Season 2, E2: OK, But Why Is Queer Reality Television So Bad with director/writer Topher Cusumano
In the second full-length episode of season two, Ama & Ameema invite the iconic writer/director of LGBTQ+ reality shows such as Hot Haus and Slag Wars, our favourite sex-positive daddy (and soon to be yours!) Topher Cusumano.
The three of us chat with Topher about why queer reality TV sucks so much and why mainstream media struggles with queer representation. We also dive deep into what it means to produce queer media and talk about what pleasure and desire look like. Because heh, who doesn't read a little erotica on their days off. So cozy up, and get ready to laugh because this episode is a journey from start to finish!
Throughout the next hour, you'll hear the following:
Topher tells us why it's harmful to pigeonhole marginalized creators
OK, but why is queer reality TV so bad?
What exactly goes into creating a reality TV show and how hard is it to make GOOD queer reality TV?
Representation is a nuanced topic, so what exactly does it look like?
In our first segment, Ama sits down with Kiara from Canada's Drag Race season one to discuss what it's like to appear on a reality TV and how the fandom can be (answer: not great, bob!)
Then we wrap it all up by playing a game of #HeatOrTrash with Topher, where he ranks some of the top queer reality television shows in the last decade from god-tier to homophobic.
If you liked what you heard, maybe think about rating us! You can also find all our social links by visiting our Lnk.Bio page. Heck, if you want - leave us a voicemail. We love to answer questions from our listeners or take suggestions about what you'd like us to cover. Maybe we'll even feature it in a future show! Hell, if you even want to support us (we're a small team and a lot of work goes into what you hear today) then we would love it if you send us a few bucks via our Ko-Fi! All the money helps us with production costs and creating the podcast you hear today.
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Further Reading on this Topic!
Queer representation in media: the good, the bad, and the ugly - Heckin' Unicorn
Queer Baiting: What is it and Why is it harmful for the LGBTQ+ Community - HYPEBAE
Why Can’t Every Reality Show Be Season 8 of Are You the One? - VOGUE
'Top Chef' Gave Queer Women a Platform Before It Was Cool - Shondaland
Is Slag Wars TV's most inclusive reality show yet? - iD
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