The journey to the magical land of Oz, as depicted in L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, has often been fraught with challenges. In the late 1970s, however, a television program known as The Emerald City forged a path for the LGBTQ+ community in New York City through the innovative medium of public access television.
This show transcended a simple reinterpretation of Baum’s narrative. Rather, The Emerald City emerged during a vibrant era of creative expression, enabling artists and activists to confront societal norms and articulate their truths.
Unfiltered creativity and queer culture
With minimal editorial oversight, public access television became a dynamic platform for artists to display their pioneering ideas. This freedom captivated audiences and sparked legal disputes over content, as noted by documentarian David Shadrack Smith in his recent film, Public Access, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The Emerald City distinguished itself by tackling topics largely overlooked by mainstream media. Marketed as the “world’s first television program for gay men and women,” it aired bi-weekly on Channel J, featuring discussions on queer culture and political issues, alongside performance art segments. Viewers were transported to iconic gay venues, from vibrant Pride marches to the legendary Fire Island and the renowned nightclub Reno Sweeney.
Breaking barriers
At a time when filming on mobile devices was a distant dream, the program boldly promised to deliver “the naked truth,” often explored through revealing segments filmed in bathhouses. This pioneering initiative, created by and for the queer community, remains a notable achievement today.
Archived episodes available on YouTube reveal the show’s charm. Its rawness and unabashed sexuality, coupled with a playful sense of style—epitomized by denim short-shorts—offer a vivid depiction of queer lives from that era. Presenters and guests, including notable figures such as Divine and a young John Waters, showcased their authentic selves, contributing to a growing sense of community and recognition.
A reflection of social change
Running from 1976 to 1979, The Emerald City featured a diverse array of guests, including Quentin Crisp and Father John Noble, who enriched discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ experiences. In the aftermath of the Stonewall riots, the show provided a resonant platform for a burgeoning community ready to embrace its identity.
The production team, led by executive producer Gene Stavis, aimed to authentically showcase the gay community. However, it is important to recognize that while progress was made, it often fell short of true inclusivity. The show predominantly featured white gay men, with limited representation of queer women and people of color. Although there were notable exceptions, this narrow focus underscored the ongoing need for diversity within LGBTQ+ media.
The impact of public access television
Despite its shortcomings, The Emerald City laid essential groundwork for future queer programming. As outlined in Smith’s documentary, public access television became a vital communication outlet during the AIDS crisis, providing crucial information at a time when government support was lacking.
Gay activist Richard Berkowitz emphasized that such programming was indispensable for raising awareness among gay men. In an era when society often vilified sexual freedom, shows like The Emerald City served as a lifeline—transforming the landscape for LGBTQ+ visibility. Even before the AIDS epidemic, the program acted as a beacon of hope for those feeling isolated, connecting them to a broader community in an age before the internet.
The evolving landscape of queer representation
This show transcended a simple reinterpretation of Baum’s narrative. Rather, The Emerald City emerged during a vibrant era of creative expression, enabling artists and activists to confront societal norms and articulate their truths.0
This show transcended a simple reinterpretation of Baum’s narrative. Rather, The Emerald City emerged during a vibrant era of creative expression, enabling artists and activists to confront societal norms and articulate their truths.1