エピソード

  • Trans TV

    Trans TV
    2025/05/22
    OverviewIn this episode, we delve into the evolution of trans representation in reality TV, starting with an exploration of the 2005 docuseries Trans Generation, showcasing the authentic experiences of four college students transitioning, in sharp contrast with earlier portrayal of trans subjectsin There's Something About Miriam. The discussion then shifts to Zeke Smith, a prominent trans contestant from Survivor, who shares insights on navigating the pressures of production while maintaining control over his narrative and strategy. The episode further examines the emotional and psychological ramifications of reality TV on trans visibility, addressing the backlash against increased representation and highlighting the critical need for authentic portrayals to advance trans equality, ultimately underscoring the importance of seeing trans people in everyday life through the lens of media.NotesIntroduction to Trans Representation in Reality TV (00:00 - 08:59)Introduces Trans Generation, a 2005 docuseries about four college students transitioningHighlights TJ, a Fulbright scholar from Cyprus transitioning at Michigan StateContrasts with earlier trans representation in There's Something About Miriam (2003)Discusses the evolution of trans representation in reality TV from 2003 to 2005️Zeke Smith's Survivor Experience (08:59 - 18:51)Zeke Smith discusses his experience on Survivor as a trans contestantHighlights the self-determination aspect of being trans and how it related to his Survivor strategyDescribes the pressure from production to “storyize” his identity, which he resistedExplains how he leveraged media savvy to maintain control over his narrativeRecounts being invited back for a second season immediately after his firstImpact of Reality TV on Trans Representation (18:51 - 29:49)Discusses the emotional and psychological impact of being on SurvivorExplores the broader implications of trans visibility in mainstream mediaReflects on the backlash against increased trans representationEmphasizes the importance of authentic visibility in advancing trans equalityConcludes with the significance of seeing trans people “walking around in the world” through reality TVGuestsZeke Smith (he/him) is a writer and comedian living in Los Angeles. His writing has been featured on The Blacklist and in The Hollywood Reporter. Zeke is well-known for his queer and trans advocacy stemming from two seasons on Survivor. He serves on the board of directors for GLAAD. Are you ready for the next best pop culture podcast on all things reality TV? Get Queer is here. A product of Xtra magazine, Get Queer questions and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ representation in pop culture. For the show's first season, reality TV fan and host Mel Woods takes you through a candid analysis of unscripted television’s history in a bid to answer a central question: “How has reality TV shaped queer identity in the community, in the world and in the mirror?"Through interviews with stars, experts and fan favourites, including Zeke Smith (Survivor), Wes Culwell (Boy Meets Boy), and Racquel Chevremont (The Real Housewives of New York City), Get Queer takes listeners behind the scenes of reality TV’s most shocking and compelling moments to unravel how they were made and their lasting impact.Show CreditsHost Mel Woods (they/them) is a journalist, editor and content creator. They are currently the Senior Editor Audience Engagement at Xtra, a digital magazine covering culture and politics through an LGBTQ2S+ lens. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.Producer Daniel MacIvor (he/him) is a writer, producer, director and performer. They are currently Creative Consultant with Pink Triangle Press and Artistic Director of reWork a Toronto-based production company for new theatre and film.Cover photography by Celina Koops
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    30 分
  • The G.O.A.T.

    The G.O.A.T.
    2025/05/15
    OverviewIn this episode, we analyze Season 8 of Are You The One?, which features an all-queer cast and is described as a transformative representation in reality TV. The episode opens with an introduction to the show's unique ability to foster queer identity, led by guest Hunter Hargreaves, a noted queer intellectual. The discussion delves into how the season promotes polyamory and challenges traditional heteronormative structures through concepts like "compulsory authenticity." Special guest Arewá shares their personal journey and insights as an unofficial producer on the show, emphasizing the importance of genuine queer representation, highlighted by significant moments. The episode reflects on the show's legacy in advancing queer narratives and representation within reality TV.Notes Introduction to Get Queer podcast (00:00 - 05:00)Podcast focuses on queer reality TV and its impact on queer identityEpisode discusses Are You The One? Season 8, described as the queer reality TV GOATHunter Hargreaves introduced as a social media personality, queer intellectual and writerAnalysis of Are You The One? Season 8 (05:01 - 10:39)Season 8 featured all queer or trans contestantsShow's format encouraged poly dating within a non-monogamous structureHunter discusses how the show subverted heterosexual structuresConcept of “compulsory authenticity” in reality TV introducedAuthenticity and Strategy in Reality TV (10:40 - 19:45)Discussion on balancing authenticity with game strategy in reality showsIntroduction of Arewá (formerly known as Basit on the show)Arewá shares their journey to joining the show and initial hesitationsArewá's role as an unofficial producer on the show highlightedRepresentation and Responsibility (19:46 - 28:45)Arewá discusses the importance of authentic queer representationKai and Jenna scene showcasing trans experience highlightedArewá's post-show journey into production discussedReflection on the show's impact and legacy in queer representationGuestsHunter Hargraves (any pronouns) is an intellectual bon-vivant and boldly queer social media presence. He teaches cinema and television arts at California State University Fullerton and he is the author of Uncomfortable Television published by Duke University Press in 2023.Arewá Basit (she/they) is a singer/songwriter/producer/actor and former participant on the iconic queer season of Are You The One?. Arewá headlined Transmission, NYC’s first all trans music festival, and she is a co-founder of Legacy a NYC based production company focusing on uplifting Black queer voices and fostering community. Are you ready for the next best pop culture podcast on all things reality TV? Get Queer is here. A product of Xtra magazine, Get Queer questions and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ representation in pop culture. For the show's first season, reality TV fan and host Mel Woods takes you through a candid analysis of unscripted television’s history in a bid to answer a central question: “How has reality TV shaped queer identity in the community, in the world and in the mirror?"Through interviews with stars, experts and fan favourites, including Zeke Smith (Survivor), Wes Culwell (Boy Meets Boy), and Racquel Chevremont (The Real Housewives of New York City), Get Queer takes listeners behind the scenes of reality TV’s most shocking and compelling moments to unravel how they were made and their lasting impact.Show CreditsHost Mel Woods (they/them) is a journalist, editor and content creator. They are currently the Senior Editor Audience Engagement at Xtra, a digital magazine covering culture and politics through an LGBTQ2S+ lens. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.Producer Daniel MacIvor (he/him) is a writer, producer, director and performer. They are currently Creative Consultant with Pink Triangle Press and Artistic Director of reWork a Toronto-based production company for new theatre and film.Cover photography by Celina Koops
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    29 分
  • Gaystreaming

    Gaystreaming
    2025/05/07
    OverviewThis episode of Get Queer explores the influence of reality television on queer identity, beginning with an overview of Bravo’s inaugural same-sex marriage reality show, Boy Meets Boy, which debuted in 2003. The episode discusses the network’s strategic shift toward queer-centric programming, leading to iconic shows like Queer Eye and the emergence of the Logo network. The episode critiques stereotypical portrayals of queer individuals in reality TV, debating the nuances of implied versus explicit queerness. The discussion evolves to highlight the growing acceptance of casual queerness in media, referencing Henry Jenkins' theory of convergence culture. The host also interviews Wes Culwell, a former reality TV participant turned producer, to reflect on the evolving landscape of queer representation in reality TV and the significant role of queer producers in shaping future narratives.Notes️Introduction to Get Queer (00:00 - 02:08)Podcast focuses on reality TV's effect on queer identityEpisode titled “Gay Streaming”Discusses Boy Meets Boy, first same-sex dating reality show in 2003Gay Streaming and Bravo Network (02:08 - 07:04)Bravo network's shift towards queer contentBoy Meets Boy as a moderate success for BravoIntroduction of Queer Eye and the Logo networkConcept of “gay streaming” explained️‍ Reality TV Representation (07:04 - 12:42)Discussion on stereotypical representations in queer reality TVCritique of shows like The A-List: New YorkDebate on implied vs. explicit queerness in reality TVQueer Convergence in Media (12:42 - 17:25)Shift from implied to casual queerness in reality TVDiscussion on queer representation and authenticityIntroduction of Henry Jenkins' theory of convergence cultureQueer Producers in Reality TV (17:25 - 22:50)Wes Culwell's journey from reality TV participant to producerImpact of queer producers on reality TV contentDiscussion on the future of queer representation in mediaGuestsEve Ng (she/her) teaches media arts and is the author of Cancel Culture: A Critical Analysis and Mainstreaming Gays: Critical Convergences of Queer Media, Fan Cultures, and Commercial Television. She’s a participant in and critic of queer women fandoms and is co-editing a forthcoming special for Popular Communication on that subject.Wes Culwell (he/him) is the founder and executive producer at Studiio Box Creative a Washington D.C. based full-service creative agency specializing in video production and experiential marketing. After getting his start as a participant in reality TV, Wes worked for nearly a decade as a story producer and director in TV and film prior to launching Studio Box in 2012. Are you ready for the next best pop culture podcast on all things reality TV? Get Queer is here. A product of Xtra magazine, Get Queer questions and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ representation in pop culture. For the show's first season, reality TV fan and host Mel Woods takes you through a candid analysis of unscripted television’s history in a bid to answer a central question: “How has reality TV shaped queer identity in the community, in the world and in the mirror?"Through interviews with stars, experts and fan favourites, including Zeke Smith (Survivor), Wes Culwell (Boy Meets Boy), and Racquel Chevremont (The Real Housewives of New York City), Get Queer takes listeners behind the scenes of reality TV’s most shocking and compelling moments to unravel how they were made and their lasting impact.Show CreditsHost Mel Woods (they/them) is a journalist, editor and content creator. They are currently the Senior Editor Audience Engagement at Xtra, a digital magazine covering culture and politics through an LGBTQ2S+ lens. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.Producer Daniel MacIvor (he/him) is a writer, producer, director and performer. They are currently Creative Consultant with Pink Triangle Press and Artistic Director of reWork a Toronto-based production company for new theatre and film.Cover photography by Celina Koops
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    23 分
  • Casually Queer

    Casually Queer
    2025/05/07
    OverviewIn this episode, host Mel Woods delves into the crucial topic of queer and trans representation in reality TV, beginning with notable moments like Zeke Smith’s groundbreaking transouting on Survivor and the impact of Pedro Zamora on HIV/AIDS awareness during Season One of The Real World: San Francisco. The discussion features an interview with Zeke, who reflects on his journey since Survivor, including insights into the motivations and strategies behind his participation in the show. The episode also tackles various coming out experiences on reality TV, emphasizing the challenges and significance of authentic representation. Finally, it analyzes the evolution of queer representation over time, highlighting key milestones and the need for more casual portrayals of queerness in media.NotesReality TV and LGBTQ2S+ Representation (00:00 - 09:16)Introduction to the podcast Get Queer focusing on queer reality TVHighlight of Zeke Smith's outing as trans on Survivor in 2017Discussion of Pedro Zamora's role in Season One of The Real World: San Francisco in 1994Pedro's impact on HIV/AIDS awareness and representationHost Mel Woods' personal connection to reality TV and queer representationZeke Smith's Survivor Experience (09:16 - 17:30)Interview with Zeke Smith about his life post-SurvivorZeke's recent marriage and reflection on personal growthDiscussion of Zeke's motivation to apply for SurvivorZeke's preparation for the show and strategy to create interesting momentsComing Out on Reality TV (17:30 - 26:08)Exploration of various "coming out" moments on reality TVZeke's experience of being outed on Survivor and its impactDiscussion of the challenges faced by Zeke after being outedReflection on the importance of authentic representation in mediaImpact and Evolution of Queer Representation (26:08 - 34:56)Analysis of the long-term effects of queer representation on reality TVDiscussion of Lance Loud as an early example of casual queerness on TVHighlight of Pedro Zamora's relationship ceremony on The Real WorldZeke and Nico's proposal at the GLAAD Media AwardsConclusion on the importance of casual queer representation in mediaGuestZeke Smith (he/him) is a writer and comedian living in Los Angeles. His writing has been featured in The Blacklist and in The Hollywood Reporter. Zeke is well-known for his queer and trans advocacy stemming from two seasons on Survivor. He serves on the board of directors for GLAAD. Are you ready for the next best pop culture podcast on all things reality TV? Get Queer is here. A product of Xtra magazine, Get Queer questions and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ representation in pop culture. For the show's first season, reality TV fan and host Mel Woods takes you through a candid analysis of unscripted television’s history in a bid to answer a central question: “How has reality TV shaped queer identity in the community, in the world and in the mirror?"Through interviews with stars, experts and fan favourites, including Zeke Smith (Survivor), Wes Culwell (Boy Meets Boy), and Racquel Chevremont (The Real Housewives of New York City), Get Queer takes listeners behind the scenes of reality TV’s most shocking and compelling moments to unravel how they were made and their lasting impact.Show CreditsHost Mel Woods (they/them) is a journalist, editor and content creator. They are currently the Senior Editor Audience Engagement at Xtra, a digital magazine covering culture and politics through an LGBTQ2S+ lens. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.Producer Daniel MacIvor (he/him) is a writer, producer, director and performer. They are currently Creative Consultant with Pink Triangle Press and Artistic Director of reWork a Toronto-based production company for new theatre and film.Cover photography by Celina Koops
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    35 分
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    2025/05/01

    Get Queer debuts May 8, 2025, with new episodes dropping weekly.

    Are you ready for the next best pop culture podcast on all things reality TV? Get Queer is here.

    A product of Xtra magazine, Get Queer questions and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ representation in pop culture. For the show's first season, reality TV fan and host Mel Woods takes you through a candid analysis of unscripted television’s history in a bid to answer a central question: “How has reality TV shaped queer identity in the community, in the world and in the mirror?"

    Through interviews with stars, experts and fan favourites, including Zeke Smith (Survivor), Wes Culwell (Boy Meets Boy), and Racquel Chevremont (The Real Housewives of New York City), Get Queer takes listeners behind the scenes of reality TV’s most shocking and compelling moments to unravel how they were made and their lasting impact.

    Show Credits

    Host Mel Woods (they/them) is a journalist, editor and content creator. They are currently the Senior Editor Audience Engagement at Xtra, a digital magazine covering culture and politics through an LGBTQ2S+ lens. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.

    Producer Daniel MacIvor (he/him) is a writer, producer, director and performer. They are currently Creative Consultant with Pink Triangle Press and Artistic Director of reWork a Toronto-based production company for new theatre and film.

    Cover photography by Celina Koops
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    1 分