Re: How has reality TV changed public perceptions of the LGBT community?

Description: Maybe we should thank Pedro Zamora on The Real World

How has reality TV changed public perceptions of the LGBT community?

Neil Giuliano:  Well reality TV and shows on cable really have been among the leaders in having those fair and accurate portrayals of the LGBT community.  You think back to—it was only 1994, so 14 years ago, Pedro Zamora on The Real World.  You’re maybe too young to, some of your viewers may be too young to remember that.  But Pedro really was the first openly gay Latino, HIV-positive guy, on The Real World, talking about his life and showing to, not just people in the house there, but to everyone who watched The Real World, that he was very authentic and very real and very genuine.  And over time shows like that, over time, have really been transformative in helping people understand that their neighbors, their coworkers, their friends down the street, are all part of the broader society, and many of them are in the LGBT community.

Recorded on: Mar 4 2008