Lets see how far we've come: Popular Culture and Heteronormitivity, turning a corner?
It can be argued that Queer as Folk set the ball rolling for queer themed shows, characters and films. The (relativly) sudden influx of queer characters on our TV screens is often hailed as a brilliant step forward. Queer as folk, Brokeback Mountain, Torchwood, John-Paul in Hollyoaks, and so on.
But we still have to look at the way we manage sexuality, especially in the public sphere - specifically in popular culture. TV personalities such as Graham Norton and John Barrowman are out and gay, something that would have been unheard of 30 years ago. John Barrowman specifically, sees his role as out and gay as inherantly political. He is raising awareness. Their sexuality has been repackaged, so it is palletable for public consumption. Is this liberation?
But we still have to look at the way we manage sexuality, especially in the public sphere - specifically in popular culture. TV personalities such as Graham Norton and John Barrowman are out and gay, something that would have been unheard of 30 years ago. John Barrowman specifically, sees his role as out and gay as inherantly political. He is raising awareness. Their sexuality has been repackaged, so it is palletable for public consumption. Is this liberation?