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Lez Get Real!

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I can barely believe it myself, but here we are back to long distance and just Megan posting by herself with no lovely input from the 'W' :(

On Wednesday I watched the first episode of a new lesbian reality TV show which lead me to this post about the recent focus on real life lesbians. Firstly it must be said that I support the portrayal of lesbians in 'real' life so to speak, as representation of all types of lesbians has been very neglected over the years. It is the stereotypical lesbian that is still most often thought of, and with the lack of lipstick lesbian role models, following real life lesbians helps change this image. Of course, the stereotypical butch lesbians do exist and it is still important to reflect this in the shows. There seems to be an influx of lesbian reality TV and so I will discuss the latest lesbian shows. Lez Get Real!

The Real L Word

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I'm sure there are many out there who watch (or watched) the Real L Word & now the 2nd series of the Real L word. Apparently this series had a lot of criticism due to what type of lesbian is was reflecting (I guess the professional type!) and also the lack of diversity. Now lack of diversity I agree with. However, they have maintained mine (& Whitney's) least favourite character as the main character.. ironically named Whitney.

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To many she represented a real life version of Shane from the L word. We personally can't stand her and she makes us cringe. Furthermore, to shift to a more 'real' life experience of lesbian life, it seems this time round they have resorted to sex, sex... and more sex. Personally for Wegan, this isn't a good thing. Evidently we are not prudes, however we feel it just lowers the whole class and tone of it all. Yes lesbians have sex, yes lesbians have great sex. Do I want to see real life people do it for the sake of camera and most likely fame?... No. To me I want to like the person I'm watching & see myself in them... if they then just decide 'hey I have no shame, I'm going to show me butt naked masturbating/ going down on a girl' I immediately think 'no thanks'. Read this blog, it's hilarious & pretty much sum it up to a T.

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Aside from all this, and the fact they have got rid of the most likeable characters, and in our eyes the most relateable for us- namely Nikki & Jill and then Tracy & Stamie, they have however brought in new characters we do like. Whilst the reason for Claire being in LA (& of course the show) seem a bit skeptical (living with her ex to figure our her feelings whilst staying with her girlfriend back in NY)... she seems rather nice, drama free (& lets face it, beautiful) and is setting up a new lesbian magazine An Initial (something we want to do one day). So far I really like the style and content of it and look forward to see where it ends up. There are also her ex Francine and her current girlfriend (both pretty Asians) in the show who come across as normal and likeable.

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They've also added in a married couple (with one butch) trying to make a baby. Now this is a story I think is very interesting, informative and needed- not only for lesbians who are going to embark on the same journey but to also educate heterosexual people and families. There is also the more butch character of Sajdha, who recently came out and transformed herself from queen to butch. She also has an active role in gay rights which I think is a brilliant and importance addition to the show. All in all, I'm not 100% convinced the 2nd season is a better version of the first one (which they are trying to portray) but I still love the series and will continue to watch weekly.

Lez Be Proud

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From L.A to the very different scene of Texas is the new web based reality TV show, Lez Be Proud. It features two (lipstick) lesbian couples and follows their lives- drama free! This is personally more the kind of shows and portrayals of lesbian life that I want to see.

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Debbie & Dawn seem so in love and very much remind me of Whitney & I. I look forward to their future episodes and particularly excited to be following their wedding plans. Whilst its a shame its only online, it is beneficial to those outside of the USA to be able to watch it (hooray!) I definitely recommend watching it.

Real Housewives of OC

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Whilst in America I must admit I got rather addicted to watching the Real Housewives and was pleasantly surprised to see they have a lesbian addition to the Real Housewives of Orange Country. From what I've seen Fernanda seems like a good portrayal of lesbians, and is rather nice to mix it up seeing as the rest all pretty much look and act the same!

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With the influx of fictional lesbian characters, such as in Grey's Anatomy, it is a welcome sight to see the real life portrayal of lesbians (all shapes & sizes), and I agree with Lez Be Proud who state:

"Proper visibility and exposure WILL change the public perception. LezBeProud together!"

Thoughts please!
Do you watch any of these shows?
Do you think they hinder of help the lesbian community?
Who are your favourite characters?


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