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.