Remember when it seemed we were everywhere on the tube? Our lives were featured in the spotlight – casting no shadow for the straight public as to who we were, are and could be. Now it seems that the spotlight’s glare is fading; winking out from supernova proportions to mere fractured pink prisms; dying rays stretching across the heavens, showcasing the distances we have come, and those left to travel.

There are only five (four men, one woman) portrayals of the GLBT community slated for the fall television season, all of which are given second, even third banana roles. And with the exit of strong main gay characters from “Queer As Folk” and “Six Feet Under,” as well as “Will & Grace,” we are going to have to look for alternative routes to keep ourselves amused.

Since this is the sad, red state of affairs and the cold hard facts, let’s look into this season’s crop of new shows vying for our attention: We have “Lost” coattail riders (the season’s biggest trend), movie stars slumming it on the small screen (Freddie Prinze, Jr., Melanie Griffith and Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Martha Stewart!

Here’s the lowdown on what we can expect, our best bets, and those shows with that certain skipability.

“Emily’s Reasons Why Not”: Heather Graham stars in this “Sex & The City”-ish comedy about one woman’s adventures in life, friendship, love and their infinite possibilities.

Queer factor: Well, that all sounds well and good. But the fact that she not only has a backstabbing former assistant named Glitter and a black gay friend named Josh, played by Khary Patton, (what’s the reverse term for fag hag? Oh yes, a shopping friend!) will likely draw in gay viewers. Plus, she was Roller Girl in Boogie Nights.

Queer detractor: Graham has recently taken over the Garnier Nutrisse commercials from SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker), and is now treading into her territory, show-wise. What’s your damage, Heather? Airs Mondays at 9:00 p.m.

“What About Brian”: A show with Barry Watson (“7th Heaven”) playing what sounds like a nauseating goody-goody (oh, so it’s like “7th Heaven,” then? Way to stretch those acting muscles, Barry). He’s the last single guy in his circle of friends, a serial monogamist who hopes for eternal love.

Queer factor: From the producers of “Alias” and “Lost.” Maybe he’ll get kidnapped by Sydney Bristow, dropped off on the “Lost” island and take some bad-boy lessons from Sawyer.

Queer detractor: Perhaps there will be a very special episode where he realizes he’s been barking up the wrong tree, sexuality-wise. Airs Mondays at 10:00 p.m.

“Commander-In-Chief”: Geena Davis gives series television another shot, four years after her “Geena Davis Show” failed to catch fire. Hell, it didn’t even light a match after the stink it made. This time around she’s trading comedy for drama (something gay men can relate to) as the first female president.

Queer factor: Davis is a longtime GLBT community favorite, with such roles as Thelma in Thelma and Louise. Men and women alike gravitate toward that strong feminine heroine, so depending on the quality of the show’s scripts, etc., this could garner a big gay and lesbian following.

Queer detractor: With that said, this idea has been flown up the flagpole before. Does anyone remember the 1985 Patty Duke vehicle “Hail To The Chief” that also aired on ABC? I didn’t think so. Good for ABC for being environmentally concerned and recycling. Airs Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Freddie”: Freddie Prinze, Jr. takes one small step off of the movie screen and, well, one small step for his career. His sitcom is about a man who loves the ladies. He’s both a bachelor and a family man when he insists that four of his female relatives move in with him. Oh, that’s different than being a player. Good boy, Freddie.

Queer factor: Well, Freddie is eye candy, of that there is no doubt. Could wife Sarah Michelle Gellar (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) be a future guest star? And all of you “Beverly Hills, 90210” fans take note: Brian Green is back on TV as Prinze’s friend Chris.

Queer detractor: Unless Freddie and Chris’ friendship entails a “special handshake,” the estrogen factor could be a tad high for some gay male viewers. Plus, what are those of us eagerly awaiting Scooby-Doo 3 gonna do? Airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m.

“Invasion”: What if aliens were already on Earth causing natural disasters as a smoke screen for something far more ominous? That’s what the residents of a podunk Florida town realize, as they begin a fight for the survival of the human race! Hopefully, there’s no Hanging Chad involved.

Queer factor: Two words: Eddie Cibrian (“Third Watch”). Three words: Director Tommy Schlamme. Four words: Writer/Producer Shaun Cassidy (Yes, the former teen heartthrob/Hardy Boy).

Queer detractor: I saw a preview of part of the first episode at Comic-Con, and there was a lot of da doo run running around in the rain looking for a little girl, Rose. She just wanted to see the lights that were landing in the ocean, and I just wanted to see the scene work much better with a shirtless Cibrian. Airs Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m.

“The Night Stalker”: The ’70s cult favorite about a reporter that investigates supernatural doings that no one else will gets a ’05 makeover. This updated version has Carl Kolchak, a reporter who investigates strange deaths and unexplained phenomena.

Queer factor: This time out, Kolchak is played by Stuart Townsend (Charlize Theron’s main squeeze and a hunka hunka burnin’ love). Add Gabrielle Union (Bring It On), some scary scenarios and we may have another “X-Files” on our hands. The original “Night Stalker” was the inspiration for “X-Files,” and this version is being produced, written and directed by “X-Files” vets Frank Spotnitz and Daniel Sackheim.

Queer detractor: As long as this show is more reminiscent of “X-Files” in its heyday, and not the last few seasons, no one will have to get hurt. Airs Thursdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Hot Properties”: A comedy set in a Manhattan real estate office, featuring four women (the sitcom numerology game is now in session) who bond over their personal woes and professional lives.

Queer factor: Modeled after the tradition of “Sex & The City,” “Designing Women” and “The Golden Girls,” with Gail O’Grady (“NYPD Blue”) and Nicole Sullivan (“Mad TV”). Gay audiences loved Sullivan as The Vancome Lady and her big bag of bitchery.

Queer detractor: This show is not, in fact, “Sex & The City,” “Designing Women” or “The Golden Girls.” Besides, what gay man or lesbian is going to be home on a Friday night to watch it? That’s just sad. Wait a minute – I’ll be home! Hopefully it’ll be funnier than the clips I have seen. Airs Fridays at 9:30 p.m.

“Surface”: A new form of sea life begins to appear in locations all over the world. No, Anna Nicole Smith did not learn how to swim! Soon the seemingly innocent creatures will prove there’s more to them than meets the eye.

Queer factor: One of the families who’s about to find out about them is from San Diego, so maybe there will be a nice Black’s Beach tie-in: “Look, Mommy! A sea snake!”

Queer detractor: With the lack of gay characters this season, can the monster at least be gay? Airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m.

“My Name Is Earl”: Jason Lee (Chasing Amy) stars in this comedy about a man who wins the lottery and has an epiphany – that he needs to right the wrongs of his life.

Queer factor: One of the few shows out there generating buzz for the upcoming season, it has an original premise – a feat in and of itself in Tinsel Town – and Earl appears to be a likeable loser.

Queer detractor: Lee has finally gotten rid of his unibrow, but there’s the matter of his character’s unkempt hair. I smell a makeover! Airs Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“The Apprentice: Martha Stewart”: Fresh from her stint at Camp Cupcake, Martha’s, um, take-no-prisoners approach to home décor, entertaining, design and merchandising will be the driving force behind this “companion piece” to Donald’s. Speaking of the combed-over one and his signature line, “You’re fired,” I wonder what Martha’s will be? I’m gunning for, “I’ve had to clean house, goodbye.” Or, “You didn’t pass the white glove test.” Maybe she’ll hark back to her jail cell days with a, “Lights out, new fish!”

Queer factor: Hello, it’s Martha Stewart!

Queer detractor: That NBC will probably edit out any real juicy stuff, like if Martha just wants to focus on her salad. Airs Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.

“E-Ring”: Hour-long drama set inside of The Pentagon, where the nation’s critical decisions and the execution of covert special ops are made every day.

Queer factor: Stars Benjamin Bratt in a military uniform.

Queer detractor: Despite its title, this is not a look inside the world of club kids. Airs Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Three Wishes”: Think “Extreme Home Makeover” without the home improvement aspect. Got it? OK, try this on for size. Host Amy Grant (Christian music maker), Vince Gill and her team of experts travel to small towns to grant wishes.

Queer factor: “E.H.M.” is a huge, heart tugging draw for most gays.

Queer detractor: If Amy Grant tries to resurrect her 1992 ditty, “Baby, Baby” as the show’s theme song. Airs Fridays at 9:00 p.m.

“Inconceivable”: Ensemble drama set in a fertility clinic, where the staff is embroiled in its fair share of sex and lies, sans videotape.

Queer factor: Jonathan Cake (“Empire”), who plays Dr. Malcolm Bower, will definitely get male viewers’ pulses racing. Is there a doctor in the house? Why yes, there’s also Ming Na (“ER”) on staff, and former “Law & Order” beauty Angie Harmon. Alfre Woodard will be pulling double duty – she’s also the new neighbor on “Desperate Housewives” this season. A reported upcoming plotline will involve a gay couple coping with infertility.

Queer detractor: Hopefully it will play more as an “ER”-type show, rather than “Melrose Place” set in a clinic, due to its serious subject matter. Actually, that might not be a bad thing. Airs Fridays at 10:00 p.m.

“How I Met Your Mother”: Told via flashbacks is the story of how Ted (Josh Radnor) finds his I adore mi amore (you know you listened to Color Me Badd!).

Queer factor: Former “Buffy” vet Alyson Hannigan (Willow) is back on TV, so at least we have someone who actually played gay to add to the roster of dwindling gay characters.

Queer detractor: Will gay audiences really buy Neil Patrick Harris (“Doogie Howser, MD”) as, ahem, a womanizer? And one-named Barney to boot! Because when I think womanizer, my mind immediately thinks of the guy who’s spent his post-“Doogie” years doing musical theater! Airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m.

“Out of Practice”: This comedy, about a family of MDs and one Ph.D., features our only new lesbian character. The daughter, played by Paula Marshall (“Spin City”), is also an ER doc. Maybe they can get her a love interest with Laura Innes of “ER”?

Queer factor: From the team that brought us “Frasier,” possibly the all-time gayest show without having any gay regular characters. Well, there was Niles. And Frasier, too. Anyhoo, the cast includes Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler. Rizzo and The Fonz on a show together – now that’s must-see TV!

Queer detractor: Some may confuse the title with Winkler’s absence from being a regular series cast member, since “Happy Days” went off the air in 1984. Airs Mondays at 9:30 p.m.

“Close To Home”: This legal drama stars Jennifer Finnigan (“Committed”) as a new mother returning to the courtroom trenches after serving time in The Diaper Brigade. She’s investigating crimes committed in suburbia – hopefully she won’t stumble onto Wisteria Lane!

Queer factor: Aww… who doesn’t like a cute baby, a strong female lead, a hunky husband and murder thrown in for good measure?

Queer detractor: Could these kitchen-sink tactics deter viewers? And will this come off as a semi-“Desperate Housewives” wannabe? Only time and ratings will tell. Airs Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m.

“Criminal Minds”: Oh boy, another FBI profiler/procedural show! Oh wait, this one is different, as investigators will tap into the criminal’s mind.

Queer factor: Stars Mandy Patinkin (“Chicago Hope”) and Thomas Gibson (“Dharma and Greg”), who played gay in “Tales Of The City” as the FBI’s best of the best.

Queer detractor: Well, we’ve been spared any new “Law & Order”-type shows this fall. But do we really need another one of these shows? Airs Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Ghost Whisperer”: Triple threat Jennifer Love Hewitt (in name only, not professionally) can talk to dead people! Being able to communicate with the dead is no easy task for JLH, as she attempts to act… I mean help bring closure to those in the spirit world.

Queer factor: JLH’s character’s struggle semi mirrors a gay existence; she’s The Girl With Something Extra (I am not referring to her breast size) who just wants to be seen as normal. Movies like The Sixth Sense and shows such as “Crossing Over” and “Medium” have proven to be big hits in the past. Co-starring Aisha Tyler (“24”), who’s at least watchable.

Queer detractor: Gay audiences may not have forgiven JLH’s 2000 telepic turn as Audrey Hepburn. Airs Fridays at 8:00 p.m.

“Threshold”: CBS’ attempt to jump on the “Lost” bandwagon, which is a tad similar to both ABC’s “Invasion” and NBC’s “Surface” (see below), as the storyline involves the discovery of an extraterrestrial spacecraft in the middle of the ocean. A crackerjack team, including Carla Gugino (“Spin City”), is sent to investigate the alien goings on.

Queer factor: Maybe the show will actually be scary, and therefore a good one to clutch onto your sweetie during.

Queer detractor: Or it might not. In that case, you may have to talk about your feelings with said sweetie. Airs Fridays at 9:00 p.m.

“Kitchen Confidential”: After hitting rock bottom, a chef assembles a rag-tag crew at a top N.Y.C. restaurant to help him solidify top-dog status again.

Queer factor: Features actor Sam Pancake as a gay waiter (good thing I’m sitting down). Darren Star, the man who gave us “Melrose Place” and “Sex & The City” is the brains behind this operation.

Queer detractor: Pancake’s gay character seems to be a mere afterthought. Every show synopsis for “Kitchen” doesn’t even list him as a supporting player. Airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m.

“Prison Break”: A man (Wentworth Miller) commits a crime to infiltrate the penal system (sounds like a typical Saturday night to me) to prove his death-row brother is innocent.

Queer factor: Well, it’s set in prison and there’s a character named T-Bag. ’Nuff said.

Queer detractor: Since it’s on FOX, there won’t be any “Oz”-style shower scenes. Airs Mondays at 9:00 p.m.

“Bones”: A forensic anthropologist/author (Emily Deschanel) has the ability to read clues left behind in a victim’s skeletal remains. She sounds like a fun date, no? Of course, she is law enforcement’s go-to bone girl.

Queer factor: Her assistant on the show is played by gay actor Eric Millegan. This is a different approach to a procedural – think of it as Murder, She Boned. Also stars “Buffy” and “Angel” vet David Boreanaz.

Queer detractor: It’s still a procedural. Airs Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.

“Head Cases”: Law drama with former boy wonder Chris O’ Donnell as a lawyer trying to turn himself around after a nervous breakdown with the help of his “outpatient buddy.”

Queer factor: Give it points for originality.

Queer detractor: O’Donnell probably won’t be sporting his Robin codpiece. Airs Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Reunion”: Described as part character drama and part mystery, this show chronicles the lives of a group of six friends over the course of 20 years, all in one season! The first episode is set in the present at the funeral of one of the characters; and we won’t find out until the season finale what happened to said character.

Queer factor: Aside from a very intriguing premise, the show also features Mathew St. Patrick (Keith from “Six Feet Under”).

Queer detractor: Hopefully the cast knows the wonders of a good moisturizer. Airs Thursdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Killer Instinct”: Crime drama focusing on Detective Jack Hale (Johnny Messner), who investigates deviant crimes and is fighting to maintain his sanity and career – who isn’t on FOX’s lineup?

Queer factor: Series in set in San Francisco, so at least the scenery will be pretty.

Queer detractor: Pray that Sharon Stone doesn’t confuse this set for her upcoming Basic Instinct 2: Electric Boogaloo, and force them to let her make a guest appearance. Nobody’s opening an envelope on that set, Sharon. Airs Friday at 9:00 p.m.

“The War At Home”: FOX-style family comedy, with two parents (Michael Rapaport and Anita Barone) trying their darnedest to raise their kids in the modern world.

Queer factor: It is reported that one of the kids on the show has a gay friend named Kenny. And writer/executive producer Rob Lotterstein has worked on both “Ellen” and “Will & Grace.”

Queer detractor: Will this be just another un-relatable comedy, or will something (aside from a minor gay character) strike a chord with gay audiences? Airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m.

“Rome”: Two Roman soldiers are caught in the middle of the death of a republic and the birth of an empire.

Queer factor: Anyone for a little gladiator-on-gladiator action? It’s reported that there’s “supposed” to be some same-sex relations.

Queer detractor: Come Sept. 25, it will go up against “The Housewives”. Airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m.

“Twins”: Comedy centered on twins who are as different as night and day. The pair is set to inherit their parents’ undergarment business. I smell wacky shenanigans ensuing!

Queer factor: Features a flamboyantly gay technician played by Christopher Fitzgerald. Co-starring Melanie Griffith as the mom of the title twins, one of whom is played by Sara Gilbert (“Roseanne”). I thought that would be the gay part of the show. Oh well. Executive produced by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan (“Will & Grace”).

Queer detractor: While the show marks some “milestones,” Sara Gilbert’s return to comic form after a dramatic stint on “ER” and Mel G’s foray into TV Land. It is the unsettling return of Mark Linn-Baker (“Perfect Strangers”) to the sitcom world (he just annoyed me for some reason). I can just imagine some honchos’ casting discussion at The WB: “Great! Bronson Pinchot’s tied up with ‘The Surreal Life.’ Do you think we can get the other guy from ‘Perfect Strangers’ to play the dad?” Airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m.

“Just Legal”: Don Johnson as a burned-out lawyer helping out a 19-year-old legal prodigy. The duo rights wrongs and helps the unjustly accused.

Queer factor: Title and premise has a semi gay-porn feel to it. I wonder if Johnson and Griffith, exes two times over, will attend WB functions if the other one is there.

Queer detractor: The show is not, in fact, gay porn in any way, shape or form. Airs Mondays at 9:00 p.m.

“Supernatural”: Two brothers on a cross-country trek in a ’69 Chevy Impala, searching for their missing father and battling evil forces along the way.

Queer factor: Could establish itself as a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”-type hit. Executive produced by McG, director of Charlie’s Angels.

Queer detractor: Do you remember all of the “fun” of a family road trip? That’s scary enough without monsters! Airs Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Related”: Drama about four sisters and their lives, which are separate but are brought together.

Queer factor: Could be “The Gilmore Girls,” plus two.

Queer detractor: Then again, it might not be. Airs Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Sex, Love & Secrets”: Drama about a tight-knit group of 20-something friends, which stars Denise Richards (Drop Dead Gorgeous).

Queer factor: Also stars Eric Balfour, who was Claire’s first boyfriend on “Six Feet Under.”

Queer detractor: Originally titled “Sex, Lies & Secrets,” but the powers that be believed love “better reflected the series.” Damn! Airs Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.

“Everybody Hates Chris”: Based on the experiences of growing up and narrated by comedian Chris Rock, this show has some good buzz surrounding it.

Queer factor: Feelings of being an outcast, after being bussed to an all-white school, could resonate with a gay audience. Tichina Arnold, who plays the mom, was in the 1986 movie version of Little Shop Of Horrors, and the gays love musicals, apparently.

Queer detractor: Hyped as an African-American version of “The Wonder Years,” let’s hope the title character doesn’t lose his cute-kid factor like ol’ Freddie Savage! Airs Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.

“Love, Inc.”: Comedy about a dating consultant who, ironically, can’t find one herself!

Queer factor: This is the show that Shannen Doherty was kicked off of – ooh, drama!

Queer detractor: This means Ms. Doherty is free to drop in as a guest star on Freddie. Doesn’t Brian Green hate her, too? Didn’t everybody on the set of “90210”? Airs Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.

“The Amazing Race 8”: This popular reality show ups the ante (or is that Auntie?) this season with families of four competing for the grand prize. Airs Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m., beginning Sept. 27.

“Survivor: Guatemala”: You know the drill: contestants compete for food, shelter and immunity in this 11th “Survivor” contest. In trying to read between the lines on the new contestants, there don’t “seem” to be any queers among the bunch. But contestant Cindy lists softball as a favorite sport, so there’s hope for our Sapphic sisters! Airs Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., beginning Sept. 15.

“Desperate Housewives”: Everyone’s favorite suburbanites are back with brand new mysteries to unravel, beginning Sept. 25.

“Lost”: The doomed passengers of Oceanic Flight 815 continue their bid for survival, beginning on Sept. 21 at 9:00 p.m.

“Alias”: Both Jennifer Garner and her Sydney Bristow character are preggers! The show switches to its new timeslot of Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. on Sept. 29.

“Will & Grace”: Kicks off its final season with a live season premiere on Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m.

So, in a big nutshell, these are the offerings from the networks.The number of gay characters as leads in a primetime network series is down, even from last year, which was the lowest amount since GLAAD began tracking this trend in 1996. Is that what we are, merely a trend? Can I get a resounding, “No!”

We are real people with real stories that are ready to be told. And while it’s great that there are niche cable networks springing up (like Logo and here! TV), how will that serve us in the long run? Besides, we can’t even get Logo here in San Diego (my friend in St. Louis, Mo., has it as part of his basic cable package). Want to change that? Call your local cable provider and tell them, “I want my gay TV!” If they get enough calls, they will add Logo onto our basic cable.