A content analysis of “Queer as Folk” TV series: Portrayals of homosexuality on TV

Abstract

This study is a content analysis of Showtime’s TV series “Queer as Folk”. The researcher analyzed the first three episodes of season one for the study. Queer as Folk was produced by CowLip Productions, Tony Jonas Productions and Temple Street Productions in association with Channel 4 Television Corporation; the co-owner of the original UK series and Showcase. This study identified the two types of homosexuality as to the Covert and the Overt homosexuals. These types are driven by factors surrounding them in the society thus making them react and illustrate themselves as such personality. Some of the characters are shown to be well integrated to the heterosexual society. Working jobs that the usual straight people do and working in companies where there is equality in authority and freedom. Some of the character portrayals are showing disparity from the other main characters where they are portrayed as the stereotypical homosexuals. The study is also talking about the kinds of relationship they engage and the kind of life they are living motivated by different factors like love, sex and money. Some characters are into civil life trying to engage into legal partnership and standard family. The other characters on the other hand are projected as kinds of people living a life of promiscuity, casual engagements and sex. This study clarified the dissimilarity of the different homosexuals in the society through their lifestyle, career and relationship.