This document discusses representations of sexuality in several popular television dramas. It analyzes how Skins, Cucumber, Orange is the New Black, and Glee portray characters of different sexual orientations. Specifically, it notes that Skins and Glee include both stereotypical and non-stereotypical gay characters, while Cucumber and Orange is the New Black present homosexuality in a largely positive light without relying on stereotypes. The document also points out some criticisms, such as how some shows may promote the "male gaze" or present heterosexuality negatively. Overall, it examines both positive and negative portrayals of sexuality across different UK and US television shows.

1. SEXUALITY
IN TV
DRAMA
BY BAILEE BROOKS

2. DEFINITIONS
Heterosexuality- Those who are attracted to those of the
opposite gender
Homosexual- When a person is sexually attracted to those who
are of the same gender
Bisexual- A person who is sexually attracted to both genders
Pansexual- not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological
sex, gender, or gender identity.
Asexual- A person with no sexual feeling or desires

3. SEXUALITY IN UK TV
DRAMA’S- SKINS
Skins is a very popular TV drama in which represents multiple different
sexualities through out, this is because the aim of the production is to
appeal to teenagers and those who are likely to identify with these new
societal beliefs as well as other themes such as violence, drug use and
relationships.
Examples of this can be seen through characters such as Emily and
Naomi, who fear they must hide their sexuality from Emily’s family as
well as her twins sister Katie who seems to be heavily against these
beliefs. These creates tension within the drama which is conventional
and furthermore appeals to those who have been in similar situations.
Another example of this is portrayed through the character Maxxie,
who’s best friend has a heavily religious family meaning maxxie feels
he cannot open up to his friend due to his religious beliefs. This brings
in two issues within society and highlights them both appealing to
many who have experiences similar situations.
Maxxie also appears to be feminine within the series, promoting the
negative stereotypes similar to this that claim they are ‘faggots’ and
‘queer’
However, despite this skins is very dramatized and does not really
suggest reality due to extremity of the themes. This means it is harder
for audiences to relate to the realness of the production as there is a
severe lack of it.

4. SEXUALITY WITHIN UK
TV DRAMA’S- CUCUMBER
This Tv drama was broadcast on channel 4,
highlighting the issues of sexuality within society
by introducing 2 main characters who are both
homosexual, who have just recently split up from
each other. The two characters include Henry and
lance, one of an ethnic minority and one of a
slightly older age.
This Tv drama follows a few stereotypes, for
example one of the characters who is also labelled
as gay can be seen hooking up with one night
stands on an app for gay people, supporting the
idea that they are driven by sex only.
However, overall this production does show
homosexuality in a very positive light with lack of
stereotypes within. This would appeal to the LGBT
community as it creates a verisimilitude and
allows them to relate furthermore to the
production.

5. SEXUALITY IN US TV DRAMA’S-
ORANGE IN THE NEW BLACK
This production was first introduced on Netflix and has become
very popular ever since. Within this, the characters are almost
always homosexual and there are very few heterosexuals. The
characters are also of every ethnicity ranging from white, black,
Latina, Asian etc. showing that there is a character for everyone
to relate to, even those who do not identify as gay.
Within the production there is lack of stereotypes for sexuality
however, there is an underlying theme that the lesbianism is
seen as sex, especially with the introductory scene of Alex and
piper which focuses heavily on their sexual activity. This
supports the male gaze theory by Laura maluvey which
suggests women are only shown within TV and film for the
pleasures of male and we are sexualised by this.
Despite this however, this is a very positive Tv drama and
similarly creates verisimilitude as it is a very modern and could
perhaps influence those who are homophobic in modern
society.
Although, in comparison to this heterosexuality is presented
negatively through out this. This can be seen through the
issues in which the heterosexual guard rapes one of the women
within the prison, suggesting that everyone who is not
homosexual is a disgrace to society and is driven by sex

6. SEXUALITY IN US TV
DRAMA’S- GLEE
Glee is a very popular US drama, with many of representations
been shown besides sexuality, such as ethnicity, disability and
age. However, there are many ways in which sexuality is
represented through out this TV series.
One of the main characters who promotes homosexuality is
Kurt. This character lives up to the stereotypes of the idea that
gay men are very feminine, with Kurt looking and sounding like
a female. This creates a very unrealistic feel for gay audience
members as they may not feel they can relate to this over
dramatized homosexual character. Kurt lover, Blaine, however is
seen as a huge opposite of this. Blaine is often seen as very
attractive by females, sounds very manly and appear this way
also. This shows that there can be two ways in which
homosexual male characters can be shown within the TV drama
Glee.
Similar homosexual characters include that of Brittany and
Santana.