“See me! Recognize me!” An analysis of transgender media representation

ABSTRACT

The representation of transgender characters in fictional television has often been plagued by stereotypical and negative portrayals that do not accurately reflect the real experiences of transgender people. This research thus takes as its focus more recent North American television shows in order to assess whether improved forms of representation exist. Using a combination of Content Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis, this study analyzes how transgender characters in Orange is the New Black and The Fosters are represented. This research found that the improvement of representation in these shows is indicative of a trend toward more positive representation. The characters of Cole, Sophia, and Aaron are represented in both positive and groundbreaking ways. While there is still work to be done in terms of increasing the complexity and range of such representations, these improvements signal a step in the right direction.

KEYWORDS:

• Transgender
• representation
• LGBTQ
• Orange is the New Black
• The Fosters

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Susan Bryant

Susan Bryant (Ph.D., Simon Fraser University) is a Sessional Lecturer in the Department of Communication, Media and Film at the University of Windsor.

Brian Brown

Brian Brown (Ph.D., University of Western Ontario) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Film at the University of Windsor.