Queer Analysis

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Season 1, Episode 23: “Hawaii”

Heteronormativity is defined as people have distinct genders with natural roles; men and women marry heterosexually. Heterosexual relationships are normal and natural and should be obeyed by societal members. However, this view discriminates against those in society who are not part of this “norm”. Because of this, LBGT are excluded from marriage, tax codes, representation in the media, sometimes in employment and religious bias.

The first, most obvious sign of discrimination against homosexuals is that Mitchell and Cam are the only couple who are not married. This becomes even more apparent during the family trip to Maui. Mitchell and Cameron both are always extremely happy and excited, which is a stereotype showing femininity and is often played by those portraying a gay man. Cameron is also quick-witted and funny, another stereotype. When Mitchell comes back from one of hies day trips, Cameron convinces him to sit down and relax. Mitchell is getting a foot massage, he yells out “Oh, sweet Lady GaGa.” This is also a stereotype in our media today that gay men love the performer/dancer/singer Lady GaGa.

Another example of heteronormativity is Jay's obvious fear of homosexuality. Though he has accepted Mitchell's sexual orientation, he still has the fear that most "masculine men" seem to have. Whenever Jay goes over to Cameron and Mitchell's house, he makes sure to knock extremely loudly, to make sure he doesn't walk in on them kissing.

Some heterosexual stereotypes present in this episode are, Claire is the typical mom, worried about keeping her kids under control, Manny wants to flirt with “tween” girls by buying them free virgin drinks by the pool, which he thinks will make him and Luke seem sophisticated, Jay orders the largest burger available, fries instead of salad, chili fries instead of fruit – makes him seem more “manly.”

There are basically three plots in this episode: Mitchell can’t relax because he is so used to being on the go. At one point in the episode, after Mitchell and Cameron have been relaxing all day, they get out of the elevator and forget to push Lilly out, so they both start freaking out. Then Claire finds out that the one time she lets Hayley have freedom, she ends up getting drunk. Phil tries to be romantic with Claire and she is so involved in taking care of the kids, she can’t realize his efforts. He books a couples massage, carries her like a groom carries a bride. Their honeymoon was supposed to be to Hawaii, but they had to cancel the wedding and get married sooner because Claire became pregnant. In the end, Phil ends up putting together a wedding for their renewal vows because they never had a wedding. It is interesting to me that Phil and Claire have gotten married twice, but Mitchell and Cameron have never been able to get married. The families are in Hawaii celebrating Jay’s 63rd birthday. Jay begins to go through a mini mid-life crisis when his brother calls him to wish him a happy birthday and then reminds Jay that their father died when he was 63 because he didn’t take care of his diet.

While everyone else is lying by the pool, Mitchell and Cameron go see the world’s largest Banyan tree. They have traveled all over, including going to a safari in Tanzania. They met a man and have continued to send him clothing over the years. One of the t-shirts was a Hillary 2008 t-shirt, she was obviously a Democrat and has liberal approaches to how she would govern the United States. The man was also wearing a “Frankie Say Relax” t-shirt. For those who don’t know about the meaning behind the song… go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relax_%28song%29, http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/103392/. It is a song, from a band in the UK, which was banned by the BBC because the lyrics were too sexual and risqué. They also take a trip to the Lavender Ranch, which does have different strands of the flower, lavender.

In terms of wardrobe, Phil and Jay are dressed in typical guys clothing, shorts and a t-shirt and Gloria and Claire are typically wearing a bathing suit or sundress. Mitchell is dressed in nice, clean-cut clothing and Cameron is dressed in flamboyant, touristy clothes.

This episode portrays sexuality as a permanent identity. I believe this because Mitchell and Cameron have always been openly gay and have always had the same personality, style, etc from the beginning; same with the other characters. One of my favorite aspects of this show, is just that. The characters have been easy to relate to because they are so real and complex. Though each character has a special quality that makes them an individual, sexuality has been permanent throughout the show.