Representation
of Sexuality
SECTION A – TV DRAMA
Human sexuality is very complex. To be able to
analyse its representation, we need to understand
the different forms it can take
• Male Sexuality
• Female sexuality
• Heterosexuality
• Homosexuality
• Bisexuality
As a topic, sexuality links closely to
gender, but we must be careful not to
get the two confused.
Human sexuality is very complex. To be able to
analyse its representation, we need to understand
the different forms it can take
Let’s anticipate the issues –
what might we expect to see
in a text for representation of
sexuality?
Human sexuality is very complex. To be able to
analyse its representation, we need to understand
the different forms it can take
• Male Sexuality
• Female sexuality
• Heterosexuality
• Homosexuality
• Bisexuality
As a topic, sexuality links closely to
gender, but we must be careful not to
get the two confused.
Human sexuality is very complex. To be able to
analyse its representation, we need to understand
the different forms it can take
• Male sexuality
• Female sexuality
• Heterosexuality
• Homosexuality
• Bisexuality
As a topic, sexuality links closely to
gender, but we must be careful not to
get the two confused.
What are some stereotypes that we
associate with sexuality? Use examples
of characters that you can think of.
Batchelor et. al (2004) found that there are limited
positive representations of gay and lesbian for
young people on television.
• This links to the concept of heteronormativity.
• Heteronormativity is a cultural bias that represents
heterosexuality as the accepted norm.
• To what extent are we used to heteronormative
representations? Why do you think this is? Give examples.
Male Sexuality
• There are many masculine stereotypes associated with
male sexuality, but the reality is far more complex.
• Don Draper (Mad Men) is the ultimate alpha-male. He is
staggeringly heterosexual!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfOIQ0yTYRY
• Contrast him with, say, Simon (The Inbetweeners).
These are two vastly different representations of male
sexuality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLEEeLLSOhI
Female Sexuality
• Female sexuality is much the same. Female sexuality is
generally considered to be feminine and sensual, but this
comes in many different forms.
• Joan Holloway (Mad Men) is very feminine, but flaunts
her sexuality in a very dominant way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNSawUi-vUA
• Skyler White (Breaking Bad) on the other hand represses
her sexuality; she grows frustrated and is driven to
depression and adultery.
Homosexuality
• Homosexuality comes in many different shapes and forms.
• Often the representations will challenge the concepts of
patriarchy and heteronormativity.
• There are stereotypes relating to homosexuality, but again,
representations are often far more complex.
Homosexuality
• Kurt Hummels (Glee):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SUPoijkjOQ
• David Fisher (Six Feet Under):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Aa4h1j91E4
• Gay Club Scene (Sex and the City):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVAp0NMbJho
• Shane McCutcheon (The L Word):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2IQQYuNmWk&feature=related
• Santana Lopez (Glee):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4mChfWYazI
• Omar Little (The Wire):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiW7foqBJLI