"I am not a hater, which I'm sure is something a hater would say. As a gay man, I feel connected to Heated Rivalry and understand - partly - why it resonates right now. It's a love story in a modern era, when it feels like two men hooking up shouldn't be forbidden. Personally, I cried twice during the TV series at moments when characters experienced acceptance I never received from peers or family in my young adult life. I get it."
"It's written by a woman who is married to a man, with whom she has two sons. (I won't leap to say "straight woman," as she hasn't disclosed that.) That perspective might explain why neither the book nor the TV series considers douching - and yes, this matters, because both rely heavily on sex to attract their audience. These men also love and preach condoms, which, in an era of PrEP, is statistically less likely."
Heated Rivalry emotionally resonates with gay viewers by portraying modern same-sex love and moments of acceptance that can trigger strong emotional responses. The series, however, presents an unrealistically sanitized depiction of gay male sex practices by omitting practices like douching, by emphasizing condom use in an era when PrEP reduces condom prevalence, and by avoiding any conversation about STIs or clinic visits. The creative perspective appears heteronormative and limited. Casting skews white, lacks visible trans and gender-nonconforming representation, neglects Asian queer experiences, and features men who largely pass as straight. Specific characters like Scott and Kip provide more compelling arcs.
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