There are many ways to answer this question, but one way is to look at it from the perspective of the artist's responsibility to their audience. Artists have a responsibility to create art that reflects the diversity of human experience, including queer suffering.
They must also be careful not to sensationalize or exploit queer suffering for the sake of entertainment or shock value.
The first step in considering an artist's moral responsibilities is to understand what queer suffering means. Queer suffering can refer to any type of suffering experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals, such as discrimination, violence, and isolation. It can also refer to more subtle forms of oppression, such as cultural norms that silence queer voices and experiences.
When depicting queer suffering for mainstream audiences, artists should aim to present these experiences honestly and without sensationalism. This means avoiding cliches and stereotypes, and instead showing the complexity and nuance of queer lives.
Rather than portraying all gay men as promiscuous party animals, an artist might show a diverse range of relationships, including monogamous ones.
Another important consideration is how the artist presents queer suffering in relation to other types of suffering. Does the artist depict queer suffering in isolation, or does it intersect with other forms of marginalization? If so, how does the intersection affect the overall story?
If an artist depicts the struggles of a trans person who has lost a loved one, how do they explore the impact of gender identity on grief?
Artists have a responsibility to consider how their work will be received by their audience. Will the art be used to justify prejudice or exclusion? Or will it challenge stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding? Artists must be mindful of the potential consequences of their work and make sure that it contributes to positive change, rather than reinforcing harmful attitudes.
What moral responsibilities do artists have when depicting queer suffering for mainstream audiences?
Artists are responsible for accurately depicting the experiences of queer individuals. They must show these experiences with sensitivity and respect, avoiding stereotypes and misrepresentations that could perpetuate harmful attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people. Artists also have an obligation to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression that cause queer people to suffer.