*CFP* "IS IT OKAY TO BE GAY? HOW MAINSTREAM MEDIA CULTURE INFLUENCES GENDER & SEXUALITY", EDITED BOOK

Early representations of gay men in the U.S. are limited, and even the idea of female relationships virtually non-existent when it comes to general cinema and television. However, Vito Russo's Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies (book, 1981; documentary, 1995) and Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman (1996) by Leslie Feinberg, show us how to view and analyze historical accounts. How far spread and successful has the movement been generally? The following '70s reference stands out as among the first, though the humor surrounding it is insulting, perhaps beginning or at least facilitating the trend of only mentioning purportedly alternative lifestyles within a mean comedic framework, whether though such characters' lips or about them from others. 

Reliably, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" was early in introducing a gay character - and cautioning us about media conglomeration, as it happens. In the 1973 episode, "My Brother's Keeper," Phyllis' brother visits and he starts hanging out with Rhoda (Phyllis' nemesis). Phyllis is terribly upset about this but then becomes incensed when Rhoda tells her he's not her type. Phyllis extols her brother's virtues. When Rhoda adds that he's gay to her list, Phyllis' chin drops. But because she is so happy that this news means he isn't interested in Rhoda after all (or maybe because she is so blind-sided by it, or maybe because it was the '70s and we had Native American comedians on prime time and the workers had unions to protect their jobs, or, maybe just because it was the right thing to do), she doesn't seem to be bothered by her sibling being gay. This, at a time when being gay still ruined Hollywood and other careers.

Films such as "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" introduced late-night cult audiences from the'70s onward to what was then outré - omni-/pan-/multi-sexuality, transvestitism, and other rarely out activity - and permeated society, all the creation of the man who played Riff, author and screenwriter Richard O'Brien. It would become one of few outlets for one to play with one's sexuality. Anyone could come in drag and sing along. 

Among the first songs which make reference to supposed alternative sexuality was Cyndi Lauper's 1984 "She Bop," because she refers to a "Blueboy" (formerly "Blue Boy") magazine, which was a gay porn mag from 1974-2007. Before that, Liberace, Elton John, and Joan Jett seemed the only famous references—and those weren't confirmed. 

Depictions of LGBTQ+ in media have grown over the years, yet more does not always mean better; while it is amazing that programs such as "Will and Grace,” “Queer As Folk,” and "The L Word" eventually appeared on our screens, these sometimes contained mean-spirited references and engaged in patriarchal discourses, along with, arguably, being queer-specific shows. Forward to shows like "Modern Family" and “Scandal” with more developed portrayals. However, most normalized and nuanced LGBTQ+ characters are relegated to pay formats, such as HBO, Showtime, and Netflix. Not to be forgotten, the list of non-binary characters can easily be counted on one hand.

Combining media texts with academic anchors such as Hilton-Morrow and Battles' Sexual Identities and the Media: An Introduction (2014), Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference (2010), or Bronski's A Queer History of the United States (2012), for example, document the rocky road from early Hollywood to now. Explore the range and dynamic of sexuality and gender diversities within media. What were indicators characters were gay in the early days of media and how did they transform over time? Or have they? How did studios handle what was once a sensitive subject? Examine and explain whether most current representations are beneficial. 

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Are current LGBTQ+ depictions realistic? Positive? 
• Differences between historical and modern media images 
• In what ways are gay/lesbian representations better now than in the past? 
• Historical references and their significance 
• How do audiences, particularly children, get to view different GSD (Gender and Sexual Diversity)? 
• Problematic areas in media regarding LGBTQ+ 
• Queerbaiting 
• Evolution of LGBTQ+ topics or persons in popular music 
• How is LGBTQ+ representation in the United States affecting cultures elsewhere? And, how are portrayals or (un)acceptance of LGBTQ+ people elsewhere affecting the LGBTQ+ popular media? 
• What is the significance and impact of using of non-human LGBTQ+ characters, particularly in children's films? 
• Industry changes affecting LGBTQ+ characters 
• Casting process and outcomes of LGBTQ+ characters

We anticipate that this referenced anthology will include 16-20 essays, and as a working guide, the essays should be 4000-4500 words. Essays must adhere to the most current MLA format. 

Submission Guidelines: Send a 500-word abstract in Word, followed by a short bibliography showing the paper's scholarly and theoretical context. Also include a brief bio and full CV.

Send to: Christie Rinck (crinck@usf.edu) by August 31, 2018.