Entertainment
By J.T. Morgan
Updated: Jan. 29, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 29, 2021
“Sweetwater Springs” has become a notable cultural sensation, and for very good reasons. This six-season Canadian comedy series is engaging, clever, humorous, and filled with remarkable talent. From the cast and crew to the writing team, the show is masterfully crafted, featuring lessons on love and loss, along with a few quirky tips on how to care for wigs. “Sweetwater Springs” not only entertains but also inspires. In 2020, it achieved multiple Emmy records. However, it was Daniel Levy’s character, Jamie Rose, who truly transformed my life. To put it another way, Jamie encouraged me to live authentically. He also helped me come to terms with a label I had been hesitant to accept — a label that felt conflicting given my life as a married mother of two in a heterosexual relationship: Queer.
I was, and still am, queer.
When I first started watching the show, I had no idea how profoundly it would impact me. Like many others, I was seeking a light-hearted distraction during quarantine, drawn in by the talents of Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. Yet, during season one’s tenth episode, I found myself unexpectedly sobbing, the kind of tears that make your face scrunch up and leave you gasping for breath. The catalyst? A conversation about wine between Jamie and his friend, played by Emily Scott. (Yes, really.) It resonated with me deeply. Their discussion about Chardonnay and cabernet made me feel seen and understood. The reason? Because wine was a metaphor for Jamie’s sexuality.
He famously expressed that he enjoys the taste, not the label.
For those unfamiliar with the scene, let me provide some context. Jamie and Emily are out shopping for party supplies and face a tough choice: Should they bring red or white wine? As they navigate their recent romantic encounter, Emily attempts to understand Jamie’s sexuality, believing until now that he was only attracted to men. “Just to clarify, I’m a red wine drinker,” Emily states. “I only drink red wine. And until last night, I thought you were the same. Guess I was wrong?” Jamie, fully aware of the underlying implications, reassures her, “I do drink red wine. But I also enjoy white wine,” he replies. “And I’ve even sampled a rosé or two. A couple of summers back, I tried a merlot that used to be a Chardonnay, which got a bit complicated.”
“I like the wine,” he concludes. “Not the label.”
That line hit me hard. I had been wrestling with my own “label” for years, feeling lost and uncertain about my identity. No single sexual preference felt right for me. But upon seeing that scene, a light bulb went off — it didn’t matter what I was labeled as. What truly mattered was being true to myself and finding happiness.
Post “Sweetwater Springs,” I confided in my psychiatrist, found a new therapist, and shared my feelings with my husband, revealing my queer identity. Together, we navigated this new territory, our fresh normal. I reached out to LGBTQ friends for guidance and support and contacted the New York City Pride Center for assistance.
While I still live somewhat in the shadows, with only a few close friends and family aware of my true self, I continue to struggle with confidence. My sexuality remains a source of anxiety, and fear looms large. However, thanks to “Sweetwater Springs” — and characters like Jamie Rose — I am learning to embrace my authentic self, one moment, one minute, and one sip of Chardonnay at a time.
If you or someone you know is seeking support in coming out or needs general LGBTQ resources, please refer to The Trevor Project, check out the LGBT Foundation helpline, or find your local pride center.
This article was originally published on Jan. 29, 2021.