Stereotyping is not Representation
As a community, we have out-cried, fought, died, and suffered just for the notion of equal representation in the media. In 2021, mainstream culture is now more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community than ever before. However, it is far from where we need to be as a society. In recent films such as Love, Simon, and Candyman, gay characters have been featured in a variety of roles, situations, and conflicts. Nevertheless, these characters tend to be very similar in their mannerisms, actions, and age. We tend to see a lot of younger gay men who are either closeted and shy or out, proud, and flamboyant. Basically, it is one extreme or the other. While some gay men may fit into these descriptions, it certainly leaves out everyone in between.
Hollywood has created and perpetuated the “Feminine Gay” and “Bullied Teen” stereotypes for decades. We must challenge filmmakers, directors, writers, and the actors themselves to change the script. People need to see themselves on the screen to feel seen, acknowledged, and connected to others in some capacity. By choosing to only showcase the extremes, we alienate everyone else. Equal representation does not mean placing stereotypical gay characters into roles with stereotypical problems. Equal representation means putting characters on screen and normalizing it. It means giving these characters conflict and challenges that extend beyond their sexuality.
We know that gay men face unique problems. They deserve to have their stories told as well as to receive support in faces these issues. But we also know that gay men are human beings with the same issues that plague every other human being. If movies and TV shows can tell a story of a straight man going through a career change, they can do the same for a gay character. If book authors can write about a straight man solving a murder case, they can write one about a gay man who solves a murder case. Storylines can be non-exclusive and independent from sexuality. Nothing is stopping the media from telling the story of a man who saves the plant from zombies, who just so happens to be gay. Even so, we do not have these stories (or at least enough of them) in media.
This is an issue not only because it denies people representation and normalization, but because it reinforces stereotypes that have been harmful to the community for centuries. Gay men are a target for hate crimes due to their perceived lack of masculinity and/or perceived disregard for religious and social standards. The ideas fueling the flawed reasoning for these assaults are only egged by the media’s tunnel vision. Homophobic individuals are being fed these stereotypes, purposefully or not.
Some would argue that this causes these hateful biases to be confirmed internally, further justifying hatred. Although you cannot change everyone's mind, it is worth exploring that with more diverse representation in media, people would feel less disconnected from the gay community. By only producing coming-out tales and epic love stories, we disconnect the Cis and straight communities who have no experience with such endeavors.
How are we supposed to come together and become equals if we cannot relate to one another? To be clear, I am not suggesting that we forgo and dismiss the importance of LGBTQ+ themes in media. Such themes allow members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel accepted, encouraged, find role models, and so much more. Rather, I urge mainstream culture to recognize and correct its failure to include a more diverse set of themes and character characteristics. It is inspiring to watch a gay man accept himself and find love and happiness, yes. But we must not dismiss the possibility of an epic doomsday tale in which Timothee Chalamet saves the world from ninja zombies….and just so happens to have his boyfriend tag along.
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