This document discusses representations of sexuality in TV dramas. It notes that while heterosexuality has long been represented, representations of homosexuality are more recent. However, gay and lesbian characters are often marginalized and portrayed through stereotypes. The document analyzes several common stereotypical portrayals, such as the feminine gay man, the metrosexual man, the repressed homosexual, and stereotypical portrayals of butch and feminine lesbians. It acknowledges that representations are improving as societal attitudes change over time.

1. TV
DRAMAREPRESENTATIONS OF
SEXUALITY

2. IMPORTANT
• Firstly, It’s important to remember that gender and sexuality are not
the same thing.
• When analysing sexuality you must remember to focus on ALL aspects
of sexuality (heterosexuality, homosexuality, metro-sexuality &
bisexuality).
• Do not be discriminative in your responses.

3. Definition of Gender
The state of being male or female. The members of one or other sex.

4. Definition of Sexuality
• A name for the sexual feelings and behaviour of a person. When
applied to groups of people (e.g.heterosexuals/homosexuals/bisexuals)
ideas of social attitude and organisation are implied.

5. Representation of Sexuality
• Whilst there have been many representations of heterosexuality in TV
dramas, it is only recently that homosexuality has become a dominant
representation too.
• However, Gay and lesbian characters are often marginalised and are
seen as supporting characters.
• It is sometimes difficult for the characters to grow and develop.

6. Miss-representation
• A common media representation is to associate gay characters with
feminine characteristics and lesbians with masculine characteristics.
• The media reply on stereotypes in their representations but, this isn't
always the case.
• As society has developed, and times have changed, so has the
representation of sexuality in TV Dramas.

7. Sexual Identities
TV DRAMA

8. Sexual Identities
• The feminine Gay/Male Diva – Kurt
Hummel – Glee
• Teenage student coming to terms with
his sexuality
• This stereotype is one of the most
common within TV drama and has come
under criticism because it is a limiting
stereotype. It represents homosexuality
as a desire to be feminine.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD_
iGRSnQbs&feature=fvst

9. Sexual Identities
• The Metro Sexual - Joey Essex
• A man who displays behaviour
stereotypically associated with
Homosexual men whilst being
Heterosexual.
• Concerned with own appearance
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS
PwqV8CNG0

10. Sexual Identities
• The Repressed Homosexual –
David Fisher – Six Feet Under
• Fears of coming out to his family
• Displays some stereotypical
attributes of gay behaviour such as
dancing in a theatrical way and
being flamboyant.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ikQlhm6QQuA

11. Sexual Identities
• The Colourful Gay Man – Stanford
Blatch – Sex and the City
• Some feminine qualities
• Best friends with women
• Like to talk about fashion and
feelings
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
w_M3RwF2UN8&feature=related

12. Sexual Identities
• The Butch Lesbian Shane in the L
Word
• Masculine Dress
• Masculine behaviour?
• Man in the relationship?
• http://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=Z2IQQYuNmWk&feature=rela
ted
• stop at 4 minutes 5 seconds

13. Sexual Identities
• Feminine Lesbian Santana in
Glee
• Concerned with feelings and
love over sex.
• Dress feminine
• http://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=UERsZImECTk&feature=rel
ated