Ren and Stimpy, Queer Duck, Smithers from The Simpsons … the list of gay cartoon characters is growing and it’s about to expand by three. LOGO, Viacom and MTV’s new digital television network targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender viewers, has announced that its development slate includes an animated series based on the internationally syndicated comic strip Chelsea Boys.
Chelsea Boys creators Glen Hanson and Allan Neuwirth have been signed by the network to develop the half-hour cartoon, which will follow the continuing adventures of Nathan, Soiree, and Sky, three very different gay roommates who share an apartment in the big city. Neuwirth and Hanson will also continue work on the comic strip, which gained an even wider audience with the recent publication of their first collection by Alyson Books.
LOGO is set to begin broadcasting in February 2005. Other projects in development for the net include Family Outing, a series about celebrities coming out of the closet produced by Cher and daughter Chasity Bono; a musical caberet series starring Alan Cumming (X2: X-Men United); an unnamed Margaret Cho project; and Fantastic Voyage, a real-life Love Boat hosted by Kathy Griffin (Suddenly Susan, Average Joe). In addition, Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall) will host My Fabulous Gay Wedding, one of two reality shows focusing on gay couples contemplating marriage.
