10.2 Representation of LGBTQ+ identities in film history

LGBTQ+ representation in film has evolved from stereotypical portrayals to more nuanced depictions. Early Hollywood often showed LGBTQ+ characters as villains or comic relief. Recent years have seen increased diversity, but challenges remain in achieving authentic representation.

Key films like "Moonlight" and "Call Me by Your Name" have pushed boundaries, exploring complex LGBTQ+ stories. However, stereotypes and tropes persist. Positive representation can promote understanding and acceptance, while negative portrayals can reinforce harmful prejudices.

LGBTQ+ Representation in Film History

Evolution of LGBTQ+ Representation

• Early Hollywood films often depicted LGBTQ+ characters as villains, victims, or objects of ridicule reflecting societal prejudices and the restrictive Hays Code
• During the 1960s and 1970s, LGBTQ+ characters began to appear more frequently in independent and foreign films often in more complex and nuanced roles
• The 1980s and 1990s saw an increase in LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream films although many portrayals still relied on stereotypes and negative tropes

Contemporary LGBTQ+ Representation

• In the 21st century, there has been a growing presence of LGBTQ+ characters in major studio films with more diverse and authentic representations
  • Includes a wider range of LGBTQ+ identities, such as transgender and non-binary characters, being depicted on screen (Laverne Cox in "Orange Is the New Black", Asia Kate Dillon in "Billions")
  • Issues of underrepresentation, stereotyping, and lack of diversity within LGBTQ+ portrayals persist in contemporary cinema
• Positive and authentic LGBTQ+ representation in film can help increase visibility, understanding, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in society
• Representation provides role models and validation for LGBTQ+ viewers, particularly youth, who may struggle with their identity or feel isolated

Key Films and Filmmakers

Landmark LGBTQ+ Films

• "The Boys in the Band" (1970), directed by William Friedkin, was one of the first mainstream films to focus on gay characters and their relationships
• "Paris Is Burning" (1990), directed by Jennie Livingston, is a landmark documentary that explores the New York City drag ball culture and the lives of LGBTQ+ people of color
• "Philadelphia" (1993), directed by Jonathan Demme, was one of the first major Hollywood films to address the AIDS crisis and feature a gay protagonist
• "Brokeback Mountain" (2005), directed by Ang Lee, is a critically acclaimed film that depicts a complex romantic relationship between two men

Recent Influential LGBTQ+ Films

• "Moonlight" (2016), directed by Barry Jenkins, is a groundbreaking film that explores the intersection of race, sexuality, and masculinity through the story of a young gay Black man
• "Call Me by Your Name" (2017), directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a coming-of-age film that portrays a romantic relationship between two men in 1980s Italy
• "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" (2019), directed by Céline Sciamma, is a historical drama that depicts a passionate love story between two women in 18th-century France
• "Tangerine" (2015), directed by Sean Baker, features transgender actresses Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor in lead roles and was shot entirely on iPhones

Stereotypes and Tropes in LGBTQ+ Film

Common LGBTQ+ Character Stereotypes

• The "sissy" or effeminate gay man stereotype portrays gay male characters as flamboyant, weak, or comedic sidekicks
• The "butch" lesbian stereotype depicts lesbian characters as masculine, aggressive, or deviant
• The "predatory" LGBTQ+ character trope presents LGBTQ+ individuals as sexual predators or a threat to heterosexual characters
• The "tragic" LGBTQ+ character trope depicts LGBTQ+ characters as inherently unhappy, doomed to suffer, or punished for their sexuality or gender identity

Problematic LGBTQ+ Narrative Tropes

• The "coming out" narrative often focuses on the struggle and trauma of LGBTQ+ characters revealing their identity to others sometimes at the expense of other aspects of their lives and personalities
• The "gay best friend" trope relegates LGBTQ+ characters to supporting roles and often relies on stereotypes for comedic effect (Damian in "Mean Girls", Stanford in "Sex and the City")
• The "trans deception" trope portrays transgender characters as deceptive or misleading others about their gender identity
• The "bury your gays" trope involves the disproportionate death of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly in television series (Lexa in "The 100", Tara in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer")

Impact of LGBTQ+ Representation on Society

Positive Effects of LGBTQ+ Representation

• Diverse LGBTQ+ representation can challenge stereotypes and misconceptions promoting a more accurate and nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences
• Films that depict LGBTQ+ characters and stories can spark public discourse and contribute to shifts in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights and equality
• Increased visibility of LGBTQ+ characters in film can lead to greater acceptance and normalization of LGBTQ+ identities in society

Challenges and Negative Effects

• Negative or stereotypical LGBTQ+ representation can reinforce prejudices, perpetuate harmful myths, and contribute to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals
• The impact of LGBTQ+ representation in film is influenced by factors such as the prominence of the characters, the quality of the storytelling, and the reception by audiences and critics
• Ongoing efforts to improve LGBTQ+ representation in film, both in terms of quantity and quality, are crucial for promoting greater understanding, acceptance, and equality in society
• Underrepresentation and lack of diversity within LGBTQ+ portrayals (e.g., focusing primarily on white, cisgender gay men) can erase the experiences of other LGBTQ+ identities and intersections with race, ethnicity, and other marginalized groups