“While MTV’s Faking It pushes heteronormative boundaries by including queer characters in prominent positions and depicting these characters exploring their queer identities in complex ways, it ultimately privileges heterosexual relationships, continuing to marginalize its queer characters. We present a revision of the show, entitled The Trials and Tribulations of Amy Raudenfield, which presents a more sensitive and complex portrayals of Faking It’s existing queer characters.”
—Maeve O’Connor-Bethune, Lexi Davis, Tierre Allen, Casey Schuller, and Charlie Theobald

The Original Faking It Promotional Poster

“Karma and Liam intensely lock eyes while Amy is boxed out in isolation on the right. Although this show is marketing itself as progressive with the plot revolving around a fake lesbian relationship, the ad shows no indication of this relationship besides the homecoming queen sashes […] Although Faking It has some progressive elements, the ad covers it up and plays it safe to draw in a wider audience by showing a typically desirable image.”

The Original Faking It Trailer

“Liam is highly over-praised for being an LGBTQ ally. He is seen as a good guy because he is friends with a feminist and an out gay man. This is problematic because Liam is not a supportive ally. Even though Karma is not actually queer, Liam sexualizes her perceived sexuality, discounting her feelings towards women and invalidating her relationship with Amy. Karma’s lesbianism is seen as novelty and sleeping with a lesbian is described as a ‘straight man’s fantasy.’”

The Revised Faking It Trailer

“Our trailer borrows a montage from ’s first season, when Amy has a number of dates with different women. She is an awkward, bumbling mess but in a loveable way. It simply isn’t realistic for Amy to come out and suddenly know how to do all things queer. We want her to be young and awkward and to mess things up, but we still want her to be able to find love and explore herself.”