The upcoming reboot of the early 2000s series Queer as Folk seems to be taking advantage of the shifts in diversity that the media has become more accepting of over the last two decades. According to Peacock’s schedule, the series will release on June 9, 2022, and the official trailer shows audiences a glimpse of what to expect. Queer as Folk has had one reboot since the original airing of the UK version, which premiered in 1999. Just a year later, an American version premiered on Showtime in the US, and the show was a massive hit.
The American version ran for five seasons and did many amazing things for the representation and exposure of gay men and women at the time, but the series only featured white characters who were exclusively gay. The trailer for the Queer as Folk reboot showcases not only gay characters, but also trans and non-binary characters, as well as characters with disabilities. The creators seemed to have identified a gap in the media when it came to the diversity of people who identify anywhere in the LGBT+ experience. With a recent demand from younger audiences to diversify representation in the media in general, the new Queer as Folk might be another hit through its adjustment to current times and diversity needs.
Another incredibly interesting concept in the trailer is the commentary on society when it comes to overall acceptance and attention for being part of the LGBT+ community. A few common phrases one might hear come through in the trailer, including adjectives like brave and survivor, which adds weight to an already polarizing experience these characters live every day. Putting a spotlight on this issue is a great example of proper representation because it will give general audiences an idea that those words and phrases are more isolating than inclusive at the end of the day. The show might mirror important aspects of the emotional toll performative inclusivity creates.
Recently, there’s been a push to reach audiences with a better representation of diversity, and that’s been prevalent in the LGBT+ content recently released. Some solid examples would be the Hulu original movie Crush, which featured multiple lesbian and bisexual young women in a way that was refreshingly diverse and wholesome, and the new Netflix show Heartstopper, which features multiple teens with various identities that might rival Queer as Folk. One major difference between the shows would be the ages of the characters, justifying the increased shift in explicit scenes.
Since some LGBT+ content has missed the mark by creating completely unfulfilling romantic connections between characters, it’s more important than ever for these weak representations to be identified. LGBT+ topics should not be exploited by the general media, but there should be a platform to thrive and showcase true representation for targeted audiences. Younger generations have a stronger grasp on exploitation versus actual representation, and today’s creators should respect that societal adjustment. Shifting with the times is incredibly important, but so is ensuring that it’s done safely and with great respect for the culture and lifestyle of the characters.
With the Queer as Folk premiere quickly approaching, viewers can anticipate a strongly diverse cast with many personal struggles that go beyond that one element of their identity. The show seems to want to spotlight the idea that LGBT+ people not only go through regular issues like everyone else, but they also have to deal with the added layer of receiving judgment in most social circles. Navigating the world while living an incredibly different lifestyle and identity can come with significant challenges, and Queer as Folk seems to be staking its claim to cover these topics with care and respect. Two significant aspects the general media needs to see in today’s content.
To catch the ground-breaking premiere of the Queer as Folk reboot, find the show on Peacock starting on June 9, 2022.
Read Next
About The Author
