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Dawson's Creek's Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Storyline: How a Passionate Kiss Changed TV History
6 Nov
Summary
- Kerr Smith's character Jack shared TV's first passionate same-sex kiss in 2000
- Smith was "very, very scared" to play a gay character at the time
- Protests and backlash erupted outside the set, but Smith is now "super proud" of the storyline
In 2025, Dawson's Creek actor Kerr Smith reflects on the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ storyline that unfolded on the show 25 years ago. In the year 2000, Smith's character Jack shared a passionate kiss with Ethan, marking the first time such a moment had been depicted on network television.
At the time, Smith admits he was "very, very scared" to take on the role of a gay character, as playing LGBTQ+ characters on TV was still considered a risk. However, he now says he is "super proud" of the storyline and the impact it had on changing perceptions and representation on television.
The episode featuring the historic kiss sparked protests and backlash, with crowds of angry people gathering outside the set and threatening violence. Smith recalls being separated from the crowd by a brick wall as he ate his lunch, knowing he would likely have been "beaten" if he had stepped outside. Despite the controversy, the storyline went on to pave the way for more LGBTQ+ characters and relationships to be depicted on television in the years that followed.
