Queer Temple is TUTV’s first LGBTQIA+ series, co-created by Temple alumn Christopher Smith and Andreas Copes. The program examines the world through the eyes of LGBTQIA+ individuals, focusing on current events, history, and life in the queer community.
On this episode of Queer Temple, host Thalia Lash (she/her) dives into the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media. Thalia begins by speaking with Sherri Hope Culver (she/her), director of Temple University’s Center for Media & Information Literacy and associate professor at the Klein College of Media & Communication. Sherri shares her expertise on how authentic representation in children’s media helps young audiences see themselves and how the industry can continue to evolve to better uplift LGBTQ+ identities.
Next, reporter Emily Hildenbrand (she/her) highlights Stori Strong, a children’s show focused on empowerment through queer representation. Emily sits down with Laura Zaylea (she/her), the show’s creator and professor at Temple University, to discuss its mission to inspire children to embrace their identities through inclusive storytelling.
Finally, Thalia hosts a lively panel with Queer Temple crew members Cesar Selvaggi (he/him), Spencer Schenkle (he/him), and Julio Salabarria (he/him). Together, they highlight standout moments of LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media and explore how these portrayals help children express themselves and foster a culture of acceptance.
Tune in to TUTV Wednesday, January 15, at 12:00 & 8:00 PM or watch anytime on templetv.net
