Phil Donahue, talk show host pioneer dies at 88
My Note: One of my first viewed mainstream discussions on Cross dressing occurred on his daytime show. In the show below he even cross-dressed himself. He was respectful and the show was informative. This was not his last show on the seldom discussed subject. Thank you Phil. See my 2016 discussion on the show.
Phil Donahue, an innovative TV host who rose to fame in the late 1960s after being the first person to interact with a studio audience and bring new ideas into American living rooms, died Sunday, his family said. He was 88.
"Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie," said a statement from his family
Thank you for posting that show. I have never watched television much. It was very informative and how he kept saying…they are not hurting anyone…spot on Phil!
ReplyDeleteI think he did a good job. I like how they zoomed in on people in the audience with their reactions….and those 80s hair styles!…awesome!😂
For me, these 1980s talk shows went beyond providing information; they offered recognition and validation. In the quiet of my own space, I’d dress up as if I was a guest on the show in my favorite dress, pantyhose, makeup and heels, I’d settle in and watch the shows creating a brief, but cherished moment of self-acceptance.
ReplyDeleteAs I watched, I felt recognition, even if only for a short while. The discussions and the presence of transgender women, crossdressers and female impersonators on-screen resonated deeply with my experiences. Being acknowledged and validated, even by a television screen, was a powerful and affirming experience that bridged the gap between isolation and community.
It was because of these talk shows that persons outside our community became aware of us. The image that evolved from some of these shows was not always positive, but they opened the closet door and we at last had a voice and were being heard.