🏳️‍🌈Queer Theory Unit 8 – Queer Representation in Media

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Queer representation refers to the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, themes, and narratives in various forms of media
• Heteronormativity assumes heterosexuality as the default sexual orientation and reinforces binary gender roles (male/female)
• Cisnormativity assumes that an individual's gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth
• Homonormativity privileges certain queer identities and experiences over others, often those that align with heteronormative ideals (monogamy, marriage, etc.)
• Queerbaiting is a marketing tactic that hints at queer representation to attract LGBTQ+ audiences without delivering substantive representation
• Queer coding uses subtle cues, mannerisms, or traits to imply a character's queerness without explicitly stating it (Ursula in The Little Mermaid)
• Gender performativity suggests that gender is constructed through repeated actions and behaviors rather than being an inherent identity
• Intersectionality examines how multiple marginalized identities (race, class, gender, sexuality) interact and shape an individual's experiences

Historical Context of Queer Representation

• Early queer representation in media was often negative, portraying LGBTQ+ characters as villains, mentally ill, or tragic figures
• The Hays Code (1930-1968) in the United States prohibited explicit depictions of homosexuality in film, leading to queer coding and subtext
• The Stonewall Riots (1969) marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism and gradually led to increased visibility in media
• The AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s brought attention to the LGBTQ+ community and sparked more nuanced representation in media
• Queer cinema emerged as a distinct genre, with films like Paris Is Burning (1990) and New Queer Cinema of the early 1990s challenging mainstream narratives
• Television shows like Ellen (1997) and Will & Grace (1998) featured openly gay lead characters, paving the way for more diverse representation

Media Types and Their Impact

• Film has a long history of queer representation, from early subtextual portrayals to contemporary explicit depictions
• Television has been instrumental in bringing queer stories into homes, with shows like Queer as Folk (1999) and The L Word (2004) focusing on LGBTQ+ characters
• Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu have provided more opportunities for queer-centered content, such as Orange Is the New Black (2013) and Pose (2018)
• Literature has explored queer themes and characters, with works like Orlando by Virginia Woolf (1928) and Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin (1956) being early examples
• Theater and live performance, particularly in the form of drag shows and ballroom culture, have been essential spaces for queer expression and community building
• Social media and online platforms have allowed for user-generated queer content, fostering community and representation outside of mainstream media

Stereotypes and Tropes

• The "sissy" or effeminate gay man stereotype reduces gay male characters to one-dimensional caricatures (Jack from Will & Grace)
• The "butch" lesbian stereotype portrays lesbian characters as masculine, aggressive, and often humorless
• The "tragic queer" trope depicts LGBTQ+ characters as destined for unhappiness or death, perpetuating the idea that queerness is inherently linked to suffering (Brokeback Mountain)
• The "queer villain" trope positions LGBTQ+ characters as antagonists or morally corrupt, associating queerness with evil (Jame Gumb in The Silence of the Lambs)
• The "gay best friend" trope relegates queer characters to supporting roles, often as sassy sidekicks to straight protagonists (Damian in Mean Girls)
• Bisexual erasure and the "confused" bisexual trope dismiss or invalidate bisexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation
• Trans characters are often portrayed by cisgender actors, perpetuating the idea that trans identities are performative rather than authentic

Positive Representation and Breakthroughs

• Moonlight (2016) won the Academy Award for Best Picture, marking a significant milestone for queer representation in mainstream film
• Transparent (2014) featured a transgender lead character played by a trans actor (Jeffrey Tambor) and employed numerous trans cast and crew members
• RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) brought drag culture to a mainstream audience and celebrated the artistry and diversity of the drag community
• The Fosters (2013) depicted a lesbian couple raising a blended family, normalizing same-sex parenting on television
• Love, Simon (2018) was the first major studio film to focus on a gay teenage romance, providing positive representation for LGBTQ+ youth
• Schitt's Creek (2015) portrayed a pansexual character (David) in a loving, committed relationship, avoiding stereotypes and normalizing queer love
• Pose (2018) featured the largest cast of transgender actors in starring roles and explored ballroom culture and the lives of queer people of color in the 1980s and 1990s

Intersectionality in Queer Media

• Intersectionality recognizes that queer individuals have multiple identities (race, class, gender, ability) that intersect and shape their experiences
• Queer people of color often face underrepresentation and stereotyping in media, with their stories and experiences being marginalized or erased
• Films like Pariah (2011) and Tangerine (2015) center the experiences of queer people of color, exploring the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality
• Pose (2018) highlights the ballroom scene of the 1980s and 1990s, which was primarily composed of queer and trans people of color
• The documentary Disclosure (2020) examines the intersection of transgender representation and race in media, revealing the impact of stereotypes and erasure
• Queer disabled characters are rarely depicted in media, and when they are, their queerness or disability is often used as a plot device rather than a fully realized identity
• The intersection of queerness and religion is often underexplored in media, with queer characters frequently portrayed as rejecting or being rejected by religious communities

Critical Analysis Techniques

• Queer reading involves analyzing a text or media through a queer lens, identifying subtextual or coded queer themes and characters
• Close reading examines the specific language, imagery, and symbolism used in a text to uncover deeper meanings and interpretations
• Contextual analysis considers the historical, social, and cultural context in which a media text was produced and how it reflects or challenges dominant ideologies
• Comparative analysis looks at multiple texts or media examples to identify patterns, similarities, and differences in queer representation
• Audience reception theory investigates how different audiences interpret and respond to queer media, considering factors such as identity, background, and personal experiences
• Discourse analysis studies the language and communication surrounding queer media, examining how discussions and debates shape public perception and understanding
• Intertextual analysis explores how queer media texts reference, influence, and interact with one another, creating a broader cultural dialogue

Future Directions and Challenges

• Increasing representation of diverse queer identities, including those at the intersections of race, class, ability, and religion
• Moving beyond tokenism and stereotypes to create fully realized, multi-dimensional queer characters and narratives
• Improving access and opportunities for queer creators, both in front of and behind the camera, to tell authentic stories
• Addressing the underrepresentation of queer individuals in positions of power within the media industry, such as executives, producers, and directors
• Challenging heteronormative and cisnormative assumptions in media storytelling and production
• Exploring the impact of new media technologies, such as streaming platforms and social media, on queer representation and community building
• Fostering media literacy and critical viewing skills to help audiences recognize and challenge problematic queer representation
• Encouraging cross-cultural and transnational perspectives on queer media, recognizing the diversity of queer experiences and expressions worldwide