Not entirely true. South Park has hinted at Mr. Garrison being gay for a very long time, and then finally admitted to it. It is entering into its 10th season. People will watch when it is an accurate portrayal of homosexuals as deviants rather than the most glamourous people on the show.
Agreed. Mr. Garrison in no way glamorizes homosexuality.
What I meant by the 'Degeneres factor' was the attempt to make homosexuality hip and cutting edge.