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Revision as of 15:12, 9 November 2024editMichigan2020 (talk | contribs)19 edits I added an example to the section television to show how LGBTQ+ representation in Television has changed since the early 2000s. Modern Family is a great example of showing one of the first committed, loving LGBTQ+ relationships in the media. The relationship between Mitchell and Cameron helped normalize LGBTQ+ relationships in the media. I included specific episodes where this is explained and demonstrated.Tags: Reverted Visual edit← Previous edit
LGBTQ+ media representation has drastically changed throughout the past few decades. In the 1930s, LGBT representation was prohibited in the media with the Motion Picture Production Code, which is often known as the Hays Code. This code "restricted positive representation of immorality or inappropriate subjects" (Leech 4). "Although the Code never explicitly mentions homosexuality, it was banned through the inclusion of a rule stating that 'sex perversion or any interference of it is forbidden' (Chon 22)" (Leech 4).
This code left a lasting impact on the media and the way LGBTQ+ individuals were represented. Many film makers would work around this code by including queer characters but not outwardly stating they were queer. "During the Motion Picture Production code creates the implication that homosexuality is immoral, and as audiences grow increasingly afraid of them, their deaths are used to justify their very existence and the harm that they have caused" (Leech 3).
This code lasted until 1968, but despite that there were still lingering effects. For instance, the way LGBTQ+ individuals were portrayed in movies and TV shows confirmed old stereotypes, which skewed the way people thought about queer people. The show ''Will and Grace,'' which was premiered in 1998, was one of the first TV shows to have a outwardly gay main character. Will and Jack McFarland, who is another prime character, showcase many gay stereotypes that reinforces the idea that their sexuality is what makes up the entirety of their personalities. Will is a successful young business man working in the corporate world and seems to come off as a heterosexual white male even though the audience knows he is gay. This encouraged the stereotype that men working in the corporate would could not be outwardly queer compared to Jack McFarland, who was an actor, is more flamboyant and dramatic. Media representation in the early 2000s showcased queer characters by playing on stereotypes.
Today, although there is still media representation that is harmful towards the LGBTQ+ community, there has also been progress. For example, ''The Morning Show,'' which aired in 2019, starred a queer character Bradley Jackson, who in season two comes out as lesbian. Bradley Jackson's whole personality and portrayal in the show did not revolve around her sexuality, which is why it was not acknowledged until season two. This differed as shows in the early 2000s would have highlighted the characters sexuality early in the show.
This article is missing information about history, usage and impact of its topic. Please expand the article to include this information. Further details may exist on the talk page. (May 2020)
LGBTQ+ media or gay media refers to media whose primary target audience is members of the LGBTQ community. Secondary targets are LGBTQ+ allies, and in some instances those who oppose gay rights may be targeted as a form of activism. Gay or queer media can also be defined as web sites, films, magazines and other cultural products that were created by queer individuals, or groups that are typically out, meaning that they are public or open about their identity. LGBTQ creators do not always include LGBTQ themes or issues in the media that they produce, but there are often at least subtle references to queerness in these media.
There have been both positive and negative representations of gay people across popular media, including film, television, literature, press, etc.
LGBTQ representation in the media is powerful, particularly for youth. There have been studies that have shown that media can have an influence on LGBTQ+ people's self-realization, coming out, and current identities.
United States
History of LGBTQ+ in the Media
LGBTQ+ media representation has drastically changed throughout the past few decades. In the 1930s, LGBT representation was prohibited in the media with the Motion Picture Production Code, which is often known as the Hays Code. This code "restricted positive representation of immorality or inappropriate subjects" (Leech 4). "Although the Code never explicitly mentions homosexuality, it was banned through the inclusion of a rule stating that 'sex perversion or any interference of it is forbidden' (Chon 22)" (Leech 4).
This code left a lasting impact on the media and the way LGBTQ+ individuals were represented. Many film makers would work around this code by including queer characters but not outwardly stating they were queer. "During the Motion Picture Production code creates the implication that homosexuality is immoral, and as audiences grow increasingly afraid of them, their deaths are used to justify their very existence and the harm that they have caused" (Leech 3).
This code lasted until 1968, but despite that there were still lingering effects. For instance, the way LGBTQ+ individuals were portrayed in movies and TV shows confirmed old stereotypes, which skewed the way people thought about queer people. The show Will and Grace, which was premiered in 1998, was one of the first TV shows to have a outwardly gay main character. Will and Jack McFarland, who is another prime character, showcase many gay stereotypes that reinforces the idea that their sexuality is what makes up the entirety of their personalities. Will is a successful young business man working in the corporate world and seems to come off as a heterosexual white male even though the audience knows he is gay. This encouraged the stereotype that men working in the corporate would could not be outwardly queer compared to Jack McFarland, who was an actor, is more flamboyant and dramatic. Media representation in the early 2000s showcased queer characters by playing on stereotypes.
Today, although there is still media representation that is harmful towards the LGBTQ+ community, there has also been progress. For example, The Morning Show, which aired in 2019, starred a queer character Bradley Jackson, who in season two comes out as lesbian. Bradley Jackson's whole personality and portrayal in the show did not revolve around her sexuality, which is why it was not acknowledged until season two. This differed as shows in the early 2000s would have highlighted the characters sexuality early in the show.
Film
The Motion Picture Production Code, an industry guideline in which Hollywood's motion picture producers agreed to self-censor all major motion pictures from 1934 to 1968, led to LGBTQ invisibility in film in United States film. However, even in the 1960s and 1970s, when LGBTQ representation in film was becoming more commonplace, it was also becoming more homophobic. Gay characters in this time period were represented very negatively, whether that meant they were dangerous and suicidal, or predatory and violent. Examples of such movies include The Children's Hour, The Boys in the Band, Midnight Express, and Vanishing Point.
The Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters indirectly prohibited positive homosexual representation from 1952 to 1983, preventing many queer actors in the television field from coming out and further preventing representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the media.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and storylines across a wide range of television genres.
Modern Family, a family sitcom that was released in 2009, was one of the first times the media had seen a loving and committed same-sex couple. In the first episode, Cameron and Mitchell explain that they have been together for five years and just adopted their first child, Lily. Mitch and Cam, at times, do play into the heterosexual relationship gender norms during the show, and especially in the beginning seasons. Cam appears more dramatic, emotional, and creative compared to Mitch, which makes him seem more feminine based on female stereotypes. Mitch is more emotionally distant, career oriented, and reserved which seems more manly to viewers. As the show progresses, and acceptance within our society grows, the audience sees that Mitch and Cam steer away from these heterosexual relationship norms. Cameron's character starts to exhibit more traditionally masculine characteristics. He is extremely into sports, gets job at head coach for the high school's football team, and is stronger, handier one on the relationship. In season 5, episode one Suddenly, Last Summer, it shows Mitch and Cam's proposal after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in 2015. This episode showed Mitch and Cam as equal partners in the relationship and not feeding into heterosexual relationship norms. For instance, they both decide to plan their engagement without the other one knowing. This proves that there wasn't an assumption of which partner would propose to the other, like it is in many heterosexual relationships. This clip shows the progression in their relationship, but also within the LGBTQ+ representation in the media and in society. Their relationship throughout the show moves from novelty to normalcy as acceptance grows within our society. Modern Family, especially Mitchell and Cameron's relationship improved acceptance and normalcy of LGBTQ+ representation in the media by showing a loving and committed LGBTQ+ relationship.