LGBTQ+ characters and storylines depicted on TV are often met with controversy. Pushback comes from both sides of the aisle: Some argue these choices are a sign of liberal media spreading the “gay agenda” (the jury’s still out on what agenda that might be). On the flipside, token representations of LGBTQ+ characters can be stereotypical and offensive. Nevertheless, television is one way to introduce audiences to a range of faces, stories and experiences. Sure, Ellen didn’t abolish homophobia and Modern Family hardly paved the way for marriage equality, but mass media representation of LGBTQ+ communities still plays a major role for audiences. It’s all about visibility.
These shows engage in the conversation in a significant way, from celebrating queer relationships to breaking down gender norms to exploring intersectionality and real-world LGBTQ+ issues.
When it comes to visibility, it’s hard to top Orange Is the New Black. The prison dramedy features a diverse cast of actors in terms of age, body types, gender, race and sexuality. It catapulted the career of Laverne Cox, who has used the platform to promote LGBTQ+ issues. Besides offering a collection of queer actors and characters, the show also brings to light the many failures of the criminal justice system, which so frequently affect women, people of color, trans people and other minorities. (Netflix)
I avoided Modern Family for a long time because I’m a bit of a network TV snob and it felt rife with stereotypes. I eventually gave it a shot and changed my mind, and there’s no denying this is one of the strongest sitcoms of our time. It’s just been renewed for a ninth and 10th season. Is it the perfect representation of same-sex couples and families? No, that does not exist. What Modern Family does do well is present couple Mitch and Cam on the same level as Gloria and Jay or Phil and Claire, with their own strengths, quirks and flaws, just like anyone else. (ABC, USA, Hulu)
Newish network VICELAND has made a clear commitment to diversity in its programming — shows about everything from food and fashion to indigenous communities and women’s issues feature hosts that fall along all spectrums of race, gender and sexual orientation. Like many VICELAND series, Gaycation has a travel aspect, sending actress Ellen Page and her friend Ian Daniel to cities across the globe to explore different LGBTQ+ cultures. They’re not afraid to tackle dangerous territory, like Rio de Janeiro, which has the highest LGBTQ+ murder rate in the world. (VICELAND)
There are few champions of queer culture quite like RuPaul. He sings, he acts, he makes one helluva beautiful woman and helped bring drag culture into the mainstream with the addictive competition show RuPaul’s Drag Race. And contrary to the hypersensitive “safe space” culture synonymous with queer communities, RuPaul doesn’t take any of it too seriously. From his autobiography: “You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me Regis and Kathie Lee; I don’t care! Just as long as you call me.” Thus, Drag Race is a perfect mix of irreverent humor and amazing artistry — with a lot of heart. (VH1)
How would you react if your 70-year-old dad (or ex-husband) came out as transgender? No, we’re not talking Caitlyn Jenner. In Transparent, even the most progressive family struggles with such a surprise. Over the seasons, we watch Maura (Jeffrey Tambor) and the Pfeffermans (Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Landecker, Jay Duplass and Judith Light) adapt to this transition while balancing their own selfish tendencies. At once hilarious and heartbreaking, it’s one of my favorite current shows. And while the choice to cast a cis man as the lead trans woman is worth pondering, Tambor takes on this role with great care, playing it beautifully. (Amazon)
Showtime drama Billions explores power, wealth and corruption in the New York finance world. By no means a categorically LGBTQ+ show, Billions features what’s considered the first nonbinary (not identifying as male or female) character — played by nonbinary actor Asia Kate Dillon — on mainstream American TV. Taylor Mason (Dillon) is a brilliant hedge fund intern helping Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) scheme his way to the top. And, like Dillon, Taylor’s gender is just one facet of their identity — Billions explores the topic without harping on it. (Showtime) ©
This article appears in Jun 21-28, 2017.
