There is little specific research on the documented effects media portrayal

has on LGBT+ media consumers. Based off of strict conjecture, it would seem
intuitive that negative media portrayal is detrimental to the self-esteem, self-image,
and perceived self-worth of those portrayed negatively. Despite a majority of
Americans supporting same-sex marriage, an increase in support for
nondiscrimination laws based off of sexual orientation and gender identity (which
very few states currently have), and growing awareness of the transgender
community, unaffected Americans put little effort into increasing LGBT+ diversity
and positive representation in mass media.
It is clear that LGBT+ individuals suffer from higher rates of depression,
suicidal ideation, alcohol abuse, and other self-destructive behaviors (Kane, et. al.).
There is also a significantly higher rate of homelessness, incarceration, and violence
against the transgender community (Ellis). This is not to say that identifying as
LGBT+ is an effect of mental instability, rather that a lack of pronounced societal
support for LGBT+ individuals causes a spike in mental instability. Even in a modern
America, the problems the LGBT+ community faces is vast. The root of these
problems seems to be our continually reinforced heteronormative society. When
LGBT+ individuals cannot see evidence of their normality or function in society it is,
not surprisingly, easy to start down a path towards self-hate.
Femininity exists only in the context of masculinity and masculinity only
exists in the context of femininity. By defining either two genders in such a strict
manner, the gender binary has been created and constantly reinforced. Similarly,
sexuality is commonly thought of as either being attracted to one gender or the
other. Because gender and sexuality are commonly thought of as binary, bisexuality
and gender fluidity are erased from our societal schema for gender and sexuality.
This is particularly interesting due to the fact that a majority of LGBT+ identify as
somewhere in the gray area between heterosexual and homosexual (Ellis). Despite
this, only 20% of LGBT+ characters on TV were bisexual (Kane, et. al.). Thus, the
erasure of non-conforming gender and sexuality from media is equally or even more
prevalent and damaging than traditional under-representation of lesbian and gay
male characters.
GLAAD, an organization dedicated to documenting the presence of LGBT+
characters in the media, conducted a qualitative study of LGBT+ representation in
the 2015-2016 TV seasons. They found that only 4% of of characters self-identified
as being in the LGBT+ community. Very few of these characters were people of color
and even fewer are transgender. Also, bisexual characters were typically depicted
as being untrustworthy, lacking morality, using sex for manipulative purposes, self-
destructive, and unable to form long-lasting relationships (Kane, et. al.). Among
major studio releases only 17.5% contained LGBT+ characters, and a whopping
77% of these characters were gay men. Not only is there a lack of proper LGBT+
representation but among the subsections of the LGBT+ community, certain
individuals receive more media representation than others.
Only a moderate amount of research has been published on the effects of
internalized homophobia and how to measure this relatively invisible phenomenon.
The Nungesser Homosexuality Attitudes Instrument (NHAI) measures individuals
attitudes of on their sexuality, attitudes towards homosexuality, and their degree of
comfort with being openly gay. This test found that LGBT+ individuals experienced
more demoralization, guilt, sex difficulties, suicide ideation than the general
population (Williamson).
Proper media representation has been found to increase self-confidence, self-
efficacy, and overall happiness among individuals who share qualities with their role
models (Gomillion, et. al.). In a survey completed during a gay pride event, LGBT+
individuals typically said they wanted more realistic portrayals which includes racial
and economic diversity, different occupations, broader age ranges, successful
LGBT+ families, less glamorized and more positive characters. In short, lack of or
negative media representation either makes LGBT+ individuals feel less valuable in
society or it limits their identity expression (Gomillion, et. al.). More accurate LGBT+
representation would lead to a higher self-esteem, self-efficacy, and comfort -- all
which LGBT+ are common struggles in the LGBT+ community.