79: Mike Seaver Actually Said the Word ‘Gay’

“Mike’s Madonna Story” (November 5, 1985)

Yep. We’re actually doing Growing Pains — specifically because of one scene in a first-season episode in which Kirk Cameron’s character tosses of the line “Maybe I’m gay.” It might seem small, but it’s crazy to consider the word “gay” even being spoken on this quintessential 80s family show, much less by a character played by a guy who’d shortly thereafter become a born-again Christianity and who’d eventually disclose some seriously homophobic views. Glen and Drew are joined in this episode by Dan Steadman, a writer and filmmaker who actually was friends with Kirk Cameron but, you know, isn’t anymore.

Here’s the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article in which it was conjectured that Cheers might replace Kirstie Alley with Joan Severance, playing Rebecca Howe’s sister.

Watch Dan’s movie Jesus People on Amazon Prime.

Watch the Dateline NBC segment on Dan’s husband, Rodney Wilson.

Read Dan’s Huffington Post article about Kirk Cameron and Victoria Jackson.

Watch all of the movie Dance Til Dawn on YouTube.

This episode’s outro track is "Gimme Love" by Cristina: Apple Music • Spotify • Amazon Music