Humanizing lesbian characters on television: Exploring their characterization and interpersonal relationships

The present study examined representations of 39 lesbian characters' interpersonal relationships and characterological profiles in 20 "lesbian-centric" television shows from 2008 to 2018. Using a mixed-methods approach, the following variables were analyzed: the quality of lesbian cha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of lesbian studies 2020-01, Vol.24 (4), p.395-413
Main Authors: Parker, Kandice M., Sadika, Bidushy, Sameen, Durr-e, Morrison, Todd G., Morrison, Melanie A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Child
Children
Cisgender
Female
Gays & lesbians
homonegativity
Homosexuality, Female
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
interpersonal relationships
Lesbianism
Lesbians
media
Middle class
outness
Personal relationships
Romantic relationships
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Sexual behavior
Television
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Summary:The present study examined representations of 39 lesbian characters' interpersonal relationships and characterological profiles in 20 "lesbian-centric" television shows from 2008 to 2018. Using a mixed-methods approach, the following variables were analyzed: the quality of lesbian characters' relationships with their parents, children, close friends, and romantic partners; their sense of acceptance from these relationships; their gender presentation and expression; the use of homonegative tropes in targeted programs; portrayals of sexual behaviors; and demographic characteristics. Results indicated that the majority of the lesbian characters were young, cisgender, white, middle-class, and portrayed within various homonegative tropes. Most of the lesbian characters shared positive relationships with their mothers, children, close friends, and romantic partners, but not with their fathers. Qualitative findings evidenced support for the quantitative analyses; however, they revealed that lesbian characters' friendships were not fully developed. The strengths and limitations of this study, and directions for future research are outlined.
ISSN:1089-4160
1540-3548
DOI:10.1080/10894160.2019.1678935