Queer representation is an increasingly important topic for children's media, both because it can have positive effects on the development of young people who identify as LGBTQ+, but also because it has the potential to normalize different ways of expressing gender and sexuality for everyone. In this essay, I will discuss how queer representation influences self‑concept, peer relations, societal norms, obstacles that still exist in youth‑oriented media, and what the future of children's media might look like when queer narratives are standardized.
Self‑concept
Self‑concept refers to one's perception of oneself, including attributes such as physical appearance, abilities, personality traits, values, and beliefs. Queer representation in media can be particularly helpful for children who identify as LGBTQ+, providing them with role models that validate their identity and make them feel more comfortable exploring their own identities. Research has shown that exposure to positive representations of LGBTQ+ individuals can reduce internalized homophobia and increase feelings of social acceptance among young people.
A study published in the Journal of Homosexuality found that viewers of the television show "Will & Grace" reported higher levels of favorable attitudes towards gays and lesbians after watching the show.
Peer Relations
Exposure to queer characters in media can also improve peer relationships by teaching children about diversity and empathy. When children see characters who are different from themselves being represented positively, they may be more likely to develop a tolerant attitude towards others who are different. This can help create a more inclusive environment where all children feel accepted and valued.
Seeing positive examples of same-sex romantic relationships can help dispel stereotypes about queer relationships, which can lead to more healthy and fulfilling relationships later in life.
Societal Norms
Increased representation of queer individuals in media can challenge societal norms surrounding gender and sexuality. By showing characters who defy traditional expectations, media can open up new possibilities for how we think about gender roles and expressions of affection.
The Disney Channel series "The Owl House" features a bisexual protagonist named Luz Noceda who falls in love with a boy and girl throughout the course of the show. The show's creator, Dana Terrace, says she hopes it will normalize non‑binary identities for children who might not otherwise have seen them portrayed on TV.
Obstacles
Despite these benefits, there are still obstacles that prevent queer narratives from becoming standardized in youth‑oriented media. One major issue is censorship; some countries or networks may ban shows that feature LGBTQ+ content. Another challenge is lack of funding; creating high‑quality LGBTQ+‑inclusive programming requires additional resources and talent, which can be difficult to secure. There is also often resistance from conservative audiences who object to the inclusion of queer narratives in family‑friendly media.
Future Outlook
The future looks promising for queer representation in children's media. With streaming services like Netflix and Hulu producing original content, the landscape is shifting towards greater diversity and inclusivity. Shows like "Love, Simon" and "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power" offer positive representations of queer relationships without making them central to the plot, demonstrating that such characters don't need to be relegated to coming‑of‑age stories or special episodes. As more producers recognize the importance of authentic storytelling, we can expect to see even more diverse stories being told through animation and live‑action media.
Representation matters when it comes to media aimed at young people, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality. By exposing children to a range of identities and experiences, we can help them develop healthy self‑concepts, empathetic peer relations, and open‑minded attitudes about societal norms. While obstacles still exist, the future of children's media seems bright for those seeking increased representation of LGBTQ+ individuals.