Uncover the Hidden Stories of Queer TV in the Rainbow Age
Early Days of Live Broadcasts
Just imagine, back in the days before shows were taped and preserved, much of TV's history was lost in the ether. Live broadcasts were the norm until the 1950s, and some of those "milestones" are now forever gone. It was a different time, where the medium was still finding its feet and queer representation was in its infancy.
For many of us who grew up in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, television was a constant companion. We spent countless hours glued to the screen, devouring programming before and after school and during summer vacations. It was during these formative years that some of us began to form personal attachments to the characters we saw on screen.
The Emergence of Queer Representation
In the 1960s, there were some glimmers of queer representation on TV, but it was subtle and often overlooked. It wasn't until the 1970s that dramas began to feature more gay and lesbian characters, albeit in a cautious manner. These early representations laid the groundwork for the more diverse queer characters we see today.
Even with the progress made in the 1970s, it took a long time for "the 'rest' of the alphabet" to be represented in a meaningful way. Despite the inclusion of gender-diverse characters in shows like Star Trek, it wasn't until 1996 that an intersex infant was featured on a regular television drama. This slow evolution shows just how far we've come and how much further we still have to go.
The Present Era of Diverse Programming
Since Ellen DeGeneres came out on her eponymous TV show and Will & Grace became a wild hit, queer representation on TV has become more common. However, programmers and writers still know that caution is warranted, as there can be hesitation around pushing the envelope and fear that a queer character who burns too brightly just won't last.
Today, we have a wide range of queer characters and stories on TV, from dramas to comedies to reality shows. This diversity is a testament to the progress that has been made, but it also highlights the ongoing need for more inclusive programming.
The Rainbow Age of Television is a time of both celebration and reflection. It's a time when we can look back at the past and see how far we've come, while also looking forward to the future and imagining what new stories and characters will emerge.
If you're a former kid or a current TV addict who is happy to see themselves represented on TV, then "The Rainbow Age of Television" is a must-read. It's like having an oldies channel on paper, bringing back the nostalgia of old TV shows and reminding us of the power of television to connect us and change our lives.