Christian Chavez Comes Out

Singer in the famous Mexican pop group RBD and also telenovela actor, Christian Chavez declared earlier this month that he is gay, after compromising fotos of him and his boyfriend appeared on the internet. He further went on to admit that he and his Canadian boyfriend of the time, got married in Canada.

After coming back to Mexico City from a tour, fans met the group at the airport and many continue to support Christian.

“I respect and support him, in anything he decides, because it is his sexuality and I do not care, I only support him because I am his fan,” said one of the fans.

I think this is a big step for Mexican media. There are not many well known, gay men or women out there. In the novela Clase 406, he was paired up with Sherilyn and Sara Maldonado. I don't know too much about the storylin of Rebelde though, becasue I could never get into it. But now I wonder what kind of roles he will do if he continues acting?

Telenovelas usually do not have gay storylines. Some have, and have done this well. My favorite gay storyline was in Veran del 98, from Argentina. But usually as far as Mexican telenovelas, there is only room for gay people to play those off-the-top, typical roles, as hairdressers and designers.

Hopefully Christian has opend more doors for a new image of gay men in the Mexican media.

Americans Diss' English-Language Telenovelas

My Network TV, which lauched this fall, ancounced they're axing their english-language telenovelas because of failed ratings. Wow! Their past productions have included Fashion House, Wicked Wicked Games, and Watch Over Me.

Network President Greg Midel told TVWeek.com: “The five major networks spend enormous amounts on development, and I don't think we can outdo what they do in (such shows as) 'Family Guy' or 'Two and a Half Men' or 'House' or 'Grey's Anatomy... But I think there's some great reality projects out there that are available.”

At least he's realizing that their productions were not quality. They were emotionless. There was no passion in them. Telenovelas are hard work, because you have to captivate people five days a week. So, yes, it does take an enormous effort.

It's a shame though, that they could not succeed. Ugly Betty is hot only because it is working as a weekly serial. As a viewer, being asked to watch five times weekly can be daunting, so there must be a good story and somewhat good acting.

Ugly Betty Snags NAAPC Best Comedy Award

Sorry! I was gone for a long minute, but I'm back now.

Ugly Betty is proving to be wildly popular. The story of an unseemly, yet intelligent woman, working in the fashion industry who falls in love with her boss and slowly ends up snagging not only him, but the whole company as well.

This story started out as a telenovela in Colombia in 2000. Yo Soy Betty La Fea has inspired remakes not only in the U.S., but also Mexico, Spain, Israel, Germany, Turkey, Russia, Greece, and China. Several more in the works.

The Mexican version, La Fea Mas Bella, can be seen on Univision, M-F, at 8pm. This version is not bad. Usually I like Angelica Vale, who plays the main character, but for some reason she annoys me in this telenovela. I think maybe the writers make the story too silly.

Betty, however, is slick, funny, and genuine. I like it. It's on ABC, thursdays at 8pm. But if you can't make it, you can watch the full episodes on abc.com.