Outch?

Publicist Howard Bragman, known for shepherding celebrities like Chaz Bono through the coming out process, has teamed up with A&E to make a one-off reality special called Coming Out, in which people of note will, well, come out.

Voluntary outing of oneself  is courageous, but why do it on a reality show? Rhetorical.

Mr. Laffy makes a living producing/writing reality shows, and yet he’s not a fan or them, nor am I (yes, there are exceptions, in spite of ourselves). They have their moments, but come on, they’re not exactly known for their softhearted, tactful treatment of their participants. Then again, “reality show” may simply mean a panel show of some kind.  The article is ambiguous.

Why not devote a “reality” series to serious discussion about this topic, with the insights of the celebrity as a starting point? Maybe that’s what this show will be. I sure hope so. I hope it will be a sensitive approach to a painful process.

I speak from experience, having worked at a high school and helped many teens (including my own family members) through what can be an agonizing confrontation with not only their parents and friends, but themselves.