Last night’s episode of The Fosters was not only touching, emotional, and honest, but it was a pivotal moment in television.
Actors Hayden Byerly, 14, and Gavin MacIntosh, 15, shared what may have been the youngest same sex kiss on TV ever, but that’s not even what made it so great.
Jude and Connor’s exploration of sexuality is something the show has been navigating for three seasons now.
Still it didn’t feel like a moment of pay-off for the viewers as much as it felt like a moment of relief for these characters struggling with the feelings that so many people do. The scene and story as a whole have been beautifully executed.
We caught up with Gavin right after the episode to get his take on everything, not to mention get the scoop on what’s coming up for #Jonnor.
JustJaredJr.com: How much did you know about the character and where the story was headed when you got the role?
Gavin MacIntosh: I actually tested for the role of Jude, so I knew about the storyline. But the role of Connor was added after the pilot, and I had no idea how Connor would fit into the storyline. I thought he may be more of a friend, a protector of sort. But as the show continued, and our off screen friendship evolved, I think the producers realized we could handle more complex story lines. So that’s where we are today, definitely more complex (laughs).
JJJ: That may have been the youngest same sex kiss on TV ever. What’s it like being a part of such a pivotal plot line?
GM: This story line is important in so many ways. It’s been eye opening about how many kids struggle with feeling “OK” about questioning their sexuality. Teen suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people age 10 � 20, and LGB youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. So yes, this plot is pivotal. Just being 13 is difficult enough, going through physical and emotional changes, then if you add in not being sure about if you like boys or girls, and society telling you that you should be a certain way � I can see why so many kids are struggling. Boy/girl crushes at 13 are portrayed a lot on TV, but to represent something different – I am proud of that.
Jude & Connor Kiss on The Fosters
Click inside to read the rest of our interview with Gavin MacIntosh… More Here! »