Karen Tongson

author of “Normporn: Queer Viewers And The TV That Soothes Us,” professor of gender and sexuality, English, and American studies at USC

A professor at USC, panelist on the Pop Rocket podcast and the author of a new book called “Why Karen Carpenter Matters.”

Karen Tongson on KCRW

The genre “normporn” includes sedate, soothing family dramas that usually grapple with race and sexuality as a nonissue, and show a fantasy of what family should be.

‘Normporn’ TV appeals to viewers’ ‘universal desire for peace’

The genre “normporn” includes sedate, soothing family dramas that usually grapple with race and sexuality as a nonissue, and show a fantasy of what family should be.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The word “queer” insinuated someone’s sexual “deviance” in the 19th century. Now it’s used proudly to refer to the LGBTQ+ community. KCRW traces this evolution.

Queer: The word’s meaning has evolved since the 19th century

The word “queer” insinuated someone’s sexual “deviance” in the 19th century. Now it’s used proudly to refer to the LGBTQ+ community. KCRW traces this evolution.

from Greater LA

The Dodgers reinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their Pride Night celebration, after disinviting them over conservative backlash.

Dodgers are in a mess over drag charity group and Pride Night

The Dodgers reinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their Pride Night celebration, after disinviting them over conservative backlash.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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