Well said postmanbaz - this mirrors my experiences too

A couple of points I'd like to make... Firstly, when PJ told Tim that he thought that Alex was "whistle noise because he's too embarassed to use the term gay", the implication seemed to be "now I know he isn't, he's all right" (ALWAYS SEEK THE SUBTEXT). Secondly, Alex's initial (perceived) gayness was one of the qualities PJ didn't like/felt uncomfortable about (hence the steady stream of remarks he made to that effect to Spencer).

I'd finally like to echo the words of postmanbaz: the campest person I know is a happily married corporate solicitor who's expecting his 2nd child. ASSUME NOTHING...

Why is it you gay people have to jump on anyone who has a pop at you and turn it something so evil. It's been ok in the past for people to call Kate a whore and it seems Ginger people should be mocked on a daily basis but gay remarks will not be tolerated. Before you reply just remember that Graham Norton took great joy in calling Jade a pig and so he should be prepared to be mocked too.

Ah, of course I must be gay. Silly me.

I'd better inform Mrs Gulag, I s'pose.

I do find it interesting however that someone can be mocked by being called gay. Hmmmmm.

What about ginger gay whores?

Seriously though, 'whore' is a derogatory term in itself, while people's main criticism of Tim is not that he is ginger but that he seems to be ashamed of the fact (gingerphobia anyone?).

Being gay in itself just describes part of how we are. Homophobia is a fear brought about by ignorance in the same way racism is. No one seriously suggests that people are going to discriminate against or abuse ginger people (though anyone who does would be very sad).

One thing that annoys me slightly more than the 'politically correct' lobby is the 'political correctness has gone mad' lobby who believe they can excuse bigotry.

However, going back to the original topic, there is nothing to suggest PJ is any more homophobic than a lot of straight men.

Sorry I cannot agree with this statement and fear that in these days words like racist, sectarian, homophobe etc are banded around with little regard as to their true meaning. Homophobic implies a hatred or fear of homosexuals, both of which were not implied (as far as I could see) in 'the whistle' - although I am not an expert in whistle analysis and will bow to anyone of greater expertise in this field.

My impression of this was just a guy that had had a bit of drink, telling someone else about his first impression of someone's sexuality, with no malice intended. It is not as if there has been any verbal or physical discrimination against Alex because of PJ's percieved perceptions.

I do agree that it is wrong to equate campness with homosexuality (I too know several very camp straight people), and perhaps the fact that PJ now realises that Alex is not gay he appears to have realised his earlier error in his judgement.

To band this comment or turn of phrase as homophobic though, just appears to be totally inappropriate and very journalistic.

Right time to get off my high horse!

Chip

Who said anything about you being gay or are you coming out of the closet...lol.

Wasn't everyone speculating whether Alex was gay or not at the start of BB3.

PJ was not making any sort of homophobic comment, he was just saying he thought he may have been gay but now knew he wasn't. Just like everyone else.

This is not the place to debate homophobia.

Thread closed.

~ Beth.