Historical lesbianism Part 6: Television (1988-2009)

The Historical lesbianism series include: some of the women who were famous for loving other women throughout time and information on lesbian topics in literature, art, music, sport, film and television.

The word Television is derived from mixed Latin and Greek roots, meaning ‘far sight’. Greek: ‘tele – far’ and Latin: ‘visio – sight’. It was commercially available since the late 1930s and introduced to South Africa in 1976.

1. The early years (1988-1993)

The first regular lesbian character on a TV show was on the medical series ‘Heartbeat’, in 1988 and featured a lesbian nurse (Gail Strickland) who lived with her lover (Gina Hecht). The series was however short lived.

The small screen saw its first lesbian kiss in 1991, when C.J, a bisexual lawyer (Amanda Donohoe), kissed a female colleague on ‘L.A. Law’. Religious and right-wing groups were up in arms.

It took two more years for the next lesbian kiss. Even more controversial, because it involved teenagers, in the 1993 ‘Picket Fences’ featured a kiss between two teenage girls in a show that took an honest look at homophobia and adolescence.

2. Amanda Bearse (1958-present)

In 1993, this actress and director became the first prime-time television lesbian to come out. She lives in Atlanta with Zoe, her adopted daughter.

-Married with Children – TV series (between1987 and 1997)

3. Rosanne (1991-1997)

Lesbian actress Sandra Bernhard played the role of Nancy Bartlett in the sit-com ‘Rosanne’ in 33 episodes of the series between 1991 and 1997. She was one of the first actresses portraying an openly lesbian recurring character on American television. Rosanne visits a gay bar with Nancy in season 6 of 1994 in an episode entitled “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and receives a surprise kiss from Nancy’s girlfriend, Sharon played by Mariel Hemingway. The episode generated great controversy before it aired. Network executives wanted to cancel the episode, but Rosanne Barr (a gay rights advocate) fought against it.

Photo: Rosanne Barr

Photo: Sandra Bernhard

4. Other Lesbian Scenes

The first televised lesbian wedding took place in January of 1996, on ‘Friends’, when Ross’s ex-wife Carol married her lover Susan.

Photo: Susan and Carol – Wedding on Friends

There was a dry spell of lesbian characters for a number of years, after Ellen DeGeneres came out on ‘Ellen’ and had a huge drop in ratings. Finally in 1999, ‘Party of Five’, brought a lesbian relationship to the table, when Neve Campbell’s character Julia, takes up with an older lesbian writer after leaving an abusive relationship with a man.

In 1999 Calista Flockhart and Lucy Liu, locked lips on ‘Ally McBeal’ in a blatant attempt to boost ratings.

5. Relativity (1996-1997)

The 1996 short lived drama, ‘Relativity’ offered one of the first recurring lesbian characters, who were also a central part of the cast. Rhonda, who was played by Lisa Edelstein (also known as Dr. Lisa Cuddy in the series ‘House’), was introduced in the beginning of the series, but her sexuality was not featured in any of the early episodes (expect one – Isabelle and Rhonda commiserate with each other over their recent respective breakups.) Episode 13 introduced Rhonda and Suzanne’s first date and their first kiss. The show was ground-breaking; not only for the kiss, but because of natural and almost casual way it portrayed the lesbian relationship with each other, as well as their relationships with the other characters on the show.

Photo: Lisa Edelstein – Cover of Curve magazine

6. Ellen DeGeneres (1958-present)

This American stand-up comedienne, television hostess and actress came out publicly in an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show, during the fourth season of the TV series ‘Ellen’ in 1997. Her character, Ellen Morgan, also came out at the same time in an episode known as ‘the Puppy Episode’. Her coming out was a landmark in the advancement of lesbians in the entertainment industry. The well-published relationship with actress Anne Heche, made them the only high-profile out lesbian couple in Hollywood for a while. She was the first openly gay person to have hosted the 79th Academy Awards. DeGeneres married actress Portia De Rossi in 2008. She has won twelve Emmys and numerous awards for her work and charitable efforts.

-Ellen (1994-1998)

-The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003-current)

Photo: Ellen DeGeneres and Wife Portia de Rossi

7. The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996-2002)

This daytime talk show was hosted by Rosie O’Donnell. It aired for six seasons and some of the topics discussed were: Broadway, children, extended families and charitable works, people and organizations. The comedian and actress declared in March 2002 that she is a lesbian mom. Her coming out was part of her advocacy for children, in order to give a human face to gay parents, who are often discriminated against by adoption agencies and state governments. The reaction from her fans was overwhelmingly supportive.

Photo: Rosie and Partner Kelli

8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

It broke new grounds, with developing a relationship between lesbian witches, Willow and Tara. Luckily the lesbian characters remained on the show weren’t just glorified for their first on screen kiss.

Photo: Willow and Tara - Buffy the Vampire Slayer poster

Photo: Willow and Tara – scene in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

9. The 2000’s

‘Queer as Folk’ premiered in December 2000 and featured lesbian couple, Melanie and Lindsay.

We also saw lesbian moments in 2001 on shows like Friends; Dark Angel; 24; Spin City and ER.

Eden Riegel, received a Daytime Emmy Award in 2005 for her portrayal of the lesbian character Bianca Montgomery in the daytime drama ‘All My Children’. The kiss between Bianca and Lena made history in 2003, when it became the first lesbian kiss to appear on American daytime television.

Photo: Bianca and Maggie – All My Children

10. Suze Orman (1951-current)

Financial advisor, Suze Orman is the host of ‘The Suze Orman’ show on CNBC and is the most successful fundraiser in the history of public television. She won two daytime Emmy Awards in 2004 and 2006 in the category of ‘Outstanding Service Show Host’. She has made guest appearances on the Oprah Show as well as DR. Phil. She came out as lesbian in 2007 and lives with her partner, Kathy Travis, a co-producer of her show.

11. Portia de Rossi (1973-present)

She is an Australian born actress best known for her roles as Nelle in Ally McBeal and Lindsay in Arrested Development. De Rossi was born as Amanda Lee Rogers, but legally changed her name to Portia de Rossi at age 15...“In retrospect, I think it was largely due to my struggle about being gay. Everything just didn’t fit, and I was trying to find things that I could identify myself with, and it started with my name.”

She portrayed a lesbian character (Olivia) in Nip/Tuck’s fifth season. She supports a number of charitable organizations including ‘Locks of Love’ and FXB International. It is no surprise that this gorgeous woman is listed in numerous ‘100 sexiest women’ lists...yes she is my ‘celebrity-crush’! J

-Ally McBeal (1998-2002)

-Arrested Development (2003-2006)

-Better Off Ted (2009-current)

Photo: Portia de Rossi

12. Work Out (2006-2008)

This reality TV series follows the life of professional personal trainer, Jackie Warner. She owns a gym and spa in Beverley Hills and employs various gay trainers throughout the series. The show features many of the trainers who work for her, aspects of the gym and its clients, and Jackie’s other fitness ventures. It also covers aspects of her private life such as her openly lesbian dating and romantic relationships with women.

Photo: Jackie Warner – Work Out

13. The L Word (2004-2009)

An American and Canadian co-production television drama series portraying the lives of a group of lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their friends, family and lovers in West Hollywood. The show received multiple nominations for GLAAD Media Awards.

The six season series included some out-lesbian cast and crew members like, Leisha Hailey (Alice); Daniela Sea (Max); Clementine Ford (Molly), creator Ilene Chaiken and writer - Guinevere Turner (Gabby).

...but I think we all know this one!

Photo: The L word Cast