God, talk about strayed off the beaten path 9_9.  
I think a good anime to show is Saber Marionette 
J.  You get all sorts of aspects in that one 
anime.  You have a very feminine character, a gay 
character, and it's also set in old style 
Japoness.  It shows a lot of Japanese tradition.  
You might also try Kenshin, that's pretty good 
for showing old traditions.  Hmmm, for 
religion...how about Haunted Junction?  That's a 
comedic route for you.  And of course Miyu might 
also be good :).  OH, and how could I forget 
Mahoi Tsukai Tai!!  I've started that this week, 
and it's DARLING!  Very female, and it has a gay 
chara as well.

About this homosexual stuff.  My boyfriend 
watched a special about Japan.  In it they talked 
about homosexuality as viewed by Japan.  They 
feel that love between two men is a very special 
love, a more pure love than between a woman and a 
man.  More of a brotherly love, since the men 
share a common wavelength.  In old Japan it was 
encouraged!  As was it encouraged in the old 
Roman days!  How's that for a history lesson ^_~  
I dont have a real problem with gay stuff...I 
just dont _like_ it persay...as in I wont be 
attending Yaoi con anytime soon.  Im not 
necessarily offended, it just doesnt 'turn me 
on', haha.  

PS:  BTW, have you guys seen Queer as Folk?  
HELLO!  I think gay people are doing just fine in 
the US right now.