Season 8, Episode 3 // Student Voices: Sexuality in the City with Sophia Purvis — The Sarah Isom Center for Women & Gender Studies

Join us for the latest installment of Swerve South's Student Popup series, where Sophia Purvis delves into the iconic New York saga of friendship, fashion, and finding oneself in "Sex and the City" and its modern-day continuation, "And Just Like That...". In this episode, Sophia, under the guidance of Dr. Jaime Harker’s English 384: The Queer ’90s course, explores the intricate relationship these series have with the queer community, highlighting both their contributions and missteps over the years.

SHOW NOTES:

Introduction to the Series: Sophia sets the stage by providing an overview of "Sex and the City" and "And Just Like That...", outlining their cultural impact and significance within and outside the LGBTQ+ community. This segment offers a primer on the series' histories, main characters, and their journey through the diverse landscape of New York City's social and romantic life.

Historical Context: Delve into the groundbreaking moments "Sex and the City" provided for queer representation on television in the late '90s and early '00s, juxtaposed with the evolving portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and themes in "And Just Like That...".

Critique and Praise: Sophia critically examines the series' depictions of queer characters, discussing how they navigated the fine line between stereotype and representation, including the strides made and the opportunities missed. This portion will incorporate perspectives from fans, critics, and scholars alike.

Cultural Significance: Explore the broader implications of the series' engagement with queer culture, including its role in mainstreaming certain aspects of LGBTQ+ lives and the critique regarding its representation of diversity and inclusivity.
Conclusion and Reflection: Sophia wraps up the mini series with a reflection on the lasting legacy of both series within the queer community, contemplating the balance between their iconic status and the critical need for diverse and authentic representation.