This video features in a responsive display in the museum that presents the moments, stories and memes capturing the zeitgeist by going viral on the internet.
In this video, LGBTIQA+ flags are overlaid on Heartbreak High characters to signal their sexual identities. With over 1M views, it speaks to the popularity of the show but also the importance of representation on TV. Until the 1990s, it was uncommon to find queer characters on screen, so audiences had to do things like search for subtext or create fanfiction. Heartbreak High’s sexually (and culturally) diverse characters reflect contemporary society and the evolution of screen representation, while easy-to-use video and social media tools let fans create shareable content that celebrates diversity and connects like-minded people around the world.
First Nations writer and actor Meyne Wyatt reflects on how the diversity of the show's creatives has made it resonate with audiences. Wyatt wrote the powerful fourth episode, centring around Indigenous character Malakai.
Related works
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How to watch
Collection
Not in ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
B2000932
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Minds → MM-09. Catch of the Day
Object Types
Moving image file/Digital
Materials
digital screen recording of @dani.edt's tiktok