Media representation has been shown to have significant impact on how individuals form their identity, values, and perceptions about themselves and others around them. This is especially true for members of marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ+ community, who often face discrimination and stigma due to their identities. One study found that exposure to positive media portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals can lead to increased acceptance and support for diversity among non-LGBTQ+ viewers, while negative media representations can reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate prejudice (Katz et al., 2015).
For LGBTQ+ individuals themselves, media representations can be particularly impactful on their sense of self and belonging. Negative media portrayals can lead to feelings of shame, fear, and isolation, while positive media representations can provide a sense of validation and empowerment (Fox, 2016; Rhoades & Dixon, 2019).
One study found that transgender youth who watched television shows featuring transgender characters reported higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression than those who did not watch these shows (Rosenthal et al., 2017).
Media representations can shape internalized beliefs and values regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Heterosexual characters are often depicted in dominant roles in relationships or situations, which can reinforce normative gender roles and perpetuate heteronormativity. Conversely, queer characters may be shown as deviant or sexually promiscuous, which can contribute to harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people. This can lead to internalization of negative messages about oneself and one's community, and can even lead to negative health outcomes such as low self-esteem and poor mental health (Walsh et al., 2018).
Media representations play an important role in shaping identities, values, and perceptions around sexuality and gender. Positive representation is crucial for the wellbeing of marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ+ community, but negative representation can have lasting effects on individuals' sense of self and belonging. It is important for media producers to create diverse, authentic, and positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals to counteract harmful stereotypes and promote acceptance and inclusion.
How do media representations of LGBTQ+ individuals affect internalized values, identity development, and self-perception?
The representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the media has both positive and negative effects on their internalized values, identity development, and self-perception. On one hand, it may help them identify with characters that share similar identities, feel more accepted, gain social support from peers who are not part of the community, develop a stronger sense of identity, and build a better understanding of the heteronormative society they live in.