TV’s on TV

More specifically: why aren’t there more?

Our cable provider, Time-Warner recently added Logo, the GLBT network to our lineup. They did so without any fanfare, but that’s understandable, considering the Bible-belt style political atmosphere here in southwest Ohio.

We’ve been watching a bit of their programming, and really liked what we’ve seen so far. There was a stop-motion cartoon, Rick and Steve: the happiest gay couple in all the world, that was kind of like a gay version of South Park, and a stand-up comedy special hosted by Margaret Cho that was hit and miss. (Though it did feature a rather funny drag magician, Cashetta.)

And although I typically despise reality-based programming, I’m going to give one a chance, because it’s about Calpernia Addams. Transamerican Love Story is Calpernia looking for love. Not my usual fare, but hey! You gotta support your own.

Logo also features a number of documentaries and movies with trans-themes and characters, and I’m sure I’ll watch them as they come along.

Unfortunately, I’m sure I’ve already seen most, if not all of the docs on Discovery, Discovery Health, Discovery Science, TLC or any of the other members of the Discovery family.

And while I’m usually happy to see any trans-themed show offered up for the education of a wide audience, I’m disappointed that there isn’t a lot of variety in the aforementioned documentary category.

It seems like 95% of any show on the telly is about transsexuals. It’s not that I’m anti-TS, by any stretch of the imagination, but I have to wonder where the crossdressers are. I’d like to watch a show about someone like me, with the hopes of learning something. Maybe, just maybe, the focus of a transvestite documentary will share some insight that will turn on a light bulb in my head.

But, instead, the only people willing to go before the cameras are transsexuals. Is that the key? Crossdressers by and large are closeted, and unwilling to share their stories with the public?

Or is it that our stories aren’t interesting enough to share with the general public? Are producers not impressed with how we live?

Why does it matter? There are a lot of misconceptions about transgendered people. And while TS’s seem to be getting their stories told, the same can’t be said about plain old ordinary, run-of-the-mill crossdressers.

Category: All TGForum Posts, Transgender Opinion