The Ricki Lake Show was a popular talk show in the 90s. It was fresh and vibrant, but also dealt with serious issues. Issues involving the LGBTQ community were popular when featured on the show. However, unlike other talk shows like Donahue and Oprah, The Ricki Lake Show was less stodgy in the way it amplified the community. Instead of longwinded discussions with experts and activists, Lake's show featured ordinary people who talked about contemporary day-to-day or contemporary cultural issues instead of political ones.
Some folks may accuse the show of exploiting and stereotyping LGBTQ people. In all honesty, I can see that. BUT it was more relatable to me and a lot of other younger folks whether they were LGBTQ or heterosexual. And it was wonderful to watch us being presented in a way which did not feel like an Inquisition.
Below are just a few clips:
