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For the first time since its launch in 2005, Logo TV will not have a single new show with an LGBT lead. The channel is switching, changing its programming model to be like Bravo – to appeal to straight women and gay men who act like straight women.

Now, I’m no fan of Logo in recent years. The channel dropped most of its good LGBT programming (Noah’s Arc, Big Gay Sketch Show, Rick & Steve) years ago and has focuses on trashy reality crap that no one likes.

Instead of making better LGBT shows, the channel decided that LGBT people would rather watch straight shows, instead. Let the de-gaying commence.

In the process of de-gaying Logo, te parent company is making it very clear what the channel is and is not about.

CASE IN POINT:

The “About Logo” page description from January 2010 through 2011:

The LGBT world has a place all its own with Logo, the new lesbian & gay network from MTV Networks. Whether it’s on TV, online, or on your mobile, Logo brings you the stories, shows and news you won’t see anywhere else. From original series and films to groundbreaking documentaries to LGBT news and more.

That “About Logo” description changed in 2012 with the re-branding so as of March 2012:

Logo is the destination for pop culture explorers—on TV, online and on-the-go. Logo celebrates one-of-a-kind personalities, unconventional stories and discovering what’s next—all through a mix of original and acquired entertainment that’s outrageous, smart, and inclusive.

The show’s most-popular program, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is staying – but it will continue its trend of recent years of having gay guys dress up as women for the entertainment of straight female celebrities.

As for the off-season RuPaul’s Drag U, it’s focus will be altered to giving advice to straight folks that they can use in the real world – a kind of updated Queer Eye.

In a press release, Logo claims it is “evolving its programming focus with new series and development deals that reflect gays and lesbians’ increasing integration into mainstream culture today and their desire for shows that appeal to their multiple interests. In the six years since Logo launched, there has been a seismic shift in culture and the network’s new programming slate reflects that.”

I smell bullshit – but let’s take them for their word and see how the new crop of shows reflect “gays and lesbians’ increasing integration” into the world:

Eden Wood’s World

Eden Wood achieved international fame by the tender age of six as perhaps the greatest beauty pageant contestant ever, and now she is taking her fame to NYC. Joined by her mom, her talent manager and a brand new publicist from the Big Apple, Eden is now aiming to become an actress/singer/model/entertainment superstar, while also helping young girls realize their pageant dreams with her super secrets to pageant success

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: No.
• LGBT Issues: None
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? No
• Grade: FAIL
• My Take: Zero LGBT content. This is targeted toward people who want to watch freak shows – which is a common theme of the new Logo.
• Target Audience: Straight Women.

The Baby Wait

From Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley, the team behind Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant, this series will chronicle open adoption from the perspective of both the adoptive parents and the biological mother as she adjusts to life after giving away her child. The show will feature both gay and straight couples as well as single parents.

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: No.
• LGBT Issues: Surrogate parenting for gay men.
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? Gay men who use surrogates, not really applicable to lesbians.
• Grade: D-
• My Take: This feels like a show developed for MTV – but they decided the audience was too old for MTV. This *feels* like a show that will focus on the surrogate mom. 
• Target Audience: Straight Women.

Scandalicious

A countdown show with flair, these specials will feature comedians and tastemakers alike as they voice their opinions on the most trivial of topics. Viewers may not learn much, but they will be amused.

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: Unknown
• LGBT Issues: Not really.
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? No.
• Grade: FAIL
• My Take: Snarky gossip show. The only likely gay people will be bitchy queen stereotypes peppering the show to make straight women laugh.
• Target Audience: Straight Women and their gay accessories.

Outrageous

A look at the most intriguing and shocking stories in pop culture, including everything from gay Republicans to Kim Kardashian’s wedding and brief marriage.

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: Unknown/Doubtful.
• LGBT Issues: Occasionally.
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? In Passing, maybe
• Grade: D
• My Take: More entertainment gossip.
• Target Audience: Straight women and their gay best friends.

Wiseguys

Michel Verdi’s mafioso father has just got out of prison and is moving in with Michel as she runs three successful bars and restaurants in West Hollywood. The only problem? Michael also lives with her husband, her gay brother, her boy-crazy cousin and her mom/dad’s ex-wife—who is now remarried.

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: No. But a gay brother.
• LGBT Issues: No.
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? Only gay brothers of reality show stars.
• Grade: FAIL
• My Take: Reality show about a straight lady.
• Target Audience: Straight women.

Design My Dog

From the team behind America’s Next Top Model comes this new reality show that tests the creative talents of dog owners as they are paired with a designer to complete the perfect look for their canine.

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: Unknown.
• LGBT Issues: No.
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? No.
• Grade: FAIL
• My Take: Competition show for pet grooming.
• Target Audience: Straight women with dogs.

Love Lockdown

A new form of relationship therapy that finds couples undergoing a 24-hour intensive therapy session to deal with their problems. Along the way the therapist may come in for an intense talk or bring in key players who may have caused riffs in the pair’s relationship. In the end however, it is “blank” or get-off-the-pot.

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: Unknown.
• LGBT Issues: Unknown.
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? Unknown.
• Grade: Incomplete.
• My Take: Freak show reality high-drama.
• Target audience: Reality show voyeurs.

RuPaul’s Drag U (revamped)

One of Logo’s most popular shows is back for season three with a new twist as along with the famous diva makeovers, Ru and the queens will also be providing the fashion challenged women on the program with practical everyday beauty and style tips.

• Lesbian or Gay Main Character: Yes. RuPaul.
• LGBT Issues: Drag queens as helpful clowns to entertain straight women.
• Reflects gays and lesbians’ increasing integration? No.
• Grade:  FAIL
• My Take: Tranny eye for the straight gal.
• Target audience: Straight women who like to laugh at drag queens.

My final score? Logo fails to live up to even its own “inclusive” claims. Viacom – the parent company of Logo – owns a bunch of TV networks. It has Nick for kids, TV Land for Boomers, MTV for teens, Spike for guys … But, it does not own a network geared toward Women.

My take? Logo will be their “women’s channel” – and they figure that if women like it – then gay guys will, too. I guess the lesbians are supposed to be watching Spike.

Final grade: FAIL