Humanizing lesbian characters on television: Exploring their characterization and interpersonal relationships.

The present study examined representations of 39 lesbian characters' interpersonal relationships and characterological profiles in 20 "lesbian-centric" television shows from 2008 to 2018. Using a mixed-methods approach, the following variables were analyzed: the quality of lesbian characters' relationships with their parents, children, close friends, and romantic partners; their sense of acceptance from these relationships; their gender presentation and expression; the use of homonegative tropes in targeted programs; portrayals of sexual behaviors; and demographic characteristics. Results indicated that the majority of the lesbian characters were young, cisgender, white, middle-class, and portrayed within various homonegative tropes.