The document summarizes representations of sexuality in the BBC3 drama Lip Service. It describes how the two lesbian characters are portrayed - one as shy and dark-haired, the other as lively and blonde. Both appear fairly feminine and not overly stereotypical as lesbians. The mise-en-scene of their apartment is meant to seem plain and utilitarian to dispel notions of using stereotypes. The heterosexual male character is depicted as calm and competitive, less masculine than typical straight males, contrasting the idea that gay people have harder times finding partners.

1. Representation of Sexuality in
the BBC3 drama Lip Service

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The two lesbian females are represented in different ways. While the dark haired girl is shy and awkward, the blonde is lively
and talkative, creating a contrast in these characters. Both of them are fairly feminine, and not stereotypical lesbians. Some
parts of their physical appearance is stereotypically of a lesbian, though, as the dark-haired girl has large, masculine hands,
stereotypically of a lesbian. She also has a shy and awkward personality, a common male trait and possible lesbian
stereotype. Her personality as a whole does not lean towards femenine or masculine.
The mise en scene of their apartment is fairly plain and ultalitarian, showing that they are not particularly femenine, but not
masculine either. This is to try and dispel the notion that the show uses stereotypes and make the viewer more comfortable
with the characters.
The music at the start of this scene represents quiet, concealed love, which is inerupted by the blonde roommate.

3. • The heterosexual male is not a stereotypical straight
male. He is calm and completive, not particularly
masculine or confronting. It appears he is not that
successful with females, possibly less so than the
lesbian women. This contrasts with the common
conception that homosexuals find it more difficult to
find partners than heterosexual people. He fits the
stereotype of a shy and awkward person quite well,
though, similar to his sister.
• The mise-en-scene of this scene is quite femenine,
indicating that the blonde is not a stereotypical lesbian,
but has more traits of a hetrosexual female.