I don't think having the killer be gay is a step back. It's not like when they make their unsub a straight character it reflects poorly on straight people. LGBTQ people don't always have to be portrayed in a positive way. It's helpful when they're not stereotypical, but it doesn't have to be positive. There are some LGBTQ people who are terrible human beings, just as with straight people.
I disagree that this episode helps to normalize same-sex relationships when the audience was constantly reminded how "other" they were.
while you probably don't use this account anymore and this is a somewhat good take I'm gonna push back a bit right now so others can get more info. The problem is there isn't enough episodes supporting the lgbtq+ for there to be like "lgbtq+ people can be terible too". like it just comes off as anti-lgbtq+ if you don't show both sides of it. And the side the series likes to show is the one that paints us lgbtq+ folk in a bad light. I agree, more showing of terrible lgbtq+ people (respectful to the community though and not making their sexuality the reason they do it) but we need more showing of good lgbtq+ people.
S12.E12: A Good Husband
in Criminal Minds
while you probably don't use this account anymore and this is a somewhat good take I'm gonna push back a bit right now so others can get more info. The problem is there isn't enough episodes supporting the lgbtq+ for there to be like "lgbtq+ people can be terible too". like it just comes off as anti-lgbtq+ if you don't show both sides of it. And the side the series likes to show is the one that paints us lgbtq+ folk in a bad light. I agree, more showing of terrible lgbtq+ people (respectful to the community though and not making their sexuality the reason they do it) but we need more showing of good lgbtq+ people.