Fair LGBTQ representations A case study focused on the LGBTQ representations of The L Word and its sequel The L Word: Generation Q.

This year the percentage of LGBTQ characters that appear in American broadcast scripted series will be the highest it has ever been (GLAAD, 2019). Meaning that media that we consume is slowly adding more and more LGBTQ representations. However, little is known about the quality of these representations. López (2018) conducted interviews with LGBTQ members and discussed how they felt they were represented in American scripted series. Most interviewees thought that the LGBTQ characters were mostly stereotyped. However, merely showing stereotyped LGBTQ characters causes harm for the community (Ross and Lester, 2003). LGBTQ representations should consist of well-rounded and unique characters, also called fair representation. Beginning of this year, the sequel of prominent lesbian television series The L Word: The L Word: Generation Q, arrived. Which according to GLAAD (2019) consists of the most LGBTQ portrayals ever perceived in one show. But how are these people represented? Have these representations changed in the last 10 years? Therefore, this research focused on the representations of the primary characters for both first seasons of the shows to see if and how these representations have changed. By conducting a thematical analysis of identifying certain tropes and stereotypes that are often used to portray LGBTQ people, a decision was made whether the representations are considered to be fair. Based on the findings, it can be stated that the primary characters of Generation Q are in fact more fairly represented than its predecessor.