Adam Lambert's AMA Performance Edits: Fair or Homophobic?

OK for Gals but Not for Guys?

Adam Lambert's AMA performance was considered shocking enough by ABC and Dick Clark Productions to require edits, as reported at Radaronline.com. "Due to the live nature of the show we did not expect the impromptu moment in question," said ABC and Dick Clark Productions in their statement about the cuts.

Why all the fuss?

Adam Lambert's AMA performance included a scene where he kisses another man, and a scene where he is simulating oral sex with a backup dancer. Adam Lambert is a gay male, and has been open about that fact. His performance at the American Music Awards was considered shocking due to the scenes that were cut and due to the nature of the set which included lots of black and dancers dressed in BDSM inspired costumes. Although Adam Lambert's performance may be considered shocking, how shocking was it really?

In music award show pasts, there have been female stars who have put on performances that could be considered shocking. Madonna kissed both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards , and that scene was not cut. As Adam Lambert said, as reported at PerezHilton.com, "There's a big double standard, female pop artists have been doing things provocative like that for years, and the fact that I'm a male, and I'll be edited and discriminated against could be a problem."

Females together is more acceptable to the public than males together

Adam Lambert's AMA performance shows him in provocative situations with men that are not as acceptable as females together in provocative situations. In magazines designed for straight adult males, sexual images of two women together arouses straight men and helps to fuel sales of these magazines. At most American swing clubs, places where sexual activity is popular, two women together is acceptable and encouraged, yet two males together is considered taboo.

In everything2, one message board contributor wrote that there are three reasons why men like lesbians - sexy, unknown, aesthetics. It's aesthetically pleasing for men to see two women together. Two men, on the other hand, can often be seen as hard core, graphic and disgusting.