From All in the Family to Euphoria: The Evolution of Queer Representation on TV

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The depiction of LGBTQ+ individuals on television has had a mixed past. Some shows have become landmarks, paving the way for more genuine representations we witness now, while others remain notable mainly due to their overly stereotypical plots.

Instead of simply dismissing these poor examples as irrelevant for television, it’s crucial that we comprehend our past to create a more promising future.

Before legal protections were established, individuals identifying as queer often found themselves woven into the fabric of stories subtly, or relegated to secondary roles, to dodge the harsh judgement of societal norms enforcers.

1971 saw All in the Family breaking new ground in US sitcoms by openly discussing homosexuality, introducing viewers to Steve, a bar friend of one of the main characters. Later on in 1972, The Corner Bar introduced Peter Panama, the first regularly appearing gay character on American television.

Simultaneously on the other side of the ocean, the British series Second City Firsts made waves in society with its 1974 episode titled “Girl.” This episode centered on Jackie, a military private, who was dismissed after being involved in a lesbian relationship.

In light of the debates sparked by the show, the BBC chose to make a particular declaration prior to airing it – a step that, considering today’s widespread approval of LGBTQ+ characters on TV, is no longer considered essential.

In the year 1977, America introduced its initial regular TV character who identified as gay – Jodie Steele, portrayed by Billy Crystal on Soap. Although this was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation on screen, Jodie’s storylines primarily focused on his relationships with women, such as a one-night stand leading to a child. This suggests that the writers of the time were not yet prepared to fully explore and develop a queer character.

In the 1970s, there were occasional appearances of diverse LGBTQ+ characters on TV, but stereotypes and misguided portrayals were more prevalent. These characters were frequently sexualized excessively or shown as morally corrupt and deviant. Often, they were assigned minor roles such as killers or molesters, which reinforced the common belief at the time that gay men were predators.

In America, the guidelines for television broadcasters tightly controlled the actions portrayed by homosexual characters on screen. On the other hand, the UK didn’t enforce a similar code of practice, but broadcasters often bowed to societal expectations and occasionally edited or limited LGBTQ+ representation, yielding to the social norms and gender roles predominant in the 1970s that emphasized heterosexuality.

Discussing LGBTQ+ representation in the 1970s, it’s impossible not to mention “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975), a groundbreaking film that broke all the conventions to vividly portray its story centered around the queer community.

In the midst of evolving societal perceptions towards the marginalized LGBTQ+ community, shaped in part by figures such as Frank-N-Furter and the Stonewall Riots, the 1980s witnessed an explosion of television characters identifying within this community.

In 1988, A Very British Coup broke new ground by presenting gay characters in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, diverging from the uninspired stereotypes of its forerunners. A year later, soaps took the lead in advocating for minority representation, as they frequently do, by broadcasting the first on-screen kiss between two men on British TV in EastEnders. Although it faced some resistance, this groundbreaking scene demonstrated that the UK was ready for progressive change.

While more gay characters began to appear more often, representations of lesbian and transgender individuals were less common. Transgender characters, specifically, were frequently utilized for shocking plot twists on television shows rather than being portrayed as genuine people. In addition, these roles were often played by cisgender actors such as David Duchovny in Twin Peaks.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, there was an influx of significant TV shows focusing on LGBTQ+ themes. One notable series, “Queer as Folk,” which was later adapted for American audiences, chronicled the lives of four close-knit gay friends in Manchester’s Canal Street community, challenging numerous long-standing stereotypes and taboos associated with being queer.

In the year 1991, the US matched the UK’s stride by featuring the first lesbian kiss on television in the series titled LA Law. This significant moment happened six years prior to Ellen DeGeneres publicly declaring her sexuality on her own show. Regrettably, Ellen’s announcement served as a setback for queer representation, as her program was quickly terminated and faced intense backlash from conservative circles.

Over time, society evolved, and there was a significant increase in LGBTQ+ representation. Shows like “The Vicar of Dibley” and later “Sugar Rush” (2005-2006) played crucial roles in providing positive representation for young queer women. The series centers around a teenage character named Kim, who grapples with her feelings for her best friend. While it did follow the trope of lesbians falling for their friends, it was groundbreaking for its time!

In the early 2000s, Skins emerged featuring a group of diverse LGBTQ+ characters throughout its six-season span. This groundbreaking series highlighted the distinctive party scene of the emo era and strived to present non-stereotypical representations. Similarly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer introduced queer characters, particularly Willow, but unfortunately succumbed to the “bury your gays” trope by killing off Tara.

Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in the UK (2014) and the US (2015), our screens were illuminated with a vibrant wave of diverse and genuine portrayals, often referred to as the “rainbow rush.” Series such as Sense8 and Euphoria expanded our comprehension of the queer community and their relationships. Pose, on the other hand, smashed stereotypes surrounding the AIDS crisis and brought a myriad of transgender characters to life, breaking free from the conventional limitations that once confined the community’s representation.

In the 2020s, there’s been a notable continuation of trailblazing television series such as Heartstopper and Sex Education. Furthermore, we’ve witnessed outstanding LGBTQ+ representation not just in adult-oriented shows but also in children’s animation, like She-Ra and the Princess of Power, where a lesbian relationship is portrayed.

While we’re thrilled about the progress made so far, it’s important to remember that there’s still a significant journey ahead for the LGBTQ+ community in terms of genuine representation equating to that of heterosexuals on screen and in media.

Currently, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The rise of far-right discourse, particularly hate speech towards the LGBTQ+ community, is alarmingly prevalent globally. This trend poses a risk of marginalizing our community once more in the media industry. It even raises concerns that our representation on TV and movie screens could be entirely eradicated with the introduction of strict new conduct codes that stigmatize or vilify us.

Let’s discuss how we can increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ characters on television for a lasting impact. It’s crucial that we exceed our community’s proportion in representation, as these depictions indeed shape and transform perceptions among viewers.

Prior to the debut of Will & Grace, only 27% of Americans supported same-sex marriage; however, by 2006, this number had climbed to 42%. While it’s not accurate to attribute all of this change to Will & Grace due to its less-than-perfect portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, its significant influence is undeniable. This groundbreaking show brought humanity to a group often overlooked, softening hearts and minds with each touching moment and comedic scene.

Because transgender individuals, who are experiencing growing dangers to their lives, and less recognized identities such as asexual and demisexual individuals, require double the representation due to their unique struggles.

The media has historically served as a means to express and showcase our emotions globally, and the expansive, colorful history of LGBTQ+ television demonstrates the significance of our depiction for advancement. Amidst the rising tide of conservative ideologies, it’s crucial that we safeguard its preservation. Remember, if we can witness each other’s humanity on screen, it becomes more feasible to emulate this understanding in reality.

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2025-06-30 15:12