In the original strip, he's a bit of a Mary Sue; a down on his luck web cartoonist. They're a dime a dozen here online. I wanted Jim to be different in the strip's recreation, and made two changes in Jim's character design when doing do.

One, Jim's now a cop. Well, he would be if he was employed. He has just graduated from college with a Law Enforcement degree, and will be a very decent officer in any precinct. He just happened to have graduated at a time where job prospects are slim.

The other could be a shock to some people, especially those who still think I'm a homophobe because they only read a certain Sailor Moon FanFiction or--worse--just the MiSTed stories.

That's right, Peanut. Jim Goodlow is gay. Queer as Folk.

However, Jim's not someone who would wrear a rainbow flag on his sleeve, dispite the fact that a good number of people know of his sexual orientation. It's not that he's ashamed of being a homosexual, but he doesn't want this part of himself to cause anyone any problems. Sure, the world around him is a lot more tolerant than it comes on, but he doesn't want to be offensive. Therefore he puts himself half in and half out of the proverbial closet. He's also worried about being emotionaly hurt by anyone who is close to him, similar to a straight guy being hurt by a girl.

And then there's the flippant reason: As someone who's just graduated and is struggling in a job search, there's a lot more things on his mind than being gay. Like what's he gonna cook, or which color wallpaper goes with that sofa. He actually considers this to be a good thing.

Finding Scarlet--and becomming her when he puts her on--will be the very turning point in his life that he needs. Not only will he find his place in life as this Vixen PI, but he also has an outlet to be a more flamboyant character through Scarlet. And in Pippkin he finds the confidant and significant other he was looking for as well.

Why did I make Jim Gay? I have five reasons: Carson, Thom, Ted, Kyan, and Jai.

"Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" has become a surprise sleeper hit in the set of TV shows I actually watch. I wish they made it in the 90s, people like me who's first impression of homosexuals are religion-based exposes. It's very educational about style, personal grooming, crusine, etc, etc; as well as the aforementioned exposure to what gays are really like. But the selling point behind this show--the reason why it got an Emmy--is because it is hilarious. Funny as all Heck. I can't get enough of the show, and it spilled into the chara redesign of Mr. Goodlow.

Which one of the Fab Five is Jim like? Well, he does have a warm spot for Carlson, but the answer to that question remains to be seen :)