How LGBT TV Characters Are Breaking The Mold & Moving Beyond Tired Tropes. 

Goodbye, token gay friend! Queer representation on TV used to be one-dimensional, stereotypical, and often relegated to the sidelines. But now, queer characters are taking center stage in diverse, multi-layered narratives. As showrunner Michelle Badillo says, "It's about time we moved beyond clichés and started telling authentic stories that reflect the true diversity of the LGBTQ+ community."

The Revolution Will Be Televised

TV shows like "Pose" and "Euphoria," which have gay actors, have been game-changers in the world of queer representation. "Pose," which features a predominantly transgender cast, including stars like Mj Rodriguez, Indya Moore, and Dominique Jackson, delves into the ballroom culture of 1980s New York City. As writer and director Janet Mock explains, "We wanted to tell stories that honored the resilience and creativity of the trans community, rather than just focusing on their hardships."

"Euphoria," on the other hand, explores the complexities of queer teenage life with characters like Jules, played by trans actor Hunter Schafer. The show's creator, Sam Levinson, notes that, "Euphoria is about shedding light on the struggles and joys of being a queer teenager in today's world, without resorting to tired tropes or tokenism."

Queer Characters You Can Relate To

No longer just sidekicks or comic relief, queer characters are now allowed to be flawed, fully realized individuals. Take, for example, the character of David Rose on "Schitt's Creek," portrayed by the show's co-creator, Dan Levy. David's pansexuality and complex personality broke new ground for queer representation on TV. Levy once remarked, "We aimed to create a character that was more than just a caricature, someone who could represent the LGBTQ+ community in a genuine, relatable way."

Similarly, in "Feel Good," comedian Mae Martin plays a fictionalized version of herself, exploring her struggles with addiction and identity. Martin emphasizes that "it's important to tell stories that don't just center on coming out or tragedy – queer people deserve to see themselves in narratives that go beyond these clichés."

Expanding the Queer Universe

Queer representation isn't just limited to LGBTQ+ characters. TV shows are now also shining a light on queer relationships and families. "The Fosters," for instance, features a lesbian couple, played by Teri Polo and Sherri Saum, raising a blended family of biological, adopted, and foster children. The show's co-creator, Peter Paige, highlights the significance of these stories: "We wanted to create a show that celebrated the many different ways families can be formed, including those led by same-sex couples."

Another example is "Master of None," in which Lena Waithe's character, Denise, navigates life as a queer Black woman. Waithe, who also co-wrote the Emmy-winning episode "Thanksgiving," stresses the importance of showing diverse queer experiences on TV: "I wanted to tell a story that felt honest and true to my own experiences, but also spoke to the larger LGBTQ+ community."

How We’ll Move Beyond Cliches

Them.us has a terrific discussion on the state of Gay TV and where it’s going. Here’s our take on what they said: 

Embracing the Sacred Aspect of Death

Director Nayfack also addresses the controversial "bury your gays" trope, emphasizing the importance of queer people reclaiming and healing around the sacred aspect of death. By telling stories that challenge, interrogate, and grieve death on their own terms, LGBTQ+ storytellers can redefine the narratives that have long been used to marginalize them.

Crossing Boundaries between Acting and Writing

Writer and actor Badillo shares her insight on how her acting experiences have informed her writing process. By understanding the motivation and specificity of even the smallest roles, Badillo has become more adept at crafting well-rounded characters that feel like they have a life beyond their screen time.

The Power of Community and Shared Language

Showrunner Stephens recalls the experience of working on The Amber Ruffin Show, where they didn't have to be "the queer writer" or "the nonbinary writer" because the diverse writing staff allowed for a shared understanding and language. This sense of community fosters a more inclusive and authentic approach to storytelling.

The Future of LGBTQ+ Stories on TV

When asked about the kind of LGBTQ+ stories they want to see more of on television, director Nayfack, showrunner Stephens, and writer Badillo all agree on one thing: horny stories. As Nayfack puts it, "horny is part of liberation," and these writers believe that embracing sexuality and desire in their narratives will help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and liberated future for queer and trans stories on television.

Breaking Free from the White Cis Straight Monolith

As showrunner Zackery Alexzander Stephens (ZAS) points out, "It all starts with who gets to be in charge of running the show and who gets to create the show." When diverse showrunners are at the helm, it opens up a world of possibilities for inclusive storytelling. Writer Michelle Badillo (MB) adds that having multiple diverse voices in the writers' room makes it "less scary" to challenge traditional perspectives, even when the showrunner may be white, straight, and cisgender. 

Trans Futures and Queer Joy

Showrunner Stephens explains that they can now "envision new trans futures," which is an exciting development in television writing. Director Shakina Nayfack (S) discusses the importance of depicting queer joy, despite the challenging and sometimes tragic experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. She believes that as long as the stories are told from a genuine and unique queer perspective, audiences will appreciate the nuances and complexities of these characters' lives.