Overview

In this episode, we delve into the cultural impact of the Real Housewives franchise, particularly highlighting its role in advancing queer representation on reality television. The discussion begins with an overview of how the series has evolved from simplistic portrayals of LGBTQ2S+ characters to more nuanced narratives, illustrating the broader societal acceptance of queer identities. Brian Moylan, an expert on Real Housewives, joins to explore the significance of new figures, such as Raquel Chevremont and Mel Corpus, marking the first lesbian couple on Real Housewives of New YorkCity (RHONY). An interview with Raquel offers personal insights into her journey on the show, underscoring the importance of authentic representation and the ongoing need for diverse storytelling in reality TV. The episode ultimately emphasizes the transformative power of media in fostering understanding and acceptance within the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Notes

Introduction to Real Housewives and Queer Representation (00:01 – 05:31)

• Real Housewives franchise introduced as a cultural phenomenon
• Evolution of queer representation in reality TV discussed
• Brian Moylan introduced as expert on Real Housewives

️‍ Queer Representation in Reality TV (05:31 – 12:32)

• Historical importance of reality TV in introducing queer and trans people to mainstream audiences
• Evolution from gay best friend characters to more complex queer storylines
• Impact of reality TV on  queer and trans acceptance and civil rights

Real Housewives of New York Reboot (12:32 – 22:31)

• Introduction of Racquel Chevremont and Mel Corpus as first lesbian couple on RHONY
• Discussion of diversity and representation in the reboot
• Andy Cohen’s role in the Housewives franchise explained

Interview with Racquel Chevremont (22:31 – 32:43)

• Raquel discusses her experience on RHONY and importance of representation
• Reflection on the impact of queer visibility in media
• Emphasis on authenticity and realness in portraying queer relationships on TV
• Hope for more diverse storytelling and representation in reality TV

Guests

Brian Moylan (he/him) is pop culture commentator covering reality TV since its inception. He is the author of The Housewives: The Real Story of the Real Housewives and president and founder of the Vulture’s Real Housewives Institute. His work has appeared in Gawker, Vice, The Guardian, the New York Times, GQ, W and Town & Country. 

Racquel Chevremont (she/her) Brooklyn-born, Bronx-raised Racquel has been an art curator for 20 years and in the words of Vogue magazine is a “lesbian of influence.”  Racquel platforms queer racialized artists and is the co-founder of The Josie Club, a Black queer femme and woman supported-and-operated social impact group.

Are you ready for the next best pop culture podcast on all things reality TV? Get Queer is here. 

A product of Xtra magazine, Get Queer questions and celebrates LGBTQ2S+ representation in pop culture. For the show’s first season, reality TV fan and host Mel Woods takes you through a candid analysis of unscripted television’s history in a bid to answer a central question: “How has reality TV shaped queer identity in the community, in the world and in the mirror?”

Through interviews with stars, experts and fan favourites, including Zeke Smith (Survivor), Wes Culwell (Boy Meets Boy), and Racquel Chevremont (The Real Housewives of New York City), Get Queer takes listeners behind the scenes of reality TV’s most shocking and compelling moments to unravel how they were made and their lasting impact.

Show Credits

Host Mel Woods (they/them) is a journalist, editor and content creator. They are currently the Senior Editor Audience Engagement at Xtra, a digital magazine covering culture and politics through an LGBTQ2S+ lens. They grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and now live in Vancouver with their partner and two beloved cats.

Producer Daniel MacIvor (he/him) is a writer, producer, director and performer. They are currently Creative Consultant with Pink Triangle Press and Artistic Director of reWork a Toronto-based production company for new theatre and film.

Cover photography by Celina Koops