This document summarizes the representation of LGBT characters on television over time from the 1970s to today. It discusses how early representations in shows like All in the Family used stereotypes but broke barriers. In the 1990s, there was a rise in gay characters on TV but they tended to be white, wealthy men shown as hip and trendy. Today, there is more diversity but also similar issues like underrepresentation of transgender characters and lesbian characters often being killed off. Networks now tend to frame LGBT stories in the context of family to make them more palatable to general audiences. Representation ultimately comes down to business decisions around what audiences want to see.

1. S A M A N T H A R O N C A L L I
LGBT ON THE SILVER
SCREEN

2. THE RESEARCH QUESTION
How have the LGBT television actors and characters of
the past shaped the way that the community is
represented today?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.