Intro

How has the representation of transvestites changed throughout film and the media, with particular reference to 'Kinky Boots'?

Transvestism has been placed under the category of comedy in main stream film and society has began to embrace this. After the third wave feminism gender and sexuality became more acceptable in society in queer cinema, audiences have began to take on different issues. This alternative comical entertainment has been around for decades, from ‘Some Like it Hot’ (1959) starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon to more recent films such as ‘She’s the Man’(2006), all of which are comedies. ‘Kinky Boots’, is also an alternative comedy, the main character follows various stereotypes of a transvestite yet coverts some, being a ‘hero’ at the end.