'Does he know you like I know you?': Barbara Kean's bisexual appeal, the Male Gothic and Gotham's woman problem. (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Millsap-Spears, Carey
• Is Part Of: Queer studies in media & popular culture. Volume 6:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: Gender identity in mass media -- Research -- Periodicals; Gays in popular culture -- Research -- Periodicals; Gays in motion pictures -- Research -- Periodicals; Homosexuality in motion pictures -- Research -- Periodicals; 305.3
• DOI: 10.1386/qsmpc_00042_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-5695

Abstract

This article discusses how the FOX television series Gotham (2014‐19) fits the overall definition of a traditional Male (Horror) Gothic text and how disruptive female characters, like Barbara Kean, push against these seemingly strict Gothic boundaries. Through the development of the bisexual character Barbara Kean, the conservative, Male Gothic foundation is ultimately questioned in the US television series. Gotham's portrayal of Barbara not only propagates bisexual stereotypes, but it also speaks to the larger discussion of bisexual aversion and eventual erasure present in many media texts. Additionally, Gotham employs the depraved bisexual trope, in which bisexual characters, like Barbara, are shown to be duplicitous. Barbara Kean, however, transgresses the boundaries of the Male Gothic tradition and thrives within the narrative structure of Gotham.