#thejeffersons

blacktransalliance

Trans women are women. And they’ve always been here. 🏳️‍⚧️🖤

On 1 October 1977, The Jeffersons aired “Once a Friend” — George reunites with an old Navy buddy, Edie Stokes, who is now living as her true self. It’s widely remembered as one of US television’s first sympathetic portrayals of a trans woman.

Was it perfect? No — Edie was played by Veronica Redd, a cis actress, and some of George’s language is off-key by today’s standards. But the heart of it still lands: she is who she says she is, and she deserves respect. Nearly 50 years ago, primetime TV 🇺🇸was already telling that truth — long before trans women could tell their own stories on screen, the way POSE did.

So when anyone says being trans is “new” — it isn’t. Black trans women have always existed, on screen and off, living, loving, and demanding to be seen. Understanding starts with remembering that.

🎬 The Jeffersons (1977), “Once a Friend.”

Save this, share it, and tell us in the comments: when did you first see yourself reflected on screen?

NORMAN LEAR – The Most Consequential Producer in the History of Television: The Jeffersons --NEW DATE Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m.

The most consequential producer in the history of television. Upperly Mobile African-Americans

In Archie Bunker’s Universe: Black folks were “moving on up”. Were Norman Lears’ depictions of affluent black’s revolutionary, or mere recapitulations of conventional stereotypes?

Introduction: Professor William Jennings In conversation with Professor Sekiya Dorsett.

Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m. Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center Theater, Axinn Library, First Floor, South Campus

This event is FREE and open to the public. Advanced registration is required.

They make you want to listen to them again. More TV theme songs that are amazing.

Facts of Life

A spin-off of Diff'rent Strokes that ran from 1979 to 1988 it starred Charlotte Rae, Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Mindy Cohn, Nancy McKeon, Cloris Leachman, Sherrie Krenn, Julie Piekarski, Julie Anne Haddock, John Lawlor, Jenny O'Hara, Felice Schachter, Molly Ringwald, Pamela Segall, Mackenzie Astin, George Clooney. The pilot for the show was first aired as the last episode of  season one  of Diff'rent Strokes and was called "The Girls' School (a.k.a. Garrett's Girls). 

Opening theme: The Facts of Life Theme.

The Greatest American Hero

Ran from 1981 to 1983 it starred William Katt, Robert Culp, Connie Sellecca, Michael Paré and Faye Grant. The series follows Ralph's adventures after a group of aliens give him a red and black suit that grants him superhuman abilities.

Opening theme: Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not).

Wings

Ran from 1990 to 19970 it starred Tim Daly, Steven Weber, Crystal Bernard, Thomas Haden Church, David Schramm, Rebecca Schull, Tony Shalhoub, Farrah Forke, Amy Yasbeck and Brian Haley. The show is set in fictional "Tom Nevers Field" airport, a small two-airline airport in Nantucket, Massachusetts. 

Opening theme: Piano Sonata No. 20 in A major, D. 959, Rondo: Allegretto.

Laverne & Shirley 

Ran from 1976 to 1983 it starred Cindy Williams, Michael McKean, David Lander, Eddie Mekka, Phil Foster and Betty Garrett. Best friends, roommates and polar opposites Laverne and Shirley work together at the Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee.

Making Our Dreams Come True Making Our Dreams Come True.

The Jeffersons

 Ran from 1975 to 1985 it starred Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Marla Gibbs, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover, Paul Benedict, Mike Evans, Berlinda Tolbert, Zara Cully, Damon Evans and Jay Hammer. "We're moving on up, to the East Side, to a deee-luxe apartment in the sky ... ."  The Jeffersons are a Spinoff from "All in the Family" ; they were the neighbors to the Bunkers.

Opening theme: "Movin' On Up" performed by Ja'net DuBois.

The King of Queens

 Ran from 1998 to  2007  is an American television sitcom with a total of nine seasons and 207 episodes. Doug and Carrie Heffernan are a working-class couple living at "3121 Aberdeen Street" in Rego Park, Queens, New York with Carrie's Father, Arthur Spooner.

Opening theme: "Baby All My Life I Will Be Driving Home to You" (instrumental) (season 2)

Welcome Back, Kotter

Ran from 1975 to 1979 it starred 

Gabe Kaplan, Marcia Strassman, John Sylvester White, Robert Hegyes, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Ron Palillo and John Travolta. Welcome Back, Kotter is about Gabe Kotter who returns to his old high school -- this time as a teacher.