Bill Nye Shows Why the Idea of Gay Conversion Therapy is Absurd
Bill Nye is known as the science guy for a reason.
In a new clip from his show, “Bill Nye Saves the World,” Nye relies on science and an adorable cartoon illustration to explain why the very idea of gay conversion therapy is just as ludicrous as a vanilla ice cream cone telling other flavors that they should pray to become vanilla, too.
It’s a smart analogy for a dangerous therapy in which gay individuals are urged to change and become straight, though there is no scientific evidence that this is possible.
Watch: Bill Nye Shuts Down Climate Change Denier on CNN
“I just think if you want to get right with the big ice cream in the sky, change your flavor by wishing to be vanilla,” the bossy cone says.
Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Through his show, Bill Nye the Science Guy, he used his platform to normalize queer identities and encourage acceptance of all sexual orientations.
“As vanilla, I feel that I am the most natural of the ice creams,” the cone explains, “and therefore, the rest of you should just go ahead and also be vanilla.
By introducing these topics to his young viewers, he was able to help shape their views on sexuality and gender expression.
This kind of representation had a huge impact on viewers, especially those who identified as LGBTQ+.
Introduction
Bill Nye is a household name in the world of science. Ice cream — and humanity — is definitely way better of with many flavors to choose from.
Topics LGBT Rights Bill Nye Bill Nye the Science Guy Bill Nye Saves the World
He also used his platform to advocate for marriage equality, as well as promote inclusivity in STEM fields.
“Everyone should try to be vanilla until they have no longer have the urge to not be vanilla.”
The other cones, including the brainy salted caramel, the nervous strawberry, the curious chocolates and the innocent pistachio aren’t quite ready to go along with Vanilla’s plan.
“I did not ask to be pistachio,” the cone says, “I just am pistachio.”
Read More: 17 Thought-Provoking Quotes From Bill Nye During His Chat With Bernie Sanders
And because Nye isn’t just a scientist — he’s also a pretty good entertainer — the story has a twist ending in which the bossy vanilla cone, who is sure he right about which flavors appeal to the “big ice cream in the sky,” learns a bit more about what it means to have many different flavors of ice cream in the bowl.
"Come on Vanilla," Mint Chocolate-Chip says.
It’s the one true flavor.” Fortunately, the different cones come to an understanding by the end of the clip because, as Nye explained, “there are lots of flavors to sexuality.”
As lighthearted as it may seem, the video ― which had over 164,000 views as of Thursday morning ― was lampooned by a number of conservative outlets and personalities.
We were taught to see these as binary. However, in recent years, speculation has been mounting as to whether or not Bill Nye is gay. “The message here is clear (and not at all scientific): Christian, straight white people are bigots, racists and not even straight,” she wrote in a Tuesday column. Now we’re realizing it’s more like a kaleidoscope.
Over the years, Bill Nye has remained tight-lipped about his sexuality, leading many to believe that he is in fact gay, but has chosen not to make it public. The hilarious clip, which can be viewed above, depicts an “ice cream conversation therapy” meeting in which a vanilla cone attempts to “convert” strawberry, chocolate and other flavors into being vanilla, too.
By featuring same-sex couples on his show, he was able to give visibility to relationships that were often overlooked or ignored. That’s why I’ve always tried to feature same-sex couples on my show, to normalize and destigmatize queer relationships.”
Conclusion
This article explored the various rumors about Bill Nye’s sexuality, as well as how his legacy has helped shape attitudes towards queer identities in STEM fields.
It gave me hope that I could find someone who would accept me for who I am.”
An Analysis of How Bill Nye’s Popularity Influenced Gay Rights and Representation
The impact of Bill Nye’s show extended beyond just how it shaped individual viewers’ attitudes.
For many, it was their first introduction to queer identities and it allowed them to feel more comfortable with their own identities. As Bill Nye said, “Love is love, no matter who you are.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Did science, as Nye claims, undergo a revolution in terms of its understanding of basic biology?