The Coming Out Of Television: Does Visibility Equate To Acceptance?

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e also agrees that the mere portrayal of homosexuality will have a positive effect, in that it breaks down existing sexual stereotypes, but the environment of daytime talk is often cynical, insensitive and is often emblematic of a “freak show”.
Hudson (1999) suggests that the negative images were not only unique to daytime talk shows, she suggests that negative images can be found in all forms of network TV shows. Out of a sample of 812 programs, 104 shows addressed extramarital sexual relationships and homosexuality, and were often framed in tandem with morality lessons that sanction participants for their “deviant” behavior. Although, 104 out of 812 is not a huge amount, the negative images are still present.
On a more positive note, Mohr (1999) suggests that after the examination of the cultural changes in the U.S. He found that there is a positive change in the attitudes toward homosexuals and that this change can be attributed to the change in talk about gayness and the portrayals of gay individuals in the media.
Moran (1998) explores the representation of homosexuality and the law and found after analyzing two films portraying the main characters as being gay attorneys with
AIDS. Both films portrayed the leading men as heroes and reveal the law as a homo-social institution, which has only recently emerged in the media.
Author Kim Newman, talks about how although prime time television is increasingly including homosexuality in it’s line up, there is still a double standard, she points out in the sitcom “Will and Grace,” that although it is definitely gay, it is also very “sexless and cuddly”. (Newman p 2)
In the article by Larry Closs, called “I want my Gay TV,” talks about the many set backs in exposing homosexuality by anti-gay campaigns and religious groups, there is a mounting evidence that gay TV may yet become an irresistible force, if for no other reason than the fact that there’...