Overview

In this episode, host Mel Woods delves into the crucial topic of queer and trans representation in reality TV, beginning with notable moments like Zeke Smith’s groundbreaking transouting on Survivor and the impact of Pedro Zamora on HIV/AIDS awareness during Season One of The Real World: San Francisco. The discussion features an interview with Zeke, who reflects on his journey since Survivor, including insights into the motivations and strategies behind his participation in the show. The episode also tackles various coming out experiences on reality TV, emphasizing the challenges and significance of authentic representation. Finally, it analyzes the evolution of queer representation over time, highlighting key milestones and the need for more casual portrayals of queerness in media.

Notes

Reality TV and LGBTQ2S+ Representation (00:00 - 09:16)

• Introduction to the podcast Get Queer focusing on queer reality TV
• Highlight of Zeke Smith's outing as trans on Survivor in 2017
• Discussion of Pedro Zamora's role in Season One of The Real World: San Francisco in 1994
• Pedro's impact on HIV/AIDS awareness and representation
• Host Mel Woods' personal connection to reality TV and queer representation

Zeke Smith's Survivor Experience (09:16 - 17:30)

• Interview with Zeke Smith about his life post-Survivor
• Zeke's recent marriage and reflection on personal growth
• Discussion of Zeke's motivation to apply for Survivor
• Zeke's preparation for the show and strategy to create interesting moments

Coming Out on Reality TV (17:30 - 26:08)

• Exploration of various "coming out" moments on reality TV
• Zeke's experience of being outed on Survivor and its impact
• Discussion of the challenges faced by Zeke after being outed
• Reflection on the importance of authentic representation in media

Impact and Evolution of Queer Representation (26:08 - 34:56)

• Analysis of the long-term effects of queer representation on reality TV
• Discussion of Lance Loud as an early example of casual queerness on TV
• Highlight of Pedro Zamora's relationship ceremony on The Real World
• Zeke and Nico's proposal at the GLAAD Media Awards
• Conclusion on the importance of casual queer representation in media

Guest

Zeke Smith (he/him) is a writer and comedian living in Los Angeles. His writing has been featured in The Blacklist and in The Hollywood Reporter.  Zeke is well-known for his queer and trans advocacy stemming from two seasons on Survivor. He serves on the board of directors for GLAAD.

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