Shameless deconstructs faith-based homophobia with piercing precision

Photo Credit: Shameless/Showtime, Paul Sarkis Image Acquired from Showtime Press Express /

Shameless takes its LGBTQ+ advocacy to the next level with Ian’s rise to power as Gay Jesus, a pointed reminder that we all need someone to worship.

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In the final scene of Sunday night’s new episode of Shameless, Fiona joked through shell-shocked disbelief that Ian was running a cult. She’s not far from the truth, after all, as Ian’s newfound stature as the deity du jour for disenfranchised queer youth bears all of the markings of such a following. But aside from Frank capitalizing on his son’s religious fame, Ian’s taking down an oppressive and regressive system of faith-based homophobia like we haven’t seen on the small screen.

The conversations about religion in Season 8 of Shameless began with Ian battling with Fiona for the rights to an abandoned church for a new youth center, though they can be traced as far back as Frank referring to himself as “Saint Francis.” For Ian’s part, he wouldn’t back down in the fight with his sister for the church, which spurned into Ian and Trevor saving one of their kids from a conversion therapy program at a nearby parish. Of course, Ian claps back at the holier than thou priest and his harrowing exercise with direct quotes from the Bible, shedding light on the objective hypocrisies of homophobia mired in the strongholds of scripture. Ian recognizes this inconsistency and becomes a voice for the voiceless, the Gay Jesus.

In true Shameless fashion, the dramedy tackles the intertwining issues of religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights with its characteristic sprinkling of absurdity. (Also, the series recognizes homelessness as a leading issue plaguing queer youth, a stark reality often missing from televised coming out stories.) I mean, no one marches into a church barking back at a backwards-thinking priest, reduces another to a heart attack thanks to explicit chanting, and turns into an overnight leader of the counterculture rebellion. But as with everything that Shameless does, the absurdity humbles itself with a pressing political message between the lines.

Even when Ian’s being hounded by his adoring public, signing Frank’s DIY Church of Gay Jesus t-shirts, and inspiring hundreds with a sermon featuring the words “b–ch” and “haters,” his intent and that of the series couldn’t be clearer: There’s a disparity between the teachings passed down by the devout God-fearing and the simple desire to be exactly who you are of LGBTQ+ kids. Ian can’t cure the world, but wouldn’t you agree that his homilies are surely a step-up from the popular religious figures currently taking up space on daytime syndicated television?

Photo Credit: Shameless/Showtime, Paul Sarkis Image Acquired from Showtime Press Express /

For those weathering the madness of a much darker world, Ian is someone to believe in, someone to hitch their broken wagon to. Although his wagon just might be as broken (we’re not forgetting how he reacted to Fiona’s concern for his well-being), but in this moment, he has the strength to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves and carry them through the fire. He has reservations accepting this role, an understandable hesitation given the immense weight of the movement. Ian doesn’t have formal training as an orator or de facto deity, though as a paramedic, he harbors the devotion and instinct to save lives. And that means saving lives from hearing who they are is wrong.

Within its layered deconstruction of faith-based homophobia and its many dangerous side effects, Shameless lands on a subtle reminder that we all sometimes require someone or something to worship in order to feel seen, heard, and accepted. Whether it’s your favorite pop singer, your favorite writer, or your favorite athlete, it’s not uncommon to place all of your faith in an intangible figure for a safety that can’t be provided by those closest to you. We can’t help but search for heroes outside of our own homes and neighborhoods. It’s what keeps us sane and tuning into popular culture. For the homeless queer youth on the South Side of Chicago, Ian is their chosen representative.

Next: Shameless season 8, episode 10: Is Frank about to foil Ian’s Church of Gay Jesus?

While it’s perfectly normal (and probably a healthier alternative in the long run) to become your own hero rather than bet all your chips on another person, it’s also a reality that we’ll always place those with a larger platform than ours on a higher pedestal. We can spend all day shouting positive affirmations and motivational mantras at ourselves in the mirror, but receiving the same messaging from a role model in a song, book, or speech can empower in an instant.

But the bottom line of the Church of Gay Jesus storyline remains the unparalleled discourse and visibility of issues that persist in a society (spoiler: ours) where bakers refuse to prepare a cake for a gay couple. Thankfully, Shameless says everything we want to say but can’t, especially not with the same brand of piercing precision. As the series continues to take on the intersections between religion and the LGBTQ+ community, Ian will have to contend with the responsibility of this power. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but will he let the greatness get him down?

Shameless airs Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime.

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