Who are the prudes about sex- the British or the Americans?

I should have added that my comment about the UK being more relaxed about sexuality was a generalisation.

There are homophobic (and racist) people in the UK, just as there are in the US.

As people have been saying, it's all down to individuals.

good point.....

Perhaps I should have framed the question in regards to the media's approach to sexuality

I'd say in relation to media, Americans are extremely more prudish.  As others mentioned, you have page 3 girls topless in a newspaper....also the nudity that is on (free) television.  I remember seeing an episode of Argumental where Rufus Hound got completely naked and there was very little censoring.

I moved here in 2005. I'm not sure when I happened to see it on TV when I was going through the channels. It was definitely way before 9 PM.

I moved here in 2005. I'm not sure when I happened to see it on TV when I was going through the channels. It was definitely way before 9 PM.

That's my point.  Will and Grace might not have been in syndication in the US before you left and so it wouldn't have been on before 9pm.  It would only have been on during primetime at night.  This would have nothing to do with the content of the program. 

On the other hand, Jerry Springer which airs before lunch in the US (I think) has all manner of drag queens, transexuals and inappropriate relationships.

That's my point.  Will and Grace might not have been in syndication in the US before you left and so it wouldn't have been on before 9pm.  It would only have been on during primetime at night.  This would have nothing to do with the content of the program. 

On the other hand, Jerry Springer which airs before lunch in the US (I think) has all manner of drag queens, transexuals and inappropriate relationships.

Will and Grace was def on TV pre-2000 as I used to watch it while in high school (and for several years after).

I think in America there are day time slots (i.e. soap operas, Jerry Springer or other trash shows, etc.) where it's "ok" to air "contraversial" shows because the kids are assumed to be at school.