When 'Mad Men' Are Gay

Part of the joy of watching "Mad Men," the acclaimed AMC series, is realizing how far we've come since the '60s. That's especially true for the sexually repressed Salvatore Romano, a gay character played by Bryan Batt, who is also gay.

When I wrote about the state of affairs for gay actors in Hollywood for the New York Times last year, Batt -- who came out publicly in the mid-'90s -- told me he couldn't be more proud playing Salvatore. The conflicted character provides one of the juiciest parts anywhere on television, gay or straight.

But while more and more gay actors choose not to hide their orientation, many still find that honesty leads to doors slamming shut for certain roles, particularly those of leading men or women in a television drama series. Be yourself or land that meaty part? Come out or have a real shot at superstardom? For many gay actors, these are the choices they are forced to make. Often, they decide not to talk about their sexuality at all -- neither confirming nor denying anything in public, even if they are true to themselves in their personal lives.

In the Emmy-winning "Mad Men," Sal marries a woman but pines for male co-workers and hotel bellhops. (The erotic hotel room scene in last night's episode -- wow!) The self-loathing Sal is a victory for gay actors, indeed, since this kind of role could easily have gone to a straight actor (think: "Will & Grace," "Milk").

Batt, who told me he had found work mostly in theater before "Mad Men" came along, is in a happy relationship with a longtime partner. Progress, yes, although they and other gay couples still can't get married in most of the country.