Article
Tequila, Straight up: Bisexuality, Reality Dating, and the Discourse of Heteronormativity
Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research
(2008)
Abstract
The portrayal of alternate sexualities on primetime television is an area of burgeoning interest among critical-cultural theorists. This study examines the MTV series A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila for its representation of bisexuality, lesbianism, and gender inversion. Our results indicate that, contrary to publicity claims, the show endorsed and supported gender inversion as an acceptable manifestation of homosexuality. Furthermore, we argue that although the show presents itself as progressive and homonormative, it ultimately reinforces dominant gender and sexual stereotypes. The implications of these findings, as well as their relevance to prevailing ideologies of heteronormativity and homophobia, are discussed.
Keywords
- Cultural hegemony,
- Heteronormativity,
- MTV,
- Reality dating,
- Sexual representation
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall 2008
Publisher Statement
Published by Ebsco
Citation Information
Mary Grace Antony and Ryan J. Thomas. "Tequila, Straight up: Bisexuality, Reality Dating, and the Discourse of Heteronormativity" Kaleidoscope: A Graduate Journal of Qualitative Communication Research Vol. 7 (2008) p. 49 - 65 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/marygrace-antony/16/