LGBT-centered art and literature has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it is becoming more common to see books, movies, television shows, and songs that feature gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, nonbinary, and asexual protagonists or themes. This trend is significant because it challenges traditional norms around gender, sexuality, and desire. In this article, I will explain what LGBT-centered art and literature is, why it matters for society, how it can challenge these norms, and some examples of works that are doing so.
LGBT-centered art and literature refers to creative works that focus on characters who identify as LGBTQIA+, such as novels like "Fun Home" by Alison Bechdel, films like "Paris Is Burning," and TV series like "Pose." These works often explore topics related to identity, coming out, relationships, family dynamics, marginalization, and activism. They also depict diverse experiences and perspectives within the LGBTQIA+ community, including different races, ethnicities, ages, classes, abilities, religions, cultures, body types, and political views. By centering LGBTQIA+ stories, these works challenge stereotypes about queer people and show that they are not just one type of person but come from all walks of life.
The importance of LGBT-centered art and literature cannot be understated. It gives visibility to an often-invisible group, helps educate people about issues faced by this community, and promotes empathy and understanding.
Movies like "Moonlight" and books like "Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue" can help cisgender (non-trans) people understand transgender experiences better, while songs like "I'm Not Mad At You" by Hayley Kiyoko can validate the feelings of asexual individuals.
LGBT-centered art and literature has economic benefits - according to a study by GLAAD, it generates over $2 billion in revenue annually.
LGBT-centered art and literature challenges traditional norms around gender, sexuality, and desire because it subverts the heteronormative narrative that dominates mainstream culture. This is particularly important given the prevalence of cisgender, heterosexual representation in media. By showing alternative ways of being and desiring, LGBTQIA+ art and literature expands our definitions of what is possible or acceptable.
The novel "Call Me By Your Name" portrays a same-sex relationship where both partners are older men, which defies ageist stereotypes about who can love whom. Similarly, TV shows like "Orange Is The New Black" depict polyamorous relationships between women, which breaks down ideas about monogamy.
LGBT-centered art and literature is vital for society because it challenges norms around gender, sexuality, and desire. It helps educate, empowers, and entertains, while also generating revenue. Examples include "Fun Home," "Paris Is Burning," "Pose," "Moonlight," "Transgender 101: A Simple Guide To A Complex Issue," and more. As such, we should encourage its creation and consumption as part of a diverse and inclusive culture.
What implications does LGBT-centered art and literature have for challenging norms around gender, sexuality, and desire?
LGBT-centered art and literature can challenge the norms surrounding gender, sexuality, and desire by highlighting the diversity of experiences that exist beyond heteronormativity and cisnormativity. By presenting characters who identify as nonbinary or transgender, or who express their sexualities outside of traditional binaries, these works can help readers and viewers see that there are multiple ways to be human and that it is not necessary to conform to strict social constructs.