Visible: Out On Television

Investigates the importance of TV as an intimate medium that has shaped the American conscience, and how the LGBTQ movement has shaped television.

2020 HD 52min TV-MA United States English

David Bender Margaret Cho Janet Mock Neil Patrick Harris Asia Kate Dillon Lena Waithe Billy Porter Wanda Sykes Laverne Cox Joey Soloway

Documentary History

lgbt bisexuality social documentary

Early TV portrayed LGBTQ people as homicidal maniacs and sexual deviants. It wasn’t until the 70s that positive portrayals began to emerge.

Following the Stonewall Uprising, LGBTQ activists began using television as a tool for change.

HIV/AIDS was initially ignored by TV, and fear of the disease stunted LGBTQ representation. Eventually, TV raised awareness on the issue.

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres made history by coming out on her TV show and in her personal life. But the celebration was short-lived.

Today’s new guard of LGBTQ creators in TV has opened the door to greater representation and wider inclusivity. Series finale.

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