Flashback 1977: Katherine’s “Fling” with Joann Curtis

Was Katherine Chancellor one of the first characters on a daytime soap to have a lesbian storyline? According to sources (linked below), the answer is yes! Because I started watching Y&R in 1993, I don’t have direct knowledge to contribute to this discussion. However, since Katherine and Joann’s relationship has been referenced to me by fans in the past, I thought I’d do my best to present the (little bit of) information I could find online. WeLoveSoaps.net reports:

Katherine Chancellor and Joann [Curtis] were friends. After her divorce, Joann moved in with Kay. Katherine became possessive of her house guest Joann. Katherine, lonely after the death of her husband, started to develop romantic feelings for her friend and roommate, Joann. At one point, Kay touched Joann’s hand and they kissed.

In a 2009 interview, Jeanne Cooper does make reference to her “fling” with Joann as it related to a current storyline about Phillip Chancellor III, played by Thom Bierdz, returning to Genoa City and sharing with the family that he is gay.

Interviewer: Recently, Thom Bierdz has brought back Phillip Chancellor III on Genoa City. Fans have mixed reactions because it rewrites the history of the show. What do you think of this storyline? Do you think Kay’s own lesbian fling (with Joann Curtis in the late 70s’) should have been mentionned?

JC: I think the storyline with Thom was unnecessary. I don’t believe that Kay’s fling with Joann needed to be mentioned because there was no real story development.

Since classic episodes of the show are hard to find these days, are there any veteran Y&R Chatters who would like to contribute their memories about this storyline? Feel free to leave your comments below!