How Pop Culture is Shaping Queer Identity

None at Berg'n

Thu, Jun 15 at 7:30 p.m. | 90 minutes

In this Olio we will discuss some examples of Queer representation in popular media and whether we should see these representations as liberatory or regressive.

Twenty years ago, in 1987, the popular television star Ellen DeGeneres came out on the cover of Time magazine. In the following two decades, there has been an increasing amount of Queer representation in popular media and culture, both in real-life media stars and popular television and film characters.

There has also been an increase in Queer representation among fandoms, many of which have been historically conservative and heteronormative. In this talk we will discuss some examples of Queer representation in popular media and whether we should see these representations as liberatory or regressive. Pop culture we'll look at include: Supergirl, Renly and Loras in Game of Thrones and the Doctor's new companion, Bill Pott, in Dr. Who. We'll also explore how we might view media representations as a barometer for attitudes regarding Queer identity in general.

Teacher: Jaime Weida

Venue: Berg'n

What is Think Olio?

Think Olio is here to put the liberation back into the liberal arts.

Classically, the liberal arts, were the education considered essential for a free person to take an active part in civic life. To counter a humanities that has been institutionalized and dehumanized we infuse critical thinking, openness, playfulness, and compassion into our learning experience.

Scenius Membership

If Friday night lectures, museum field trips, and living room salons sound like your kind of thing, then you've found your people. We can't wait to welcome you to the Think Olio Scenius. More info