Danielle Mitchell, Thesis Supervisor Lisa Ruth Sternlieb, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
television gay lesbian All My Children Roseanne Ellen Buffy the Vampire Slayer Grey's Anatomy Glee Pretty Little Liars
Abstract:
The representations of gay women on television, however fictional, have the power to influence and shape our real-world ideas, expectations, and opinions in significant ways. Due to the relatively low number of gay female characters on television, these characters must represent an entire population in a way that straight characters do not, which is very problematic. This thesis discusses and analyzes various patterns I have observed, including "lesbians" dating men, lesbian femininity, and tragic lesbian love, in popular television shows such as Roseanne, All My Children, Ellen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Grey's Anatomy, Glee, and Pretty Little Liars. It also acknowledges representations of gay women that are positive and redeeming, and suggests strategies and solutions for how these representations could be improved upon in the future.
