What the Hell is the L Word?
design: Morgan Magats
Laughing, Loving, Lesbian…?
by MORGAN MAGATS ★ JUNE 13, 2024
It’s become a cultural phenomenon: teens obsessing over shows that wrapped before they were even out of the womb. Literal insanity. Moments from our favorite early 2000s shows have had culturally significant moments: Carrie Bradshaw’s fixation on Big moving to Paris (girl please stand up and get yourself together), if Ross and Rachel really were on a break (there’s only one right answer to this), or wondering why Rory dropped out of Yale (go back and read that in Jess’ cadence). One show truly redefined and had a ground-breaking impact on our society. The L Word. Somehow a show that aired over a year before I was born has had one of the most insane impacts on my life.
Whether you squealed when The L Word cast introduced Reneé Rapp’s Coachella set or you have no idea what I’m talking about, this show became a safe haven in a world where I didn’t see myself in it. To paint the picture, when the pilot of The L Word first appeared on national TV, same-sex marriage was illegal. On January 18th, 2004, the show that Ilene Chaiken pitched as a “lesbian ensemble drama”, premiered; something totally unheard of… even now. Yikes. On June 26th, 2015, the US Supreme Court removed all bans on same-sex marriage. The graduating class of 2032 is older than the legalization of queer marriage… yikes (again). Truly, how this show was picked up is abysmal and one of the greatest mysteries of our time. The first episode introduces each character and where they are in their journey to accepting their sexuality. Bett Porter and Tina Kenna, the unspoken parents of the group appear to have as perfect of a relationship as they could at this time. Alice Pieszecki and Shane McCutcheon completely juxtaposed each other but are both able to be comfortable with their sexuality, despite not having relationships like Bett and Tina. And someone who I think a lot of queer youth resonate with; Dana Fairbanks. Dana is deeply closeted, resenting her openly queer friends out of jealousy and fear.
Regardless of who you are, the idea of being able to see yourself represented in some sort of media is quite liberating and cultivates a world outside of our physical one.
Just because legislation has progressed to help formulate a more inclusive society, doesn’t guarantee that it’s actually carried out. This mass resurgence introduces a bond and connection to those who worked to create a more inclusive society. Now, teens and queer youth have seen a rise in moments where they can say “same” to a character or person in the media.
Personally, THAT is the lasting impact… not who’s on “the chart” or Cobie Smulder’s four episodes on the show (which yea, do live rent free in my mind), but starting the conversation. The world has and will change, but we need youth to start that. Being able to look back and see where we’ve started as a community and how we’ve grown is one of the incredible things that this show has done for us.
Being able to see yourself represented and in a positive way makes all the difference when you’re at some point left with nothing. Leisha Hailey said it best: “when left with nothing you just have to make do”. But honestly, we’re sick of “making do.”
Talk about it. Speak up and make your voice heard. Hopefully decades in the future, a queer girl will be able to turn on her TV and see herself represented and understood in some capacity. And maybe then, we might actually find out what the L word actually is.
For those struggling to find a world in which they feel seen, contact the Trevor Project via text, (text ‘START’) at 678-678 or talk to a crisis counselor at 1-866-488-7386.