queer america presentation
TRANSCRIPT
S A M A N T H A R O N C A L L I
LGBT ON THE SILVER SCREEN
THE RESEARCH QUESTION
How have the LGBT television actors and characters of the past shaped the way that the community is represented today?
THE INTRODUCTION
• First LGBT character on TV is unclear • 1971 “All In The Family” was one of the first • Steve (Archie’s Old Friend): a “matcho” former linebacker • Good friends with Archie, who was skeptical of a more
“flamboyant” man in this episode • Stereotypes often used, but in reverse here
BACK TO THE 90’S
• The true rise of the LGBT community on television • “gaying of the straight man” • Suddenly, gay = hip • Caused “straight panic” & pinkwashing
• Networks used white, upper-middle class gay men (and the occasional lesbian woman)with stereotypical interests as a way to “promote diversity
WHAT’S IT LIKE TODAY?
• More diverse, but similar problems • Lesbian characters • Always being killed, why? • Too difficult to market women to women
• VERY few Trans characters• Online streaming changed the game, • Anything goes
FAMILY FIRST
• Networks love to highlight LGBT characters through the framework of family• It’s safe • EX: Modern Family, The New Normal, The Fosters,
Transparent, Grace & Frankie• Normalizes characters to people who would not
accept them otherwise • Usually comedic & follows pattern of white, wealthy
characters
THE LOGISTICS
• Its all about money • Pinkwashing • Give the people what they want, but don’t take it too far.
• Networks care about what is going to get their target audience to tune in • Over time, that audience has changed.