RERUN: Say Gay! Exploring LGBTQ Representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s TV | Matt Baume

RERUN: Say Gay! Exploring LGBTQ Representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s TV | Matt Baume

Author: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson August 27, 2025 Duration: 1:05:07
Dive into the fascinating world of LGBTQ representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s television with hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem on '80s TV Ladies.' This special summer rerun, featuring expert Matt Baume, highlights iconic queer moments and characters. Originally aired on June 7th, 2023, the episode covers groundbreaking shows like 'Bewitched,' 'All in the Family,' 'Golden Girls,' and more. Matt discusses his unique journey as a content creator focused on queer pop culture and shares his insights on evolving media representation. Don’t miss this engaging and enlightening episode, perfect for Pride Month or any time of year!

00:00 Introduction to Queer TV with Matt Baume
00:43 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction
02:41 Matt Baume's Journey into Queer Pop Culture
04:54 The Impact of Television on Cultural Understanding
13:30 Early Gay Representation on Television
15:07 The Significance of 'Bewitched' in Queer Representation
20:52 Norman Lear's Contributions to Queer Representation
28:57 The Golden Girls and Its Gay Fandom
33:58 Michael Scott and Archie Bunker: A Comparison
34:40 The 'I Can't Believe It's Not Heterosexual' Trope
37:52 Backlash and Acceptance of Queer Representation
41:08 Lesbian Representation on TV
49:15 Trans Representation on TV
53:01 The Role of Gatekeepers in TV Representation
59:18 Demanding Representation and Change
01:01:15 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
01:03:34 Conclusion and Farewell

AUDIOGRAPHY
Find Matt and his podcast “Sewers of Paris” - at MattBaume.com
Get Matt Baume’s new book “Hi Honey, I’m Homo” at Bookshop.org.
Or at Elliott Bay. Watch Matt’s YouTube Videos.

LGBTQ Advocacy: Consider supporting orgs like The Trevor Project and The Okra Project.

CONNECT
What does representation mean to you? Email us at 80sTVLadies@gmail.com

SUSAN and RICHARD HATEM ON TOUR
Richard of Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf is going on the road! Susan will be there, too - producing and hosting! We’re kicking off Rich’s 2025 multi-city show, the “LIGHT IN THE DARK” tour, debuting an all-original LIVE episode, you can only hear it live!

Confirmed dates:
Sept 20th - The Mothman Festival. Point Pleasant, WV
Sept 22nd - Washington D.C.
Sept 27th - Centereach, NY

More dates are being added soon:
Check out rhpb.eventbrite.com or go to https://www.richardhatemsparanormalbookshelf.com/events to learn more!

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow.

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Remember those iconic women from television who defined an era? 80s TV Ladies revisits the groundbreaking, often delightfully campy, female-driven series that filled our living rooms with big hair and even bigger personalities. Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson, under the 134 West banner, aren't just offering nostalgic recaps. They dig into the fascinating stories behind how shows like "Murder, She Wrote," "Kate & Allie," or "Designing Women" were actually made, examining the creative forces and network battles that brought them to air. Each episode explores how the politics and social climate of the 1980s shaped these narratives, and conversely, how the characters and stories themselves pushed cultural conversations forward, often in a complex dance of progress and tradition. This podcast celebrates the legacy of these programs while honestly assessing their place in history through that "two-steps forward, one-step-back" lens. It's a deep, engaging listen for anyone who loves television history, cultural analysis, and the powerful, complicated women who made the decade's TV so memorable. The show's quality is underscored by its recognition as a 4-time Podcast Awards winner and a Webby nominee for Best Indie Podcast. Tune in for thoughtful, well-researched discussions that go far beyond the opening credits.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

80s TV Ladies
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