ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores how the shows display institutionalized heteronormativity and its impact on the same-sex relationships. It discusses how the shows depict the connections between same-sex relationships and government. The book focuses on how ideals regarding sex, institutions, identities and heteronormative statues/roles form powerful marriages with same-sex relationships. It explains the structure of each relationship with the purpose of discussing the connected sexual identities. The book examines which identities attract policing and which identities attract privilege. It also examines what those privileges entail and whom the privileges ultimately serve. The book looks at levels of emotionality, relationship goals and common relationship models such as the breadwinner/homemaker and protector/damsel. It considers how the same-sex couples consciously reproduce the heteronormative ideals society has so fervently placed upon them.
