Will & Grace is a comedic sitcom about Will Truman, a mildly uptight lawyer whose flat mate is his best friend, interior designer Grace Adler. The show also benefits from Jack and Karen. .
The show offers humourous representations of characters who, until very recently, would have been ridiculed by those who consider being queer evil. Its success suggests that it appeals to a broad demographic who might not ordinarily be inclined to watch a "queer" show. At the same time, however, viewers might enjoy the show for its description of a liberated homosexual identity. The sitcom confines its portrayal if homosexuals to white, upper-middle class men who only represent a fraction of the homosexuals living in the cosmopolitan New York City. It does this by attempting to make homosexuals as part of society's norm. The shows message is that homosexuality is emotionally healthy and culturally beneficial.
Will seems to be an average character on a sitcom. His sexuality is not emphasized and this sends the message that being gay is normal and that one should not be treated any differently because of it. He blends in flawlessly with the heterosexual world, inoffensive and hidden. In Will, the writers have created a gay character who neatly avoids all aspects of homosexual men.
Jack is the opposite, a flamboyant stereotype of a homosexual. Jack has a lisp, uses a lot of gestures and hand movements, exaggerated expressions and terminology that would classify him gay. .
Will and Grace provides a balance between what gay men are really like in everyday settings and stereotypical portrayals of the characters that the viewers and our society.
