LGBTQ Representation in the Media

[hpychick]

HowSoonIsNow, what a great thread. I think it raises a good deal of questions, and perhaps we won't solve the *GLBTQ in the Media* issue here, but it's a great forum to discuss.

As I read through the posts, I am both touched by the stories and a little concerned with some of the narrow-visioning displayed. We are so very quick to attack the media for the lack of GLBTQ representation.

Was it really so long ago that married heterosexuals were even allowed to share the same bed on television? Was it so long ago, that they were allowed to kiss, or hold hands? When I was a child, I recall my parent's outward disapproval of a particular episode of Leave it to Beaver where the Beave held hands with a girl and let her kiss him on the cheek. And these were kids!!!! My parent's were outraged that this display of affection was being shown on television.

I remember Ozzie and Harriet, as well as June and Ward, and Luci and Desi all sharing separate twin beds. I always wondered if they pushed the beds together when the doors were closed. LOL.

My point here, if it isn't obvious, is that perhaps we need to give it time. The U.S. and its media has "come a long, baby." Is it where it needs to be, or even should be in our communities' eyes? Definitely not. But it is *somewhere* dear people of GLBTQ identities. It is somewhere that it wasn't 10 years ago; hell, even 5 years in many cases.

As with all things, give it time. I believe a lot has and still is being done to bring *us* to the public eye. I know it will continue, and it will grow, and yes there will be mistakes along the way - but it is all carving the path for and to our representation in many forums.