Executive producers Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman said they encountered an extreme amount of homophobia from other Hollywood industry professionals, during the pre-production and casting process for this television series.
Peter Paige (Emmet) auditioned for the role of Ted. After he auditioned he politely asked to read for the role of Emmet. The casting directors were so stunned by his performance that they asked him which role he would rather play when he came back to audition for the producers.
The first episode of Queer as Folk contained the first simulated sex scene between two men shown on American television.
Before starring as Brian on Queer as Folk, actor Gale Harold was a carpenter.
The producers decided to pursue the project after reading an article in the Los Angeles Times that critically praised the UK version and said that any American attempt at a show of this nature would be a complete disaster.