abstract introduction literature review methodology findings discussion references

The ways in which LGBTQ identities are portrayed in television are ever-changing as the definitions of and spectrum on which these identities are shaped continues to expand.

Television has often focused on portraying the struggles that LGBTQ identifying people face in their day to day lives. Using narrative analysis, this research looked at the Canadian television show Schitt’s Creek, focusing on four episodes that present non-traditional sexual or romantic relationships. The narratives explored are the romantic relationships between David Rose and a variety of partners, the description of David’s pansexuality, the reaction of heterosexual characters in response to David’s sexual identity, and the taken-for-granted quality of the town’s inhabitants. The study of Schitt’s Creek showed an obvious shift in the focus that is given to these characters, particularly in the normalization of the relationships that are shown. In addition, there was a notable lack of negative stereotyping or judgement from other characters throughout the show in regard to queer identities and relationships. Schitt’s Creek also features unique sexual identities that are not commonly explored in other media. This confirms that Schitt’s Creek portrays LGBTQ characters in a unique way that challenges the binary nature of sexuality in the media and portrays queer characters in a positive and accepted light. In normalizing the queer identity throughout the show, Schitt’s Creek impacts the way that queer characters are seen in a rural setting and challenges stereotypes about the “othering” of queer people.

Keywords: Schitt’s Creek, sexual identity, pansexuality, LGBTQ+, small town, rural

Research Questions

RQ 1: How does Schitt’s Creek portray queer characters and their relationships?

RQ 2: How does Schitt’s Creek portray the townspeople’s view of queerness?