“Yellowstone Star Sparks Headlines with Show’s First Lesbian Kiss in Season 5”
Yellowstone Season 5 Surprises Viewers with Its First Lesbian Kiss in Episode 7
“Yellowstone” made waves in Season 5—not for its usual cattle drama or political intrigue, but for a quietly revolutionary moment. In Episode 7, viewers were caught off guard by a brief, tender kiss between two women, a moment that stood out in a series typically known for its rugged, “straight-laced” persona.
The scene took place during a fair outing with the Dutton family, including John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who had recently become Montana’s governor. Rather than focusing on politics, John and his love interest, Summer (Piper Perabo), enjoyed the simple pleasures of the fair, with a conversation about public perception and, of course, kissing. But the real surprise came when Clara (Lilli Kay), a new character introduced in the season, shared an unexpected kiss with a woman under the stars.
This kiss wasn’t a major plot point. It wasn’t drawn-out or steamy; it was quiet, almost casual—two women sharing a brief, intimate moment on a peaceful Montana night. There was no fanfare, no dramatic buildup—just a kiss, as simple and natural as any other. In a way, that’s what made it so powerful. In a show often defined by its rough-and-tumble, “straightest” image, this small moment felt revolutionary for its understated approach.
“Yellowstone” had never shied away from hinting at queer themes in its narrative. Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) had made passing references to threesomes, and the brief inclusion of Sarah Nguyen (a journalist who didn’t make it past Season 2) had raised some questions about the show’s potential to embrace its queer characters. Yet, this kiss, in all its simplicity, marked a significant step toward inclusion.
What made the kiss so notable was its lack of spectacle. It wasn’t presented as a dramatic, attention-grabbing moment. It wasn’t about controversy or shock value; it was just two people expressing affection in a quiet, unobtrusive way. This lack of fanfare in a show often associated with explosive moments felt refreshing. In an era where queer moments on TV are often over-hyped or used as plot devices, “Yellowstone” offered a rare and subtle portrayal of queer love—one that felt authentic rather than performative.
Of course, some viewers still voiced complaints on social media, accusing the show of “going woke.” But those reactions were far outweighed by the calm acceptance of the moment. In the end, the kiss didn’t feel like a political statement or a cultural shift; it was just part of the fabric of life—a simple, human gesture that spoke volumes in its quiet sincerity.
While “Yellowstone” continues to navigate themes of power, family, and moral dilemmas, this unexpected kiss was a reminder that sometimes the most powerful moments on television don’t require drama or fireworks. Sometimes, all it takes is a kiss under the stars.