Regressing, Progressing, orrnTransgressing on the Small Screen?rnTransgender Characters on U.S.rnScripted Television Series

摘要

This study explored representation of lead and supporting transgender characters in nine U.rnS. scripted television dramas and comedies aired 2008–2014. Employing qualitative contentrnanalysis techniques, episodes were coded for casting, visibility, identity, embodiment, andrnsocial interaction. Findings suggested that scripted television has begun to evolve in arnmanner that relies less on a standardized narrative and one-dimensional characterizationrnof transgender people. The formerly ubiquitous “wrong body” discourse seems to have ebbedrnin favor of more diverse and refined stories about transgender identity and subjectivity.rnHowever, increased visibility does not apply across the spectrumof transgender identity andrnexpression. Transgender people as a population and a political community, trans men, andrngenderqueer characters remain largely invisible.