knew women loved this show, but I had no idea gay guys were into it. What floors me today is that I'm in my late 40s, and the youngest Golden Girl, Rue McClanahan/Blanche was 51 years old. My God when I was in elementary school, I thought she was ancient, and here I am now not that far from her age.

[@Margie75]

I was 10 years old when the Golden Girls premiered in 1985 and I watched every episode until the last episode. As a straight, African American woman, I loved these women and I applaud them for loving their fans and supporting the LGBT community. Bea,Estelle,Rue and Betty are not just my favorite actresses but they are my role models in how to enjoy life after 50 although I am not there yet but I know that life doesn't stop after 30.

[@michaellandon1960]

Sorry, but it's no longer LGBT. It's L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+. Get with the times!

[@Margie75]

@@michaellandon1960 I am with the times! Excuse me for not realizing there were a few more letters. So thankful I am not Anita Bryant or Roy Cohn.

[@felicitypasquill9194]

Really, I'm just grateful not to be a thinkphobe. Prefer to stop & think for myself rather than just following all the time

[@maevependragon]

I was 7. I loved watching this as a kid and now as an adult. My 11 year old loves it too!

[@tuicastro4431]

Right, but if you were born in 1975, you're alteady there, sister! 😁

[@DeadSezSo]

It was a show about 4 people who were part of an underrepresented group in Hollywood that acknowledged their sexuality and happened to be incredibly progressive and LGBT allies. Oh and it was the most hilarious sassiest shadiest show out. Their friendship is just like our friend groups are lol

[@nachtdrachen716]

It's always an eye opener to watch the Golden Girls... 30 years later... Their voices STILL bring the message home: "We are family. We are love. We are here for each other... And THAT will never change." 😭... I miss Bea and Betty.... Rest in Peace, bright stars.

[@missparsley3202]

Amen.🙏

[@reuben854]

I miss all the ladies.

[@herminepursch2470]

I only watched it a few times but I enjoyed it so if I get a chance to watch it it'll be new to me

[@James-rc5gr]

This actually brought a tear to my eye. Because in the time of having no support, I could turn on the tv, and have a family that loved and cared about me. Even though, sometimes it was hard for them. It helped knowing that there were people out there that didnt view me as a disease, or an abomination. Wanna know why we loved them so much? Because I was human to them, and not a label. And that was more love than I got from my own family.

[@tappingcowboy]

Great explanation about the golden girls! As a gay man I sometimes even wondered about it’s immense popularity with gay men. Well done! But I did find one glaring omission. There was an episode on the earlier mentioned “Mary Tyler Moore show” where Phyllis‘s brother is gay and befriends Rhoda, who helps him come out to his sister. This episode deserves a nod. It helped to pave the way for the Golden girls.

[@peggyfillmore1971]

Being a straight person in high school in the 80s was raised strict Christian in the middle of Christian south. You didn't dare admit you were gay...God forbid if you didn't go to church. It's shows like this that help me to get out of the bible thumper attitude . I'm no longer the person I was in the 80s thanks to shows like the Golden girls. ❤️

[@nealwhaley63]

I grew up in Texas and my family didn’t attend church. At one point I was told by a classmate that my family must be Satanists if that was the case. I imagined my family huddled around a pentagram spray painted on our garage floor….and collapsed laughing. What a thing to believe!

[@maevependragon]

Lol I was raised this way. I'm now a Gothic bisexual pagan. Their agenda did not work.

[@martin53495]

Rue through Blanche has given me so much! I went out of depression thanks to her. It will be a lifetime regret, that I couldn't let her know.., that I couldn't let those women know how much love, faith, support and happiness they gave me.

[@Horhne]

Thank you for premiering this video on the eve of what would have been Betty White's 100th Birthday. A fitting tribute and memorial marking the end of an era. My husband and I have watched the series again and again over the years - Why? - Because we can identify with the characters and the situations they portrayed! I was a young man in my 20s when the series first aired in the UK. It gave me so much reassurance of the person that I am. I always find your work amazing.. fully researched and clearly presented in a fun and interesting way. Keep up the good work. You are the Golden Boy of recording and preserving our culture. Thank you

[@mattsadventureswithart5764]

When my kid came out, he said "Dad, I'm gay." My wife immediately said "Don't say it.", but i couldn't resist. I responded with *that* joke: "Hi gay, I'm Dad". I followed up by telling him we already knew, and had known for a long time. That our love for him and his siblings is unconditional. I cannot understand how any parent can disown their child for being gay or bi or trans. This is the 21st century, ffs.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

You do realize that the largest number of Groomers in America are called Father. Often Mother. Moms do kill children, so we've heard. They are as ruthless as Dads. They have all the time in the world, 24+7, to mold their little ones into Lolitas and Tadzios. Parents are evil.

[@MatAK49]

Hahaha, great comeback! That kid is lucky to have you two as parents.

[@dugonman8360]

Actually had an argument with my wife about this when my son wanted a horse figure and she didn't want me to get it because it's feminine (she's from Japan so pretty conservative.) She was worried that him having a horse doll would make him gay. I clarified to her that he's not gay, I saw how he looked at the girl in the Wednesday show and I don't think a horse doll can change your sexuality AND it didn't matter if he was gay or not, I was gonna get him something he likes. She then started talking about how she couldn't accept him if he was gay and that started to really bother me. It's one thing to not accept that lifestyle (I don't honestly think nor care about other people's sexuality) but not accepting our son of he was gay really stung me.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Perhaps you don't understand Christian love. Christ is the son of God, and he spent his abbreviated life judging and punishing everyone he thought needed it. Everyone, anywhere, anytime. Him bad. But Jesus set the stage for viciousness. He said go forth and stick you mind into another person's underpants. Then count the gays. Condemn them to hell. And that's what snake handlers believe.

[@strangefruit2020]

@@dugonman8360 this is a bit sarcastic but the science in the first line is true. You should start guilt tripping her, since it is in the womb when our sexual preferences are ingrained in our brains, when those get flooded by hormones. So if anyone made your son gay it was her as he was build in her body ;) In older times they had this strange believes that if a pregnant woman looks at ugly things, the baby will turn ugly... Now since your son is gay, according to this oldschool conservative views, your mam must have looked at too much gay dudes 😄 Take charge as the man in the house, out conservative her, so no more soap operas and no internet for the misses, turn off the TV at any even remotely well groomed man, discuss the idea of not letting her out of the house cause you don´t know where she might bump into the gays anywhere out there! Someone has to act as an grown up if she can´t manage what she lays here eyes upon and god forbid she may soak up more of the gay. I mean look what she already did to your son and now like what, if that doesn´t end she may turn your adopted grandchildren in the future into gays too. She already made sure, if your son has a partner, its a gay one, I mean what was she thinking? All that, cause a careless woman couldn´t keep her eyes of the gay, what a shame. / Without sarcasm, thanks for being a voice of reason towards a parent, that wants to withdrawl compassion from their own child over something that isn´t their business. In my 38 years of being bi, not once was my mom in the room when I was sexual, just saying. If she wants to hate on gays, there is a perfect time and place for it, when the first one breaks your sons heart. A solid "f*ck that word-for-a-small-brench mothertrucker, he ain´t shit" is absolutely fine, at the right place and time 🤗😇

[@frankcutugno3576]

I can never forget the episode with the gay caterer! He's trading quips with the Girls and Blanche turns and says.... "Ah bet you can't wait to fly right out of here!" Now, normally, she would have gotten away with calling him a fairy, but on THIS show he got to reply..... "Well excuse me for living, Anita Bryant! " and stomps off! 😂 💜 🤣

[@bluecollarlit]

Tony Soprano: "Anita Bryant ovah heah"

[@trinitysegura6859]

Fun fact, Rue McClanahan was a burlesque dancer under the tag name "The bad apple ". Didn't know about Bea Arthur being a Marine, really explains a lot. Also, Betty White posed for nude playing cards in the 40s. Thanks for making these videos, Matt. I look forward to them every month!

[@hannahglass8697]

Right!? And Betty was legit such a knockout in those pictures, she aged so gorgeously, they honestly all did.

[@happybunnyntx]

As a child I watched "isn't it romantic" with my mom along with many other episodes. I learned in a roundabout way what a lesbian was and that it was ok to tell someone that you didn't like them back in the same way. I'd actually caught the eye of a little boy at school and it was very helpful to be able to say 'no' in a nice way and not feel bad about it. My mom was concerned about the lesbian bit (our family is catholic) but was surprised I caught the other small message in the show. It wasn't something that popped up in kids media too much back then so it was very helpful.

[@comradecat3678]

I mean there are some quality jokes in Golden Girls and I'm a 30 year old straight male. Me and my friend watched it "ironically" stoned one day and it was better then any current sitcoms on network television that's for sure.

[@coopigeon619]

I appreciate this video so much. I've learned so much. Thank you for making this fabulous video. I had no idea the Golden Girls were LGBTQ+ allies and how much this show meant to the community and how ahead of it's time it was. I remember watching this show with my mom and grandma growing up, I had no idea what being lgbtq was and it was right under my nose growing up. Many years later., I came out as transgender in my adult years. I'm happy this show and this video retrospective exists. Makes me want to go back and revisit this show. This is amazing 😍

[@Windbite]

I wasn't allowed to watch Golden Girls until I was long moved out of the house. It transcends time and still (sadly) has lessons many have yet to learn. I wish I could have met any of them but will consider them angels that visited before my time.

[@comfybike1]

This video made me cry...they did so much for our LGBT community...Everyone involved in this show is really a legend.

[@kathrynsmith831]

What a well thought out commentary on why the Golden Girls resonated with Gay men (and women). In society we always hear of the same old cliches about the people gay men worship (Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, etc) and never really give much thought to why. This makes so much sense as to why they are so beloved in the gay community. Not only were the Golden Girls fun and flirty and characters that you could root for, they also championed the gay community way ahead of their time and gave them a sense of understanding and friendship. I love that!!

[@lisab6547]

I remember when these episodes first aired and watching them now it's amazing how progressive they were. It breaks my heart to think of so many LGBTQ youth being thrown out of their homes. Our daughter came out as bisexual to me and my husband. She was really stressed about it so I asked "why are you so worried about it?" She said it was because she had a crush on her female manager. I said "yep that's a reason to be stressed. Don't ask her out!" I talked to a friend who is a social worker and also gay. She told me if all parents would react like me and my husband the suicide rate among LGBTQ youth would be almost non-existent. That's when I started to cry, thinking of all those young people being thrown out of their homes and disowned by their families. Also all the gay men who died of AIDS alone because their families disowned them. I truly hope "The Golden Girls" helped some families reconcile.

[@dongskijyu8583]

I love GG. This show is so ahead if its time. The chemistry of the characters were strong. Even the guests and supporting characters were great. Im an 80s child...in my teens when GG was showing. I love the time I spent watching this on the telly. My brother esp. my sister also love this show

[@nobodybutaghost]

Gosh, it's almost crazy how emotional this video managed to get me. I'm not one to cry for a lot of things, but the part about Estelle bring the chicken soup really got me. Your channel keeps introducing me to movies, tv shows, and actors I've grown to sincerely love, thank you for that.

[@markperkins5626]

Matt, I didn’t know how hungry I was to understand our history until you and your engaging, informative and, yes, validating videos came along. Thank you for making me smile, think and always - full of pride.

[@jonnyfendi2003]

Hungry?? Smh

[@Thatveganlifestyle]

The golden girls are everything. It's impossible not to love. Their LGBTQ activism makes them even better! Rest in power Ladies, you made the world a little better!

[@andreaschneider6202]

Thank you for your comment. Re "vegan," I am very happy to see it because I have a vegan lifestyle also. Best wishes from NY🙏

[@kidlitfanful]

The follow-up to the "David is gay!"/"But he's only been here six months!" from Torch Song Trilogy is one of my favorite jokes ever. Arnold/Harvey Fierstein replies "He CAME that way!" And Estelle Getty/Ma replies "No-one comes that way!" amd Arnold mourns not being able to use such a good opening for a joke!

[@andresschiffino1262]

This wasn't a show about "Florida retirees." Dorothy was a public school teacher, Blanch worked at an art museum, and Rose worked at a grief-counseling center. Sophia had been a traditional homemaker her whole life.

[@davidstrohl]

That was prolly my favorite scene in a movie that was chock full of amazing scenes. My next favorite was the “Whoops is…” scene between Arnold and Ed after Arnold returns from the cemetery.

[@Justwosweet]

@@andresschiffino1262 Yeah and i think they were all retired.

[@andresschiffino1262]

@@Justwosweet no, those were the jobs they had during the show. I literally just watched a marathon where numerous times they mentioned their jobs. Granted, Rose and Blanche probably worked part-time in their positions and were most likely doing it to get out of the house, but Dorothy had many episodes featuring her grading papers and even had episodes that revolved around her students.

[@mohawkcub]

@@andresschiffino1262 Iirc at a later point in the series, it actually becomes a plot / special episode that Rose now *needs* to work b/c her late husband's pension fund goes bankrupt. Sophia at least sometimes works part-time as well.

[@eleniandthecards]

I loved the Golden Girls. It aged so well! The messages are still resonant and the humor is still funny today. These ladies were all so insanely talented, it was capturing lightning in a bottle.

[@Celisar1]

Why would the humor not be funny anymore?!

[@herminepursch2470]

When I was young I saw it's a mad mad world I thought it was so funny I rented when I was an adult and it wasn't that funny anymore

[@Sarah_Eva]

I used to watch this show as a kid... I had no idea of how amazing these women were in their personal lives.

[@Tickerage]

I was a precocious gay boy in the Midwest who'd been watching The Love Boat every Saturday night at 9:00 since the late '70s when my parents went out for the evening. The Golden Girls premiered on the same night, in the same time slot, the year Love Boat was cancelled. So for me, it was a natural continuation and progression. Thus keeping me well entertained from the age of about 3 to the age of 17. When Dorothy got married at the end, I took it as my personal cue to go out clubbing, and dating in the '90s, thus beginning my sex life.

[@sarahwarnock2707]

Awww! That's cute🥰

[@josettedaejung6309]

Thank you for sharing that story! ❤

[@Zemzabbers]

You are still a precious gay boy 🥰

[@mza2195]

I’m glad you had your lightbulb moment.

[@garfreeek]

For me that's the best spoiler for a show ever. I know she spends a lot of time being unloved and overlooked, so it's nice to know she'll have her happy ending when I finally start watching it front to back!

[@qwertyTRiG]

Made me cry almost as much as your episode on Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Thanks, Matt.

[@SisterMaryTatas]

OMG. I'm crying so much and I love Priscilla so much, I'm feeling super masochistic about needing to watch that! QQ

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@SisterMaryTatas Go forth and enjoy it. Bring tissues.

[@LOAblue]

I've liked Golden Girls since I was a kid, my grandma watched it every Saturday night. I've been recently re-watching it, and it's fun to pick up on all the jokes I missed as a kid.

[@MsSjofn]

I also watched it with my grandmother, and some of the jokes I understand now that I didn't then ... I find extra funny, BECAUSE I watched this show with my grandmother, utterly oblivious.

[@Merrickbri]

They changed hearts and minds. They humanized people like me. What can I say to that? Thank you and you'll always be heroes to me and our community.

[@winterkrash]

This is perhaps my most favorite show of all time. I still rewatch episodes and I still laugh and cry at the stories. This show is so way ahead of its time and tackled a lot of serious issues with sensitivity and honesty. Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, Sophia, thank you for being a friend 💗

[@solokom]

My mother loved this show. As a kid, I didn’t get most of the jokes, and sometimes my mother tried explaining them to me. Of course, an explained joke isn't funny, but I appreciated the attempt. The sounds from this show, and my mum's laughter and chuckles, are a very lively childhood memory to me.

[@johniii8147]

I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Bea post Golden Girls at a gay club in Chicago..the Gentry i believe. She was entraining the crowd on the piano apparently after some theater she was doing in the city and their with her cast etc. She was a little drunk and lot of fun..lol. She was was warm and personable to everyone.

[@desertrose1226]

Ah! That’s a pretty cool story-because I am getting annoyed with people hating on Bea about this silly “feud” with Betty! Bea was a kind woman just like the other 3.

[@johniii8147]

@@desertrose1226 They didn’t have a feud really. Just didn’t particularly get along and both legends so I’m sure there was some ego involved on both parts. Nothing unusual. They were both known to be extremely professional and get the job done

[@MsQuartermaine]

DesertRose122 I've seen a story where someone asked her for her autograph, but it was on a Golden Girls photo, and she apparently said, "I'm not signing THAT." And that never made sense to me because she always spoke so fondly of the show. 🤷‍♀️ I hope people don't make up things to add fuel to fire. There's also that story with Rufus Wainwright where he poured his heart out to her and shared that his grandmother died. He added that Bea was like a grandmother to him to which Bea supposedly responded, "I'm not your f*cking grandmother" and walked away. Interestingly enough, I read a blog from the person who introduced them to each other and was there that night. He said Bea was taken aback, but didn't say that, nor did she walk away. He wasn't even going to post it and just let Rufus carry on with the story, but he didn't like all the mean comments about Bea based on something that didn't even happen. I'm not saying she never had a bitchy moment, but it seems like any negative story or behind-the-scenes tid-bit gets a lot more attention than anything positive. And it's frustrating because so much of it came out after her death, so she can't defend herself. It's still going on today, and she will have been gone for 13 years this April. 😮😢

[@johniii8147]

@@MsQuartermaine People make stuff up or embellish things all the time. Part of her charm is didn't suffer fools and had a strong personality. I'm sure she had her moments, but it was her strong nature that made her so appealing. One of the reasons the gays love her so much. She did a LOT for the community and even gave a very nice donation in her will for LGBT youth home she's supported for years.

[@MsQuartermaine]

John Iii Yes, I read it was 300,000 dollars. Very generous. I also read in 2005, she flew from California to New York in the middle of winter to revive her one-woman show and raise funds for the same center. ❤️ I always see conflicting information about her personality. Like sometimes, she is described as timid and other times as strong and/or formidable. And I see both - depending on the interview. Angela Lansbury said, "Bea was absolutely the antithesis of the characters she portrayed. She was sensitive - really, really sensitive - and self-conscious. But she covered it up by becoming this deep-voiced comic...That voice went ahead of her all the time, giving people the wrong impression of toughness and an overbearing attitude. She wasn’t like that at all." So I thought that was interesting. Anyway, I am glad you got to meet Bea, and thanks for sharing that nice story. Sounds like a great time.

[@praxton]

Ebbtide's Revenge is one of my favorite episodes of any TV series. Rose helping Sophia grieve the loss of Phil was heartbreaking and profound. I still cry my eyes out watching that closing scene.

[@SequoiaMakes]

I was a child in rural Appalachian Ohio during the 80's and never wanted to miss an episode of The Golden Girls. I've watched the reruns as an adult and love the show even more. And as a member of the queer community, the show was so important in moving the country towards more acceptance of our community. All the love in the world for this show and the actresses and actors, writers, producers, crew, and directors who made it happen.

[@blahblog4322]

What does queer mean ? Are you a straight man that wears nail varnish coz his girlfriend thinks it’s cool

[@herminepursch2470]

​@@blahblog4322why don't you mind your own business

[@chrisengelke1371]

I am gay and I have always adored both the show and the four ladies. Best writing ever! I still crack up watching all these decades later.

[@scarylion1roar]

my dad's favourite story to tell from his clerking job is a man who came in to buy condoms but kept mumbling "Prmurmurmurf", which my dad couldn't understand, until the customer just loudly shouted "I want to buy prophylactics!"

[@Spiritfba]

My 10 year old loves Golden Girls. The humor and messages are timeless.

[@andreaschneider6202]

My 11-year-old has seen a few Golden Girls scenes so far & used to sing the theme song often😀

[@starri]

I'm proudly a Dorothy in the Streets, Blanche in the Sheets. I have to wonder if GG is the reason I like Found Family stories so much. Looking back, I don't think I remember an earlier example. I still tear up when Blanche tells Kirsten that if Rose can't pay her medical bills after her heart attack, she'll mortgage the house. I think you've gotten me to cry at every video you've put out since the summer.

[@mojacarflamenco6314]

Let me suggest WKRP in Cincinnati; it's my favorite and first example of a Found Family story. Everyone was warm to everyone else and only the 'normal' guys (Herb and Les) were thought of as odd.

[@kieka555]

This is a great video. I knew about the on screen stuff, the AIDS, the accepting of Gay friends and family, the older single women having sex for enjoyment not "duty" But I had no idea they were so dedicated in real life. I grew up watching his show and didnt think I could love it anymore than I already did, I was wrong. Thank you for giving me a greater appreciation for these women and the writers and producers of the show.

[@roxannerobes]

This is such an important review and a great tribute to this classic. I appreciate your thorough content, Matt. I've always loved the Golden Girls, even without having early access to it. The moment I found out about this show way back in college when I was studying media, I couldn't believe how a show like this stood the test of time and how progressive it was. A major thanks to Susan Harris for the script, to the whole crew, and to these Golden Girls, who are indeed golden on and off the screen. Hoping for more Golden Girls content! Thanks, Matt!

[@shawnlong4039]

The Golden Girls will always be my favorite sitcom. There could never be a group of people assembled ever again that could recreate the magic from those 7 seasons. Watching this video only makes me love these ladies even more. They may not be with us any longer, but the magic that they created lives on and will forever be part of the LGBTQ+ history and future. I truly thank them for being a friend and ally to all of us.