Looking for more authentic representations of LGBT lives, which
mainstream cinema and TV do not provide? These days you're
literally a few clicks away from queer drama. The creators of LGBT
webisodes fill in the blanks that mainstream media fails to color,
so whatever your taste there are stories which feature lez/bi women
of colour, trans characters played by trans actors, or
studs/butches. In addition, the creators do not shy away from
challenging issues like violence, jealousy, drugs and, you know,
how to deal with that psycho ex-girlfriend. There is so much good
stuff out there, but here is my top three.
1. Girl/Girl
Scene
This series was created by Tucky Williams and is set amongst
20-something friends in Lexington, Kentucky. Each episode mimics
the timings and format of a mainstream TV show. But this is the
only similarity and Girl/Girl Scene is one of the few
lesbian-dominated dramas to include a transman, Elliott, performed
by a transman. Tucky Williams also has a role as the main character
Evan, a hot player who has a group of friends: Maxine, the femme
fatale; Zoe, Evan's friend, who's getting over heartbreak; Trista,
Zoe's ex-girlfriend; Jessie, a baby dyke. Tucky Williams wanted to
show that you can be queer, happy and have fun and not be tortured
about your sexuality.
The first season wrapped in December 2011 but you can catch up
on episodes on the website. The show is funded through advertising
revenue generated on BlipTV.
2. Between Women
TV
Between Women was created by Michelle Daniel and is set in the
urban South. It follows the lives of out African-American women of
various gender identifications. The characters negotiate jealous
exes, domestic violence, evangelical religion, co-parenting and
having a domineering mother. Some of the main characters are:
Miller, a stud who harbours a secret love though she is in a
relationship with Rhonda, who is desperate to get married;
Beautiful, a single mother who co-parents with her ex, a player;
Brooke, a stud in a damaging relationship with Allison; and Winney,
who is in an off-on relationship with Mecca.
The next webisode is on 24 January 2011. Between Women TV is
funded by donations. Scroll down to watch an extract.
3. The Lovers and Friends
Show
The Lovers & Friends Show is a web-based mainly-lesbian show
that made its debut 1 January 2008. It is directed by its creator
Charmain Johnson. The show focuses on six main characters from
diverse ethnic backgrounds. Lisa is medical student recently
out, Kai is her best friend coping with a psycho ex-girlfriend,
Tori is a writer, Dre a womanizing bad boy, Yasmin a political
activist and Mercedes a social-climbing magazine editor. The
stories revolve around coming out, infidelity, gender roles, drugs,
and adoption. The final season ends this year and Seasons 1 and 2
are available to buy from Wolfe Video.
