" I grew up in a conservative small town, and the gay characters I saw on TV and in movies when I was growing up were all flamboyant and obnoxious and sometimes kind of annoying. "
- Chris Colfer

In a small town with traditional values, the speaker grew up seeing portrayals of gay characters on television and in films that were exaggerated and often portrayed negatively. These representations included traits like flamboyance and obnoxiousness, which could be off-putting to some viewers.

This quote speaks not only about the superficial characteristics of media depictions but also highlights the broader issue of underrepresentation and misrepresentation in storytelling. It suggests that limited exposure to diverse and nuanced portrayals can skew one's understanding of reality, potentially leading to prejudices or misunderstandings. The speaker’s comment reflects on how these stereotypical characters might have influenced perceptions of sexual orientation within their community, underscoring the importance of authentic representation in media.

Chris Colfer is an American actor, author, and screenwriter best known for his role as Kurt Hummel in the television series "Glee." He has also written several young adult novels and ventured into screenwriting with projects like "Theo & Hugo," demonstrating a deep interest in crafting stories that are both entertaining and meaningful.