Gavin MacIntosh, half of the youngest
same-sex kiss in television history, has told gay glossy The
Advocate that his role on ABC Family's The Fosters has
made an impact.
The drama revolves around a lesbian
couple who are coping with raising five children.
Jude (played by 15-year-old Hayden
Byerly) is the youngest son in the family at 13. Connor (MacIntosh)
came to Jude's rescue when he was being bullied. In an episode
broadcast in March, Jude confronted Connor about their relationship
and Connor responded by kissing Jude.
“I really wasn't aware that my
character could make such an impact on viewers,” MacIntosh, 16,
said. “The kiss was very, very important. It was a groundbreaking
thing, and I think it showed the two characters' relationship more
emotionally than sexually.”
“There are a few television shows
that are out there that portray gay characters, but I think the
reason why Connor’s relationship is so different is because of the
age,” he said. “No one speaks for the young LGBT community, or if
they do, it’s a very minimal group. I’m glad that I’m the
person that gets to be able to do that.”
The role, MacIntosh said, had made him
aware of the bullying LGBT kids face.
“More people are grasping that it's
not cool to discriminate and bully someone,” MacIntosh
said. “We really, really have to change.”