Queering Contemporary Comedy: FX's What We Do in the Shadows and the Mediation of Nonnormative Gender and Sexual Identities

Abstract

Utilizing queer theory, a textual analysis of 50 episodes of the FX horror-comedy series What We Do in the Shadows (2019–) resulted in three overarching themes: (1) representation of different forms of queerness and open expression of character identities, (2) normalization of queer identity and resistance to homophobia, and (3) inclusivity of relational configuration beyond queer-based narratives. Findings demonstrate the series promotes a queer perspective in addition to outright support for nonheteronormative characters. This reading of its dialogic and visual text adds to the literature on the positive media treatment of LGBTQ+ communities and how popular media texts serve as conduits of resistance to normative heterosexuality. Research in this vein is especially cogent and relevant given increasing antitransgender and intersex legislation that marks the U.S. political environment in recent years.

Keywords

critical and cultural studies GLBT Queer theory television television comedy textual analysis

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