Reality television has always been an interesting place to see GLBT folk competing for cash, prizes, even love. While the number of scripted shows has dwindled the last few years, “unscripted” (uh, right!) reality television has become a medium to see a friendly gay face.

But, in the glare of the pink spotlight, are we really putting our best face forward? Is our community making great strides with its increased visibility on reality TV … or are we just reinforcing decades-old stereotypes? (Sorry for all the questions - I just re-watched all six seasons of “Sex and the City.”)

Regardless, I truly admire the gays who participate in reality shows, because I don’t have the fortitude to do what they are doing (unless we rewound to my younger years for “Survivor: Bathhouse Edition” – talk about a contest of endurance and stamina!).

I digress.

Some of the gay contestants have even come out on … err … top. Take, for example, Richard Hatch of “Survivor,” Reichen Lehmkul and Chip Arndt of “The Amazing Race,” and, most recently, Christian Siriano of “Project Runway.” His catchphrase – “that’s fierce” – was on par with his win. Even though Siriano was out, he was in.

Currently, there’s an abundance of could-be and definitely-are gay contestants jockstrapping … I mean, jockeying … for reality grand prizes.

Here are two shows about which I can’t help but wonder … And, no, one of them is not “Dancing With The Stars.”

I was really excited to learn that “Big Brother” was premiering in February to fill the programming void left by the writers’ strike. Typically, it’s a summer show.

Anyhoo, I love “Big Brother,” and was excited to learn there would be two gay men, Joshuah and Neil, competing as a couple.

Unfortunately, Neil unexpectedly dropped out early on, so their gayme play dynamic and the possibility of a “showmance” was never really explored.

Maybe Neil had a parade to get to – you know how we gays love parades! Rumor has it Neil’s departure involved an incident with family.

I do have to say that this season of “BB” is off the hook with drama and plenty of “OMG” moments, making it one of the best seasons in recent history to watch.

There has been a faux lesbian couple, Sheila and Allison, who told a few housemates they were married and had a child! The funny thing: no one doubted them. Not-so-funny-thing: it got Joshuah’s ire up.

His temper and mouth may be his weakest link if he plans on staying in the “Big Brother” house. He’s made himself a potential target for eviction, delivering lower blows than a hummer!

I could have done without Joshuah pretending to be a French maid, dusting the other housemates’ rooms. And, I could have done without him being on “slop” (a “Big Brother” food punishment), which is not helping him lose weight! He countered with a prayer to The Lord to help him lose those last 10 pounds, while soaking in a hot tub. Baby Jesus would be proud.

An unexpected gay twist has surfaced outside the house. It was revealed that James, he of the, ahem, pink Mohawk, did some gay porn – both solo and not-so-solo – for Dirty Boy Video.

I was hoping it was Matt, a wicked hawt studly lad from Boston. Sigh. On the upswing, it wasn’t Adam, who is nicknamed “eight baller,” because of his pool shark prowess (surprisingly not for the fact he never blinks … ever!). Dude, Adam, seriously – I will give you the prize money if you can blink! That’s the safest bet I’ve ever made.

I want to put my money on Joshuah and say he’ll come out the winner. Somehow, I don’t see that coming to fruition, though. And before you declare me a bad gay, I would love it if he could pull it off. Maybe he will. After all, this season of “Big Brother” has more twists and turns than Dolly Parton trying to fit into a too-small bra. As of press he’s still in da houze.

OK, I need to get this off my chest. Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell need to rent a hotel room – just work it out, girls! The claws are out and there is a bit of a gay vibe between the two this season on “Idol” – and it may have spilled over to the contestants. Clean up on aisle five!

We had Danny Noriega, a sassy little Miss Thang who was not afraid to stand up to Simon’s icy demeanor. His pithy comebacks and neck-twist combo would put most drag queens to shame. Ironically, someone with that much sashay should have nailed as gay a song as “Tainted Love.” Alas, though, he was voted off for failing to execute.

David Hernandez’s bump-and-grind past as a stripper at Dick’s Cabaret, a gay strip joint in Phoenix, (that’s subtle – by the way, you’ve got to try their hot dogs and special “dipping sauce,” nudge, wink) was revealed, though it didn’t force him out of the closet. He claims to be straight, just like Clay Aiken! He was also voted off for his rendition of The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There” – perhaps he should have crooned, “Can’t Buy Me Love?”

The only hope, and again, this is pure speculation, may be in David Archuleta’s young hands – the gay force seems to be strong in that one. I’m just sayin’ – and I’m just gayin’

So, I suppose the begging question is: to gay or not to gay? These two shows, in their own way, feature out and proud or alleged gays – for better or worse.

The short of the long is: bring it on, sisters, be who you are! In the end, isn’t that what being gay is all about, the freedom to be who we are?

In a way, it’s refreshing to see a younger generation bringing queeny back, and perhaps the defense mechanisms of some of these contestants, with a sharp tongue at the ready, is just a sad reminder for us all, that the best line of defense is sometimes an offense.

Hey! I found the root of why I am the way I am! Thanks, “Gaywatch!”

Until next time that’s all of the news that’s fit to print.