Television's most memorable bonds between gay and straight friends

The inclusion of gay and lesbian characters in mainstream television has been an ongoing trend in the entertainment industry ' one that has made the current generation of TV shows some of the most progressive to date. Homosexual characters on TV have won millions of hearts around the world and as we celebrate Friendship Day today, let's take a look at some of the most memorable bonds shared by gay and straight characters on television. Read on'


Kurt Hummel and Rachel BerryFrom:

Glee

Played by: Chris Colfer and Lea Michele
During most of season one of the TV show, Glee, Kurt and Rachel couldn't stand each other as both of them wanted to be the star of musical group New Directions and competed for the affection of the hottest guy of their school'Finn (Cory Monteith). However, in season two, they begin to develop a friendship which grows stronger. When Kurt revealed to Rachel that he is gay, she became very protective of him. In the following seasons, the two bond over their shared love of music, theatre and art. They even nick-named themselves as 'twinsies'. Kurt also accompanied Rachel in New York City where they lived together. Off-screen, the actors share a very good bond. When Lea's boyfriend Cory Monteith died, Chris helped her cope with the loss of their mutual friend. The show ended a few months ago, but the two actors continue to be good friends.

Jude and CallieFrom:

Fosters

Played by: Hayden Byerly and Maia Mitchell
Undoubtedly, these two characters from the show captured the viewers' imagination with their sensitive portrayal of foster children. Although, Callie is Jude's half-sister, the two share a great friendship. They go through the same ordeal and pain of being disowned by their parents. Since Callie is older to Jude, she often acts like a mother to him and protects him from bullies in school. Among the fans, the two became popular as 'Jallie'. Jude is television's youngest gay character till date and when he confided in Callie that he is in love with a boy called Connor, she wholeheartedly accepted his relationship. The sensitive portrayal of these characters by actors Hayden Byerly and Maia Mitchell received critics' acclaim and appreciation of the audience worldwide.

Cameron Tucker and Gloria PritchettFrom:

Modern Family

Played by: Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara
When Cameron and Gloria share screen in Modern Family, it is a laugh riot for the audience. Cameron is a huge guy with a flare for theatricals and his bubbly outgoing personality perfectly matches the loud and larger-than-life aura of Colombian national Gloria Pritchett. While Cameron can make the audience laugh with his hilarity, Gloria's Colombian-Spanish accent and her volcanic temper makes her show's favourite character. Both the characters on the show are parents, and they exchange parenting tips and cute chemistry. Off-screen too, the two actors are best of friends.

Emily, Hanna, Aria and SpencerFrom:

Pretty Little Liars

Played by: Shay Mitchell, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale and Troian Bellisario
Shay Mitchell's portrayal of Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars has gained her worldwide recognition and made her a contemporary LGBT heroine. Among all the characters on the show, she is most caring, sweet and loyal. When Emily came out as a lesbian on the show, her mother had a hard time to accept her, but she confided in her best friends Hanna, Aria and Spencer who keep her secret safe. Since the show is a suspense-thriller, the four friends stick together through thick and thin against the vicious and knavish schemes of antagonist'Team A.