This book explores the connection between television and shifts in public attitudes regarding same-sex marriage in the United States. Discussing the connection between heteronormativity and government legitimacy, it examines the privileging of certain forms of relationship on television, shedding light on the reproduction of everyday statuses and roles within same-sex romantic relationships. With attention to questions of racial privilege and the objectification of women as present in depictions of LGBQ relationships, this engaging study of the media construction of same-sex relationships and shaping of public expectations and attitudes will appeal to scholars across a range of disciplines.

List of Figures, Acknowledgments , Introduction: Opposites Attract 1. "I Want That:" The Marriage of Government and Heteronormativity 2. "It Gets Better:" The Marriage of Identity and In/Stability 3. "Growing Needy, Whiny Tomatoes:" The Marriage of Heteronormative Roles and Same-Sex Relationships 4. "Give Me Sensual, Give Me Sultry:" The Marriage of the Male Gaze and Same-Sex Relationships 5. "A Little Bit of Me in that Princess Castle:" The Birthing of Heteronormativity, Conclusion: Grounds for Divorce? Bibliography, Index

Cory Albertson is Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Smith College, USA.