Mark Indelicato opens up about the ‘mean’ reaction to his first on-screen gay kiss.
The actor and The Real Housewives of New Jersey superfan stopped by Bravo Clubhouse with Dolores Catania for Sunday night’s episode (May 5) Watch what’s happening live, where he recalled the 2010 Ugly Betty scene in which his character Justin kissed his friend Austin.
“I was young. I was 15,” he said. “It was the youngest gay kiss ever seen on television.”
Indelicato continued: “The legacy is amazing but it wasn’t great at the time. I mean, 2010 wasn’t that long ago, but it feels like a million years ago. The press was really very mean and very rude.
He added: “Being gay, even in 2010, like going out and kissing boys on TV, was surely not something that was ‘acceptable’ at the time. So here is. Not great.”
Indelicato played Justin, the nephew of Betty (America Ferrera), in Ugly Betty for four seasons between 2006 and 2010. His character was an enthusiast of musical theater and fashion – and although he exhibited stereotypical gay qualities, the series didn’t address his sexuality until its fourth and final season.
“At the time, I don’t think I understood exactly what Justin would mean to so many people and what kind of legacy the show would have in opening so many doors for later projects and performances,” Indelicato said. People in 2021. “But I think it took me until I was about 25 to really look back and say, ‘Oh, wow.’ I did it. I’m part of a larger story around representation, particularly among young queer people on television.
He added: “Because I mean looking back, from 2006 to 2010, it was so taboo to have a young gay kid on television, for a minor. It’s interesting how so much has changed in the last 15 years, partly because of Ugly Bettyand I’m really proud of it.
Watch what’s happening live airs Sunday-Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.
New York Post
