Profile: Sarah Warn
Founder and editor of AfterEllen.com, the ever-growing and expansive lesbian website based in the United States. Sarah grew up in a small town in Washington State, received her B.A. from Wellesley College and a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from Harvard University. She spent several years working in online marketing before founding AfterEllen.com.

―How popular is The L Word amongst lesbians in the US? Has it been well-received?

Well, people are definitely interested in The L Word. Even people who don’t like it (laughs). It’s a very popular show because at least there is something of a representation of ourselves. And it almost doesn’t matter even if it doesn’t seem to resemble your own particular life.

―Personally what do you think about it?

(laughs) I think that it’s a groundbreaking show. I think it has taken a lot of criticism, because you can’t win with only one show, no matter what you do. Everybody wants to project their own hopes and dreams onto this one show. It’s like, trying to have one family drama on TV that represents all families. That just isn’t gonna work.

―What kind of criticism have you heard?

It has been said that some of the story lines have been too campy. They’re a little bit too outlandish sometimes. I think, you know, killing off Dana wasn’t great from a viewer perspective, because she was a very popular character. From what I hear from readers, people don’t like the character of Max at all. Trans and non-trans viewers as well.

―Why do you think?

From the feedback of our readers, it’s because trans issues haven’t been well-represented. I’m not trans, so I can’t really speak to that. Everybody else says they don’t like him just because he’s annoying. (laughs)

―(laughs) I don’t have the impression that he gives a good image of transgender people.

No, exactly. He doesn’t have to be perfect, but a little less stereotypical would be nice, you know. And then Jenny had gotten less annoying, but she’s still not people’s favorite character.

―Who’s your favorite?

My favorite was I think Dana, and also Alice. I just love Leisha Hailey; she rocks!