Author and lecturer Steven Capsuto takes audiences on a whirlwind tour of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender television history, told through video clips, humorous backstage stories, and wild tales of queer media activism.
In the 1950s, "sex abnormalities" were officially banned from American television, though a few portrayals did sneak through. By 1974, queer characters were visible on screen, but mostly as killers, corpses, child molesters and terrorists.
Things improved by the 1990s, when Ellen and Will & Grace broke down the closet door. But even then, LGBT visibility was highly controversial. Ellen's coming out inspired raucus, anti-gay street demonstrations and boycotts of her sponsors.
In the 21st century, however, shows like Queer as Folk, The L Word, Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty, Gossip Girl, Bones, True Blood, All My Children and As the World Turns have depicted LGBT characters with hardly a peep of controversy.
How did these changes occur? What forces helped to alter both television and American social attitudes? This lecture is an entertaining way to find out!
The images of TV shows are the property of their respective production or distribution companies, and are used here for illustrative purposes in a context of education and commentary.Site layout and all original text © 2009 by Steven Capsuto. Visual style designed by Thomas McGrath.
