1. TV DRAMA
TEXTUAL
ANALYSIS:
SEXUALITY

2. • Firstly, It’s important to remember that gender
and sexuality are not the same thing.
• When analysing sexuality you must remember
to focus on ALL aspects of sexuality
(
hetrosexuality, homosexuality, metrosexuality
& bisexuality]

3. DEFINITION OF GENDER……..
…………the state of being male or female. The
members of one or other sex.
(Oxford English Dictionary)

4. DEFINITION OF SEXUALITY…
…..A name for the sexual feelings and behaviour of a
person.
….When applied to groups of people (e.g.
heterosexuals/homosexuals/bisexuals) ideas of social
attitude and organisation are implied.
Nelmes, J., Introduction to Film Studies (Routledge 2007)

5. Representation of Sexuality
Whilst there have been many representations of
heterosexuality in TV dramas, it is only recently that
homosexuality has become a dominant
representation too.

6. Representation of Sexuality
• However, Gay and lesbian characters are often
marginalised and are seen as supporting
characters.
• It is sometimes difficult for the characters to
grow and develop.

7. • A common media representation is to associate gay characters
with feminine characteristics and lesbians with masculine
characteristics.
• The media reply on stereotypes in their representations
• Of course, this isn't always the case.
• As society has developed, and times have changed, so has
the representation of sexuality in TV Dramas.

8. Representation of Sexuality
• We will examine Stereotypes, but also consider the
departure from stereotypes too.
• Social attitudes about ‘correct’ sexual behaviour
• Intended Audience

9. Sexual Identities
• The feminine Gay/Male Diva –
Kurt Hummel - Glee
• Teenage student coming to terms
with his sexuality
• This stereotype is one of the most
common within TV drama and has
come under criticism because it is
a limiting stereotype. It represents
homosexuality as a desire to be
feminine.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=YD_iGRSnQbs&feature=fvst

10. Sexual Identities
• The Metro Sexual - Joey
Essex
• A man who displays
behaviour Stereotypically
associated with
Homosexual men whilst
being Heterosexual.
• Concerned with own
appearance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H
SPwqV8CNG0

11. Sexual Identities
• The Repressed Homosexual –
David Fisher – Six Feet Under
• Fears of coming out to his family
• Displays some stereotypical
attributes of gay behaviour such
as dancing in a theatrical way
and being flamboyant.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=ikQlhm6QQuA

12. Sexual Identities
• The Colourful Gay Man –
Stanford Blatch – Sex and the
City
• Some feminine qualities
• Best friends with women
• Like to talk about fashion and
feelings
• http://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=w_M3RwF2UN8&feature=
related

13. Sexual Identities
The Butch Lesbian
Shane in the L Word
• Masculine Dress
• Masculine behaviour?
• Man in the relationship?
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Z2IQQYuNmWk
&feature=related - stop
at 4 mins 5 seconds

14. Sexual Identities
Feminine Lesbian
Santana in Glee
• Concerned with
feelings and love
over sex.
• Dress feminine
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=UERsZI
mECTk&feature=rela
ted

15. Sexual Identities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPBE6YNoP5w
How is Sexuality represented in the extract from Fingersmith?