Yet again, the gay community has been used for a ratings boost only. What a disappointment! H&A representatives originally released to the media that this storyline was to reflect normal society, now if that was the case, then Charlie and Joey's relationship would have thrived. But! Apparently, as far as H&A are concerned, once out of sight out of mind! Apparently, same sex relationships have no depth, or intensity of feeling, and the worst short term memory in history! I loved and appreciated the way Esther Anderson and Kate Bell portrayed Charlie and Joey, and can't tell you how disappointed I am at the writers treatment their characters in the end. I'm still angry at how they're treating Charlie's character now. Love between two women is a beautiful thing, and can be just as long lasting as any other relationship (I shouldn't even have to say it!).. I've been with my girl for 11 love-filled years and I couldn't imagine being with anyone else. Charlie and Joey deserved better treatment and more respect by the writers. If only they'd really respected the storyline as much as Esther Anderson and Kate Bell had!
 Kgirl36 - Jul 27, 2009

I think if H&A don't bring Charlie and Joey back together they will seriously stuff this wonderful love story up and will loose thousands of viewers. Alot of people can relate to this story line, it is so close to reality it is actually scary. I use to watch H&A a few years ago but got borred with it. Since the Charlie and Joey story I am absolutely hooked on it. I have one question though why do we (the Charlie and Joey supportes) want 10000 signatures and the "anti" (non Charlie and Joey supports) only want 700. What does this mean?? Great comment Mel Page. Love is beautiful please H&A keep this story going !!!
 Liero - May 20, 2009

i personally think tht H&A producers should kepp thm 2gether because some of my family r gay but i dnt care becasue thy r still the same person tht i love and it takes some gults 2 say ur gay 2 ur family tht ur gay or bi or wateve it should matter wat ppl think its wat make u happy nd u cant help who ur fell in love wiv can yhoo? so i say charlie and joey always and forever. i miss joey already lol .xo
 hales - May 19, 2009

Could everyone who is gay or bi, please sign the lesbian storyline petition in home and away (joey and charlie) the online petition is petitions.tigweb.org.) It is time we make a stand and show all the homophobic people out there that we are human and we have the right to be happy no matter what are sexuality is and that love is love no matter what sex. That is what home and away was trying to show. As usual there are homophobic people trying to stop the storyline as they don't want there children to watch it as it disgusting. But we need storylines like this on day time telly to show young people that are confused that is ok to be yourself and you can't help who you fall in love with. Also if the topic of sexuality is more openly shown as exceptable on prime time tv then it might stop bullying and change homophobic peoples views and might make them realise that maybe we are normal just like them.
 Charlie - May 16, 2009

I agrea with Mel, that the Charlie and Joe storyline has been handled incredibly delicately, and is a reall credit to the home and away writters/seven network!!!!! well done guys! It is much better to see people falling in love, being that of two women, two men, or one of each sex than people being murdered, drug deals etc! Seeing people kissing isnt going to harm anybody, kids will grow up and see people kissing some time in there lives, so they might as well learn about it know, not like all of this vialents that is seen on the screen these days, and on all times of the day,yet no complaint on this is there, as it has been slowly accepted, writefully or wronglfully! Its the violance that should be stopped, as kids grow up seeing it on all the stations, and believe that this is acceptable behavioure which is totally wrong! The purpose of soaps is to depict the life of the people, and funnily enough, this story line does actually happen in peoples lifes, and the way that the ~Charlie character handles/battles with her emotions for Joe, is im sure very true of many situations, (people trying to stop there feeling becuase they dont know how to deal with them, or tell other poeple). With this storyline im sure it would help aid/guide a fiew people into how to deal with their feelings, as well as how to act on them and have the courage to come clean/out (as i believe they say). Isnt it better that people who have problems coming to terms with their feelings feel that there is support out there for them, becuase how many times have we heared of people feeling isolated, as they are to imbarresed to talk to someone about there feelings, and end up sadly ending there lives. surely its better to show this story than to brush the situation under the carpet! In this day in age, i thought that people were more open minded, and am disgusted with anyone who is disgriminatory against same sex relationships! Your feelings have a mind of there own, and try as you may know one can help who they fall in love with. I totally acmiare anyone who has been in such a situation, and would not have a problem with a friend of mine being gay at all. Ok it would freack me out the first time seeing them kiss another person of the same sex, but its somethings that youd get used to, its the person that important, and there feelings, not there relationship preference in my eyes. I wonder if either Charlie or Joe are actually lesbians in reall life? If not my respect for them is even greater, expecially Charlie as her acting skills are amazing and she is very convinsing!!!!!! Long may the Charlie and Joe storyline continue, and good on Home and Away wrighter for having the balls to wright this im sure helpfull storyline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Charlie and Joe 4ever
 Hafwen - May 4, 2009

Whatever your feelings for ‘Home and Away’, whether good or bad, they have to be commended for a least showing a lesbian relationship, however tame. And given the constraints of the genre (heightened reality, melodrama, cliché etc.) the romance between Charlie and Joey is well handled and sensitively told. I am surprised that in this day and age there is still furor and condemnation engendered by such a plotline. The onus is on the creators of H&A to depict this relationship in a positive manner, and not deliver up some self-servingly trite and cop-out ending. They also have a degree of responsibility to their audience, especially to those women or teenage girls who may be unsure of their sexuality, confused in themselves and are afraid to confide in others. And this storyline may become the catalyst that gives them the confidence they require, which has to be a good thing. As a bisexual male I am happy in my sexuality and have never had a problem in being who I am. But there are those who need encouragement and support, which is why I feel that the Charlie and Joey relationship is an important one, and one that needs to be seen. If soap operas are truly a reflection on society, then isn’t it about time that a long-term, same-sex relationship is exemplified. If you don’t like the storyline, then don’t watch. If you do, then celebrate and applaud Mag Melvy Jolie for what she has done thus far, promote and sign this petition.
 Stewart Thompson - May 3, 2009

Kara, I think you are ignorant about gay relationships & misguided in your view that more people are switching off h & a than on. Viewing figures are actually higher than ever after an initial drop, indicating far more people are switching on than off. And as for complaints, IMDB reports that "The Kiss" episode generated fewer than 30 telephone calls nationally, the Melbourne newspaper The Age reported Tuesday -- and half of those supported the decision to broadcast it. Add to that the 17 dropcharlie&joey signatures vs 1705 signatures to keep them & your "facts" just don't add up.
 tayyaba sajid - Apr 26, 2009

i think Joey and Charlie deserve to be with each other because we watched their friendship developed into a romantic relationship. I have respects for gay/lesbain/bisexual people. I have a friend who was at my high school and of course she's a lesbain. I was so proud of who she is and we both still keep in touch. Charlie and Joey made a impression on me when I saw them together on Home and Away. Please keep Charlie and Joey together. They both deserve to be a long-term same sex couple forever. CHARLIE 4 JOEY EVER!!! xxx
 Sarah - Apr 24, 2009

what i find crazy is how much discrimitation is being put on the relationship to think gay people shouldnt be able to have relationships and how people dont think it is appropriate for that time slot but think about this they have belle how has a drug problem !! and they always have geoff and nicole and aden going on about sex and aden who locked up and basicly killed his father so its okt o show that and not a realtionship between people who love each other?!!!! i agree with all the other people love is love you cant always help who u fall in love with and you shouldnt have to be told who u can and cant date . i think people should get out of the past and live in this centry times are changeing keep the relationship going channel 7 it isnt fair to onlt pout a little bit on and not carry it through
 jenna - Apr 24, 2009

Hey im Malarie, Im bi and i dont mind this relationship at all, it's just good 2 c wen all the Dramas are over about telling everybody about them being together that they are so happy. So i dont see why they have to break them up coz they hav gone through so much by telling every1 and they have pretty much just settled into ther relationship it's just sad that they are breaking up because of other ppl's opinions. Sure everybody has ther opinions but love is love. I had a girlfriend and every1 took a while 2 accept it but i was happy that every1 accepted me and her pretty well. There is nothing wrong with gays, lesbians or bi's, we are the same as anybody else and just want 2 b left alone to have a gd realtionship with the person we love without ppl interferring.
 Malarie - Apr 23, 2009

With response to Kim - "natural and scientific" of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but please note that that is all your comment is, an opinion. If however you wish to provide all the references and citations to prove your theory I am sure we will all be willing to read it. With regards to the Charlie and Joey plot I respect the producers willingness to want to portray circumstances reflecting real life and I fail to see what is so offensive by portraying a caring and respectful relationship. Surely those values of love and respect irrespective of the genders involved should be the message carried forward. With regards to the more sensitive members of the viewing public, the H&A producers have allowed for very mellow relationship to be portrayed between Charlie and Joey in comparison to the more blatent one night stand between Charlie and Hugo and then also between Nicole - a school girl (how old is she by the way?) and Aden. I am sure noone is so naieve as to think school girls do not become intimately involved with boys or that one night stands do occur. If it is appropriate to highlight these issues why is it deemed inappropriate to portray a caring, loving same sex relationship?
 Natalie - Apr 21, 2009

I used to watch Home and Away when I was younger, but over time I stopped watching it because it just goes on and on. But when I heard about Charlie and Joey, I automatically started watching it again just for those two characters. I'm a lesbian so I was excited about the storyline and I just hope they keep characters. Love is love, it really doesn't matter what gender you love. If they kick one of them off, you will just be losing a fan. If people don't like it, they can not watch their part.
 Jasmin Jenkinson - Apr 20, 2009

i used to watch home and away but stopped late last year cause it got boring but when I heard about thi I started watching it again. Such a good change from the meaningless crap theyve been feeding us all year. Im bi and havent told anyone and seeing 2 people (even if they dont really exist) be open with other like that really makes me feel good. When they banned the kiss scene from going on the air I wanted to march right down to channel 7 studios and punch some1 in the face. At least once a week they show a kiss between other characters and banning this one should be, in my opinion, the legal equivalent of banning an asian kissing a black man. This is pure and utter discrimination. I dont understand why, even if youre a homophobe, you would have a problem watching this. A recent survey showed that the most popular porn on the internet was lesbian porn and when asked about it, 94% of the people who looked it up were straight guys. So tell me, why do these people not have a problem watching these girls having sexual intercourse with each other and yet one little kiss sets their homophobia off like a bomb. If you havent already done it then sign this petition and to whoever made this petition please add that this petition should also be for equality between public displays of interaction for heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals. Thank you. PS Yesterday was my birthday turned 16 please wish me a hapy b'day.
 James Tarkasis - Apr 20, 2009

I've been watching Home and Away for as long as I can remember. It's always been my favourite show, always. But when I heard there would be a same-sex relationship on it I just about jumped up and down with joy. I only wish it had happened when I was in Charlie's position because I was so confused. Fast forward 2 years and I'm now out to all my friends and family. They even sit down with me and watch Home and Away just for Charlie and Joey's storyline! I think it takes great courage to air a same-sex storyline knowing the kind of controversy it would bring. Well done Channel 7. I only hope it does continue against the odds.
 Shannon - Apr 20, 2009

Not being a regular watcher of H&A, I have found myself being drawn to this storyline as it has evolved over the last couple of weeks. I have been so impressed by the quality of the character development and the sensitivity with which the relationship has been handled. It has opened my eyes to the real nature of loving relationships across the gender spectrum, and the fact that we of the 'hetero' variety do not have a monopoly on love. The writers / producers MUST keep this story alive or else it risks being regarded as nothing more than a momentary sensationalist exercise. In case you're wondering about MY demographic... 51 yo father of three daughters, 28 years married, teacher ! Well done H&A - I'll keep watching.
 Mike - Apr 20, 2009

The Charlie and Joey storyline has been amazing. It has provoked a positive reaction that heavily outweighs any negativity and from talking to people, it has really made a difference to people's lives. The writing has been beautiful, the acting so believable that it should be award winning... everything about it has been fantastic. I applaud H&A for taking on the storyline and for continuing it and representing a lesbian relationship in a positive, normal way, as it should be. And I desperately hope that it continues and that the characters will eventually end up into a relationship that is perceived as just the same as any other relationship. I really hope the show doesn't let this go. It would be so sad to waste such an incredible story, that people have really taken into their hearts and found inspiration from. H&A are in a position to encourage acceptance and a way forward against homophobia with the wonderful love story they have been depicting and I truly hope that this isn't the end of it.
 Tessa Lee - Apr 19, 2009

There are a lot of people who can put this into better words than I can (and already have), but I honestly think that this is one of the sweetest storylines out there at the moment. A lot of teenagers out there take things that they see from television shows and use them in their own life in a good way. The show allows people to see how people react when someone has been raped, or addicted to drugs, without the consequences in their own life. Most soapies, while sometimes overdoing it, can bring home a few home truths. It may seem silly, but people learn from things they see on TV. With this gay storyline, not only is it a step forward for the gay community, but it shows people who may be in denial that its OK to be gay, and that the emotions that they are experiencing are normal. All this hullabaloo over the storyline just causes more people to suppress their natural desires due to fear of other's reactions. I also don't see the difference between two women kissing, and a man and woman kissing. In fact, we get less 'dirty' scenes from Charlie and Joey than in any normal televised heterosexual relationship. They are perfectly happy to show Roman and Leah in bed kissing, but with Joey and Charlie, we get almost chaste kisses. There's almost no body contact either, which is normally a constant with heterosexuals. I hope that the writers don't cave into pressure. It is our choice whether or not we choose to watch the storyline, and I know plenty of people who have started watching the show in support of the storyline. Charlie and Joey make a great couple, and while I realise that like any televised relationship, they must withstand some trials, I truly hope that in the end they are allowed to stay together.
 Sara - Apr 19, 2009

Hey... i'm Ellie and im a 16 and bi. I love this story line because unlike so many others the writers have handled it amazingly and haven't rushed it and allowed it to seem natural and not pushed and unsteady. It would be a real waste to see this amazing realtionship fail due to the predjudice and injustice of people who are offended by it. In my opinion if you don't like it close your eyes when a charlie and joey scene occurs... or just learn to love it. Why is it though those who are offended by a lesbian realtionship have no problem with a hetrosexual relationship?? I would be very disappointed if they forced joey and charlie apart and would consider not to watch H+A any longer because it would show how easliy the writers crumple under peer pressure and children should not be around that! LOVE IS LOVE JUST EMBRACE IT!
 Ellie - Apr 18, 2009

Hi every one, my name is andrea I am from Colombia, I get here for You Tube because is the only way to wacth the story between Charlie and Joey from the soap Home and Away (AUSTRALIA) really I dont understand why the writers want to finish this story, if is the most beautiful story of love, and the other botthers me is that here in my country COLOMBIA we dont have the chance to see this things because the people is not ready, the culture is very past, but I always had seen and hear that AUSTRALIA is the country most gayfrendly in the world with SAN FRANCISCO U.S.A, so what is the deal, if this story si on air and they loved each other and kiss, and the people like, why the writers had to broke up all, if charly love joey why she had to stay with other person, this is a big deception, I thought the writers were more originals, honest with their vision to the real world, this is happen, this is not a sin, is our life we are gay, the people who dont understand are bad persons, because we deserved the respect and honor like the straight people, we are not a monsters, we are inteligent people, teachers, doctors, engineers, musician, actors, love is love, the most beautiful feeling in the world, no matther if the body is male or female. Please writers keep going with this story, its a pleasure watched. Andrea from Colombia, my email is andreas1956@hotmail.com if are other thing to do, for save this love. Charlie and Joey for ever.
 Andrea Vasquez - Apr 18, 2009

Count me in to sign along with my partner so here are two more signatures you can count on!
 TTrombley - Apr 17, 2009

I don't know who will see this petition, but if it gets to the people in charge of H & A, then I'd like them to know how I feel. I am a mum of a 14 yo and enjoy the opportunity to discuss ideas with my son when I can. With that being said my son, my partner and I don't normally watch Home and Away. One week ago I read a news report on the Net about people protesting about the Lesbian Kiss on Home and Away, so I delved deeper to find out the storyline is on TV at the moment. So Using varying websites, I did a months worth of watching of H & A and caught up on the storyline in the past week. I've felt quite excited by the storyline. The first thing I thought was that there are a lot of storylines all happening at once. I find it hard to believe that a select few people would protest so greatly about people (yes they are people), 2 girls falling in Love and kissing, when compared to the rape, and violent storylines also in the show. I know what I'd prefer for my children to see, it would be love in all it's forms, any day. With that being said though, I'd not want them to remove the violent storylines, because they portray a segment of some people's lives, even if not my own. With all that being said, the few shows that have had lesbian or gay storylines, do seem to follow the same path. They meet, they fall in love, they cheat or leave coz it's too hard etc etc. Now I have been fortunate to know and be involved in the Gay Community in various towns in Australia, and there are times when it is like that for people coming out, but there are also times when it's not, and people meet and there love is strong and enduring, and I think that showing people young and old this way of living, is a productive learning curve for life long lessons, for all of us. This Shows us all how to deal with issues that may seem difficult, with respect and strength, instead of weakness, and fear. I have found myself in the same situation as Charlie about 11 years ago, when I realsed I liked girls, more than I liked guys. I felt all the feelings that Charlie is portraying,and watching it now after so long, I appreciate it being on TV. I lived as a lesbian woman with a small child for 8 years, and had a long term partner, who my child was loved by also. We need to see that lifestyle represented on TV more. We are no longer together, but the relationship lasted for years. Now I live as a (Lesbian) Straight woman. I am in a long term relationship with a man, but I have enjoyed being able to discuss gay issues with my male partner and my son also. Some people out there may think that I am strange or weird... But you know I am just me, and I don't need a label or your opinion. I love my son and my partner with all my heart, and any opportunity for us to grow as people is a special time, that we should grab with both hands. I'd like to see more people worrying about whether they treat there children and partners with love, and worry less about me. If these people complaining about the storyline, really don't want to see it, they should turn off the TV, and take their children out for a walk for half an hour. Honestly I don't watch much TV, because I'm doing just that, playing board games, reading, walking down the beach, visiting with friends etc. So if something is on TV I don't want to see, I just turn it off. But when there is an episode or series that is of interest to me or my family, I'd like it be my choice if we watch it.... Not anyone elses. Thank you all, and I know this is long, but it goes without saying, Love should always be what we focus on and what motivates us... More storylines like Charlie & Joey in love and kissing, communicating, and growing together should be on offer. Take Care everyone.
 Mel Page - Apr 17, 2009

I personally think it is out of order that the H&A producers and writers buckle under such uneeded critisism. As an 18yr old straight woman i find the storyline very sweet and endearing and very well handled. It would be a great injustice if it is just thrown away because of some people's prejudices. If it was a man and a woman kissing would it have mattered? No. So why should this? Love is love after all.
 Natasha Cunningham - Apr 16, 2009

Charlie and Joey 4ver
 Dakota - Apr 16, 2009