Homosexuality in the Media:

More than Stereotypes

By Amy D Diamond
 Introduction

Homosexuality and Transgender characters have consistently been underrepresented in

their media portrayals. However, as their portrayals have increased over time, the quality of their

portrayal still does not match their heterosexual counterparts. When I began my analysis, I was

initially intending to focus on stereotypical representations of homosexuality in the media. As I

began to review research, however, my focus was steered from stereotypes and instead shifted to

the representation of homosexuality and transgender characters in mainstream television.

Literature Review

One of the articles that I used as a basis of my analysis was Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual

Content on Television: A Quantitative Analysis by Fisher, Grube, Gruber, and Hill. In the

article, the authors cite Banduras Social Cognitive Theory in depicting the significant impact

television has on viewers create their perceptions of unfamiliar lifestyles. This theory is also

later supported by the Cultivation theory. Gerbner, Gross, Morgan, Signorelli and Shanahan also

suggest the viewers define their attitudes and beliefs of others through television influence. The

authors also suggest that the absence of representation of homosexuality on television may lead

viewers to assume that it is rare or abnormal. This research also suggests that there is a definite

link between television viewing and and stronger negative beliefs of viewers regarding

homosexuality. An article from The Critical Media Project goes further to analyze the impact of

these representations not just on viewers but on how its affects impact everyday life. It

reinforces the ideas of individuals using homosexual slang as insults continues to perpetuate

negative views of homosexuality. The impact is not just in the perception of individuals who are

homosexual but also in the perception about themselves. Negative or stereotypical

representations can impact those who are struggling with sexual identity. Even simple
representations of individuals in media who question their sexual identity simply because they

have never had a boyfriend/girlfriend, create latent insinuations that others may derive as

criterion of sexual identity. I must be gay if I do this or dont do this. Or I cant be

homosexual because they dont like that. These simple statements or lack of statements can be

powerful towards impressionable individuals, especially teenagers. The Critical Media Project

also goes further to discuss that gender identity is something many people take for granted and it

is essentially invisible to them because theyve never struggled with it, which can in turn make it

difficult for many to understand the need for increased representation of homosexual characters

and more equitable quality of representation of characters.

The literature also discussed the fact that while homosexual characters are becoming

more prevalent, it is the representation of their characters that is as important as their presence.

The authors cite several inquities between the representations of characters who were

homosexual and that of their heterosexual counterparts. For example, the show Will and Grace

features characters who are homosexual. However, their heterosexual female character is often

shown in physically intimate scenarios whereas the homosexual couples are rarely shown

engaged in physical affection (Fisher, et. al, 170). In addition, characters who are homosexual

are often depicted as struggling with their sexual identity and it is often the focus of their

characters storyline, often in the initial introduction of the character. Lastly, while many

characters claim to be homosexual, they are rarely depicted doing anything differently than their

heterosexual characters.

Project Methodology

Following my literature and research review, I searched for shows that depicted a

character with a homosexual orientation. I was already familiar with one show, Nashville and
the character Will Lexington. I searched my television guide menu for additional examples. I

decided to use the character Stella Carlin from Orange is the New Black. The third show I

selected was Modern Family using the characters Cam and Mitchell. After selecting the

characters, I watched several episodes of each show to build a background knowledge of the

characters but to also see how the character was depicted overtime. I also wanted to determine if

the characters were always homosexual on the show or if their struggle with their sexual identity

had been part of their storyline. I also wanted to analyze the depiction of their relationship

history. Finally, I wanted to determine if the character was depicted differently from their

heterosexual counterparts in the show.

Character Analysis

In the television show, Nashville, Will Lexington is depicted as an up and coming

country music star. Industry moguls frequently capitalize on his good looks and likable

personality to sell records. Will struggles in the first couple of seasons with suppressing his

struggle with his sexual orientation. His struggle is really the focus of his characters story

throughout the first few seasons. He attempts to mask his struggle with sexual promiscuity and

marriage. Once, he come out publicly, his character is not as prevalent as he was initially.

However, the show does depict his everyday interactions, including his relationship struggles as

equitable as his heterosexual counterparts. In fact, his character is depicted struggling with many

of the same issues that a heterosexual couple would struggle with, commitment, jealousy,

cohabitation, etc. The show also depicts Wills character in a variety of physical, but not

necessarily, intimate gestures with his boyfriend. They are often depicted interacting as a

heterosexual couple would such as conversations in the bathroom & arguing over chores or
money. While his characters has lessened in the amount of screen time, then present it has been

a more equitable representation.

In the television show, Orange is the New Black, Stella Carlin is a female inmate who is

sexually involved with a few other female inmates over time. The show itself is based inside a

womens prison and revolves around the lives of the inmates. Stella is depicted as strong and

confident in her sexual orientation. The homosexual relationships among the characters is

portrayed as typical for the scenario which reinforces stereotypes regarding prisoners and their

interactions. In fact, the homosexual relationships reflected many of the attributes that media

frequently portrays within heterosexual relationships. For example, the women often struggled

with jealousy or promiscuity or they had pet names for their partners. While this representation

may be tainted because of its association with prison and inmates, the show itself helped to

resemble these homosexual relationships with equitable attributes of heterosexual relationships.

Finally, the characters of Cam and Mitchell are from the show Modern Family. This

show is defined as a mockumentary. Cam and Mitchell are a married homosexual couple.

They have been married for several years (dependant on which season you are waching) and

have a daughter. The characters in this relationship reflect several homosexual stereotypes. Cam

is often depicted as feminine and flamboyant or a drama queen. He has several unique hobbies

and interests, which are often used to further the stereotypes. Their relationship also reflects the

common homosexual stereotype that one person has to be the woman in the relationship.

While their marriage is depicted in everyday ways, it often presented as something out of the

ordinary or something that has to be defended. This show reflected everyday interactions among

the homosexual characters, but unfortunately reflects several common stereotypes, as well.

Significance and Summary

 From the literature I reviewed and shows I selected, I felt that television impacts a

significant portion of the general public and can help to impact the perception of members of the

LGBTQ community. As I stated in my initial review, there are two theories that reinforce the

influence of television on shaping individuals attitudes and beliefs, Cultivation theory and

Banduras social cognitive theory. Because of these influences, it is important for media to be

cognizant of their portrayal of characters who are homosexual. In addition, media should also

consider refraining from using derogatory remarks and homosexual slang as insults. Using

gay as an insult only strengthens homophobic behaviors. However, even in their portrayal of

characters who are heterosexual but who may not necessarily fall into a typical male role,

media should be careful that these characters are not immediately classified as homosexual but

that they are also free to explore their identity without limitations or fear of being labeled. There

are many impressionable viewers who will use television viewing as a basis for information and

attitudes. Another way that media can influence their impact is by portraying homosexual

characters in settings and events that equal those of their heterosexual counterparts. In the Fisher

article the authors note that characters were often depicted as homosexual but then nothing in

their interactions on the show really differentiated them from the other characters.

Implications for Education

Chris Mayo outlined several steps that can be done to improve the educational climate for

students of all sexual orientations. By recognizing the significant influence that television plays

in developing the attitudes of their students, teachers can address these through creating an

environment that accepts and welcomes all individuals. Mayo suggests thinking of all students

as experiencing a coming out of sexual orientation in one form or another. By embracing the

experience as universal and not necessarily attached to homosexuality, it reduces the stigma
attached to it. He also suggests that teachers familiarize themselves with community resources

that offer support for LGBTQ students. Finally, educators should find ways to work LGBTQ

issues into the curriculum. This should not be limited to merely sexual education but just like we

would attempt to incorporate other minority groups through analyzing roles they had in history

or issues that impacted that particular group.

Summary

The significance of the impact of media on peoples values and beliefs cannot be

understated. As long as media feels it is okay to belittle and insult the homosexual community, it

will continue to be difficult for the individuals to be fully accepted in their communities. Some

progress has been made in the media by improving the quantity of representations, but now it is

time for media to go beyond the shallow token homosexual character and begin to give them

depth and quality of character. By depicting the homosexual characters with equitable traits as

heterosexual characters, it will reduce the stigma and the idea that there is something abnormal

about a different sexual orientation.

References

1. Banks, J. A., & Banks, C. A. (2013). Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives.
8th edition.
2. Fisher, D., Grube, J., Gruber, E., & Hill, D. Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Content on
Television: A Quantitative Analysis Across Two Seasons. Journal of Homosexuality
52(3/4) 167-183.
3. The Critical Media Project.
http://www.criticalmediaproject.org/cml/topicbackground/lgbt/