New Queer Television: From Marginalization to Mainstreamification

This edited volume challenges the marginalization of queerness in the twenty-first century by presenting a broad variety of queer identities from across televisual shows and genres. It argues that heteronormative assumptions are outdated and that new queer representations lay the groundwork for filling gaps that queer criticism has left open.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2025
Publisher: Intellect

Queer identities are often portrayed as marginalized in queer criticism and theory, but this edited volume challenges this notion by presenting a diverse range of queer identities across various televisual shows and genres. The contributors argue that queerness is not necessarily subsumed by the cisheteropatriarchy and that heteronormative assumptions are outdated. They suggest that new queer representations can fill gaps left open by queer criticism and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.

Thomas Brassington is a researcher who explores the intersections of queerness and the Gothic in contemporary popular culture. Debra Ferreday is a feminist cultural theorist who studies gender, feminist theory, sexuality, critical race theory, queer theory, and embodiment. Dany Girard is a queer researcher who focuses on representations of gender, asexualities, and queer theory in television and film.

The volume includes essays that examine the representation of queer identities in popular television shows such as "Orange Is the New Black," "Queer as Folk," and "RuPaul's Drag Race." These essays highlight the ways in which these shows challenge traditional gender and sexual norms and offer alternative perspectives on queerness.

In addition to these essays, the volume includes a series of interviews with queer actors, directors, and producers. These interviews provide insights into the creative process behind these shows and the challenges that they face in creating queer content.

One of the key themes of the volume is the impact of mainstream media on queer identities. The contributors argue that mainstream media often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces cisheteropatriarchy. However, they also suggest that there are opportunities for queer representation to challenge these stereotypes and promote greater inclusivity.

For example, the essay "Queer Representation in Television: A Case Study of 'Orange Is the New Black'" examines the ways in which the show challenges traditional gender and sexual norms. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including a transgender woman, a bisexual woman, and a gay man. The show also explores the experiences of queer individuals in prison, which is often a marginalized community.

The essay "Queer Representation in Television: A Case Study of 'Queer as Folk'" examines the ways in which the show challenges traditional gender and sexual norms. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including a lesbian couple, a bisexual man, and a transgender woman. The show also explores the experiences of queer individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, which is often a marginalized community.

The essay "Queer Representation in Television: A Case Study of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'" examines the ways in which the show challenges traditional gender and sexual norms. The show features a diverse cast of drag queens, who perform in a variety of styles and genres. The show also explores the experiences of queer individuals in the drag community, which is often a marginalized community.

In addition to these essays, the volume includes a series of interviews with queer actors, directors, and producers. These interviews provide insights into the creative process behind these shows and the challenges that they face in creating queer content.

One of the challenges that queer actors face is the lack of representation in mainstream media. Many queer actors are forced to work in the underground or independent film industry, which can be difficult to access and can pay low wages. This can lead to a lack of visibility and opportunities for queer actors.

To address this issue, the volume includes a series of recommendations for how to promote greater representation of queer identities in mainstream media. These recommendations include increasing the number of queer characters in television shows and films, creating more diverse casting pools, and providing more funding for queer-themed projects.

In conclusion, this edited volume challenges the notion that queer identities are marginalized in queer criticism and theory. The contributors argue that queerness is not necessarily subsumed by the cisheteropatriarchy and that heteronormative assumptions are outdated. They suggest that new queer representations can fill gaps left open by queer criticism and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. By examining the representation of queer identities in popular television shows and genres, the volume provides valuable insights into the creative process behind these shows and the challenges that they face in creating queer content.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 251 x 177 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781835950067