Exploitation and Empowerment in Freak and Trash Talk Shows

This chapter discusses the historical context of gender non-conforming individuals being featured in freak shows and later on trash talk shows, highlighting the exploitation and platform provided to challenge gender norms. It also explores the perception of these shows as low-class and the parallels with the prejudice present in talk shows of the time. The chapter examines the agency of performers in freak shows and the exploitation of minority voices in trash talk shows, showcasing the complexities and impact of these forms of entertainment.