The following guidelines for representing queer lives, relational dynamics, and erotic experiences in ethical and responsible ways are proposed for writers, filmmakers, artists, academics, journalists, and others. These rules apply to all types of media, including books, films, music, television shows, web series, social media platforms, academic publications, educational resources, and more.
1. Do not create stereotypes. Representation can reinforce harmful prejudices if it is incomplete or misleading. Do your research before writing about queer people and their communities. Avoid common tropes such as bisexual promiscuity, transgender fetishization, gay campiness, lesbian aggression, and asexual innocence. Be aware that all identities have unique stories, desires, and struggles.
2. Be explicit without being gratuitous. Describe sex acts, gender presentation, relationship styles, and other details with enough detail to convey meaning but avoid graphic descriptions that could be disturbing to readers or viewers who may not expect them. Explain key concepts like polyamory, BDSM, cuckolding, and pegging in simple terms. Use accurate language that does not suggest that certain sexual practices are "deviant" or shameful.
3. Respect privacy. When writing about real individuals or groups, get informed consent from everyone involved. Ask permission to use their names and images. Make sure they understand the context in which you will share their story and how their identity might impact its reception. Ensure that any sensitive information is protected.
4. Consider intersectionality. Queerness does not exist outside of other social categories like race, class, ability, religion, age, culture, and nationality. Incorporate these factors into your representation by centering marginalized perspectives and showing diversity within each group. Don't erase the complex experiences of those who fall outside mainstream ideals or stereotypes.
5. Represent all genders equally. Men, women, nonbinary people, and intersex individuals should be included in depictions of queer lives, relationships, and desire. Avoid excluding anyone based on anatomy, body type, or physical appearance. Do not assume that transgender people do not belong in a particular narrative unless explicitly stated.
6. Be mindful of power dynamics. Power imbalances can arise between creators, subjects, and audiences. Recognize the potential for abuse and exploitation when dealing with vulnerable communities. Do not pressure people to participate in projects that violate their privacy or safety. Do not make money off the suffering of others without compensating them fairly.
7. Focus on characters rather than tropes. Characters are more compelling than clichés. Develop protagonists with unique personalities, goals, motivations, fears, desires, and flaws. Create sympathetic villains who are not caricatures of conservatives or homophobes. Portray positive role models and negative figures realistically instead of idealizing or demonizing them.
8. Celebrate queerness positively. Showcase the beauty and joy of being LGBTQIA+ while also acknowledging struggles and challenges. Affirm identity through representation but don't fetishize it as an object of curiosity or spectacle. Encourage readers/viewers to see queer lives as normal, healthy, and valuable.
9. Challenge heteronormativity. Heterosexuality is often taken for granted and assumed to be universal. Explore why some people may resist alternative lifestyles or question traditional norms. Ask questions about why society is structured this way and how we might change it. Acknowledge the benefits and limitations of monogamy, marriage, family structures, and other conventions.
10. Be sensitive to language. Use terms like "queer" and "LGBTQIA+" inclusively, recognizing their diversity within and beyond those categories. Don't use slurs against queer identities even if they seem harmless in context. Respect pronouns and honor gender expressions without forcing anyone to out themselves publicly.
By following these guidelines, creators can represent queer experiences responsibly and ethically, creating a more just world for all people.
What obligations do creators hold in representing queer lives, relational dynamics, and erotic experiences in an ethical and responsible manner?
The obligation of creators lies in accurately depicting queer lives, relationships, and sexual experiences, avoiding harmful stereotypes and tropes that can perpetuate stigma and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Responsible representation requires sensitivity and respect for diverse identities within the community, as well as recognition of how media portrayals impact public perception and attitudes towards them.