"Straight-acting" was Gant's career M.O.--he played heteromantic roles on Friends and Caroline in the City--until Queer as Folk cast him as HIV-positive literature professor Ben Bruckner. Soon after schooling Michael (Hal Sparks) in the ways of pleasure on-screen, the Tampa native and former lawyer, who will be back for a full season next year, taught fans about courage by coming out off-screen. Not since Rupert Everett has such a looker of a leading man been this outspoken.--D.C.