Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there are many things that can be taken from analyzing shows with queer characters, and each show ultimately has plenty to examine and debate in terms of how queer characters should be represented. However, from my own observations, there are both good and poor examples of queer representation in many shows from the past few decades, regardless of the sexualities of those working on these shows. But there are still some of the major patterns I found among the shows I examined:
- Overall, there has certainly been an influx of shows that promote queer relationships within the last few years, and have been shown to more mainstream audiences.
- There is also a conscious on both shows to introduce more queer characters and relationships. However, queer creators will be openly admit to wanting to include queer characters and plotlines, and wanting to make give their queer characters more positive characterizations and plotlines. Meanwhile, many straight creators seem set on insisting that their use of queer characters is not a "purposeful or political statement."
- Shows that are created by both straight and queer creators often show interracial couples or non-white queer characters.
- There is a continued reliance on torturing or killing queer creators on shows with both straight and queer creators.
- Many characters also later have their sexualities erased, although this happens more on shows with straight creators.
- Queer characters may not define their sexualities onscreen, even if they are shown with same-sex partners. This seems to happen most often with bisexual characters, and occurs in shows with both straight and queer creators.
- Many queer characters are still shown as villainous, abusive, otherwise untrustworthy. Again, this occurs in shows of all creators.
- Also in shows of all creators, queer characters may be used as comedic relief, with their sexuality being a main punchline.
- Shows with queer creators are more likely to show explicit gay intimacy, particularly gay sex, onscreen. However, there appears to be more examples of gay sex than simple gay kisses or tamer intimacy. A saturation of gay sex scenes can be a way to normalize gay relationships, but they also may fetishize gay relationships for a straight audience.
- However, it should be pointed out that shows straight characters are more likely to feature gay characters that do not have love interests, or whose relationships are de-sexualized or even de-romanticized (same-sex couples may not kiss onscreen, for example)
- In shows of all creators, there seems to a unique with mistreating, marginalizing, vilifying, and ultimately erasing lesbian and bisexual female characters.
- Unfortunately, shows that feature trans characters -- regardless of who creates these shows -- tend to rely on negative trans stereotypes, or otherwise torture, mistreat, or erasure their trans characters. This is particularly common among trans characters of color.
- It should be mentioned that in shows with trans characters that are headed by queer creators, it is more likely to be trans actors playing trans characters. While this not always the show, shows headed straight creators will often using cisgender actors to play trans characters.
This page has paths:
- Queer Content with Straight Creators vs Queer Creators Delaney P Murray