Essay On Queer Representation

The pervasiveness of media in the recent years has brought about serious discussion regarding media representations of various groups. Media representations deal with constructions of generalizations about a particular reality (“CI5472 Teaching Film, Television, and Media”, para.4). These cover gender, sexuality, social class, and many other categories.

Queer representation, among others, has been a sensitive issue. The word queer has evolved in its meaning over time and is considered a fluid term. It was regarded as offensive and “a term of homophobic abuse” (Raymond, 98). Recently, it has became an affirming term for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and other “marginalized sexual identities” (98). Representation in the media, on the

other hand, refers to the ways a group or a category is portrayed or reflects how these groups are perceived. Therefore, queer representation in the media shows how different sexual identities are portrayed.
There are three levels of representation in the media through which queer representation has evolved: minimal, negative and positive (Short 5). Minimal queer representation almost does not portray queerness. In television and films, it meant that queer characters did not exist or were pushed to the sideline as supporting and background characters. It gives rise to heteronormativity, which is the belief that heterosexuality is the standard and any form of sexual desire or expression different from it is abnormal (“Heteronormativity”, para.1). It discriminates other sexual identities that are outside the gender binary, “and as a result, causes them to be invisible in social spaces” (Gray par.2).
Negative queer representation, while it portrays queer characters, settled for mere visibility. What it lacks is diversity and depth of queer characters. It may depict negative stereotypes that do not properly and accurately represent queer characters. The tendency of negative representations to limit a person’s identity of sexual preference is what Judith Butler discusses in her Queer Theory (Mitchell 1).
Positive queer representation shows diversity and complexity among queer characters.

It challenges stereotypes and promotes notions of identity as “fragmented and layered” (“Queer Representation in Media”, para.4). One of the most popular shows, Glee, was praised for having diverse characters with different story lines and backgrounds. Among the many characters, there was Kurt, a fashionable and gay teen, whose process of coming out was a major theme in the first season and Santana, a stereotypical cheerleader, who as the show progresses came to terms with her sexuality and identified herself as lesbian. The show tackled relevant issues that came with queerness such as bullying, coming out, and challenging gender norms. It “depicted lives of queer youth and has inspired discussion about queer politics and representation” (Macey, Ryan, and Springer 87). Another show currently airing entitled Orange is the New Black is critically acclaimed for positive queer representation. It not only deals with sexuality of women in prison but individual stories of marginalization as well. It shows diversity of women, not only through sexual preference or gender identity but also of age, socioeconomic statuses, and ethnicity among

others.
It is a fact that queer representation in the media has become more complex and diverse than in the past (Gauntlett 90). Queer representation in the media can either encourage or challenge stereotypes. As Molloy said, “the media has a huge opportunity and responsibility to shape culture” (1). Queer representation gives the “minorities” a voice and an image where they can see themselves as well as influences how society perceives queerness in a particular point in time.
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