Queer Representation in Teen Drama Streaming Service TV Shows
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Date
2023-06
Authors
Myers, Julianne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This study is designed to explore the nature of queer characters and relationships in contemporary media. Specifically, this is through the exploration of the question: How are gay and lesbian presenting relationships and characters portrayed in streaming service teen drama TV shows in the last 5 years? As the numbers of LGBTQ+ identifying people in the US have increased significantly in recent years, these types of characters have also become far more frequent within media. Therefore, this is one attempt at gaining an understanding of what these portrayals look like. Eight television shows were analyzed, four consisting of a main queer female couple and four with a main queer male couple. These shows include: The Wilds, Teenage Bounty Hunters, Dickinson, Atypical, Heartstopper, Young Royals, Love, Victor, and The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself. A variety of elements were explored, including intersectional identities, screen time and affection, relationship configuration, the coming out process, religion stereotypes, and heteronormativity. Regarding major findings, there was a relative lack of diversity across racial and class groups, along with a limited representation with the queer community itself. Furthermore, there were significant differences in screen time and depictions of intimacy between queer men and queer women. However, there was a general, not only acceptance and normalization of queerness, but also celebration of it. Along with this persisted more nuanced depictions of queer individuals in general, including pushback against queer stereotypes, and more exploration and nuance in the relationship between the LGBT community and religion Still, there persisted a heteronormative narrative that underlies many of these shows, a reflection of the society that queer individuals live in.
Description
67 pages
Keywords
Queer, Queer Television, Teenagers, Representation, Teen Drama, Streaming Service