McFarland & Company (series)

New Queer Aesthetic On Television

by James R. Keller & Leslie Stratnyer

Description by OLDIES.com:

Television is awash with newly embraced gay and lesbian themes that have crossed over into the collective pop culture of America. Dramas like "Queer As Folk" and "The L Word," comedies like "Will & Grace," and even reality shows including the popular "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy" signify a new commercial acceptance of homosexuality that has never been seen before in the United States. Some critics argue, however, that the gay and lesbian representation on television is oversimplified and is rife with one-dimensional characters.

These essays explore such topics as the politics of representation; the clash of progressive and regressive social agendas in television; and the search for a space for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered within the mainstream media. They include insightful analyses of the shows that have made these issues visible.