The lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in movies is a perennial issue, but it is far from being resolved. Despite some recent successes, there are still many groups that remain largely unrepresented onscreen. Non-binary individuals, asexuals, and those who identify with multiple aspects of their gender and sexuality face unique challenges when trying to find themselves reflected in film. These include difficulty finding characters who look like them, struggle with dating or relationships, and experience social exclusion due to nonconformity. Emerging media can play an important role in filling these gaps through increased visibility, nuanced portrayals, and diverse storytelling.
Non-Binary Characters
Non-binary individuals are those who do not identify exclusively as male or female and may have fluid identities that shift over time. They often feel invisible in mainstream films, where cisgender characters predominate, leading to alienation and erasure. To address this gap, emerging media can create more complex and interesting roles for non-binary characters, allowing them to be multi-dimensional rather than stereotypes. This could mean including a range of body types, clothing styles, and family structures, as well as exploring different experiences related to gender identity.
A movie about a transmasculine person navigating dysphoria and relationship dynamics would give insight into a specific non-binary journey.
Asexual Representation
Asexuality refers to the absence of sexual attraction towards others. It can coexist with various romantic orientations and is distinct from celibacy or abstinence. Films typically show romance as central to human life, which leaves asexual individuals feeling isolated.
There are ways around this limitation by focusing on other forms of intimacy such as friendship, intellectual connection, or creative pursuits. Asexuals may also enjoy watching romantic movies but need to see their own experiences reflected in them without stigma or fetishization.
Intersectional Identities
Intersectionality means experiencing multiple forms of oppression based on race, class, ability, age, and other characteristics beyond one's LGBTQIA+ status. Intersectional representation is essential for creating nuanced portrayals because it acknowledges the complexity of real people's lives. Movies can depict intersectional identities through storylines that explore how they interact with each other - for instance, an aging aromantic Black woman struggling with depression while caring for her disabled partner. This approach shows the richness of human experience and makes room for underrepresented groups who often feel invisible in mainstream media.
Emerging media has the potential to revolutionize queer cinema by addressing gaps in representation for non-binary, asexual, and intersectional identities. By expanding the range of characters and plotlines, these films can create more accurate representations of the diverse LGBTQIA+ community. This not only provides inspiration and validation but helps foster understanding among cisgender audiences.
What gaps remain in queer cinema representation, especially for non-binary, asexual, and intersectional identities, and how can emerging media address these gaps?
While there have been some significant advancements in queer cinema representation, particularly with regard to gay men and lesbians, there are still numerous gaps that exist, especially for non-binary, asexual, and intersectional identities. One of the main challenges is the lack of adequate representation of transgender and intersex individuals, who often face discrimination and misrepresentation both within the LGBTQ+ community and society at large.