The media has had an important influence on shaping public perceptions of gender roles, sexuality, and sexual behavior. As such, representations of queer individuals in various forms of media can have significant impacts on how they are perceived and accepted by society.
Studies suggest that negative portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals in films and television shows may contribute to discrimination and stigmatization (Waldo & Walls, 2018), while positive depictions may be associated with greater acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ rights (Olson et al., 2019).
Some researchers argue that even seemingly positive portrayals can be harmful if they reinforce stereotypes and limit the range of experiences available to queer people. This is particularly true when it comes to hypersexualized or stereotyped portrayals of queer people in popular media.
One common type of stereotype is the 'gay best friend' character, who is often depicted as flamboyant, promiscuous, and/or excessively dramatic. Such characters tend to be seen as comic relief rather than fully fleshed-out human beings, which can lead viewers to believe that all queer individuals possess these traits. This not only undermines the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community but also perpetuates dangerous myths about queer identity.
It can lead to internalized homophobia among queer individuals who feel pressure to conform to the stereotype in order to be accepted (Hillard et al., 2016).
Another issue is the overrepresentation of certain types of sexual behavior among queer individuals.
Many films and television shows feature gay men engaging in explicit same-sex acts, which may contribute to heteronormative assumptions about what constitutes 'normal' male behavior. Similarly, lesbians are sometimes portrayed as being more sexually adventurous or aggressive than their straight counterparts, which could be used to justify discrimination against them. These representations may also contribute to a sense of shame or embarrassment for some queer individuals who do not identify with such behaviors.
Sexualization is another concern, particularly when it comes to transgender individuals. Transgender women are often portrayed as highly feminine and hypersexualized, while transgender men are often portrayed as masculinized and hypermasculine. This reinforces cissexist beliefs that there is a 'correct' way to express one's gender, which can lead to social exclusion and violence against those who deviate from these norms.
This type of representation may lead viewers to believe that all trans people must undergo medical procedures to align with society's expectations, which can create undue stress and anxiety.
Some queer characters may be given little to no opportunity to form meaningful relationships outside of a sexual context. This can perpetuate the idea that LGBTQ+ individuals are primarily defined by their sexuality and can make it difficult for them to connect with others on a deeper level. It can also limit their range of experiences and create unrealistic expectations about romance and intimacy.
Hypersexualized or stereotyped portrayals of queer people in popular media can have significant psychological consequences. They can reinforce harmful assumptions about gender roles and sexual behavior, create internalized homophobia, and make it more difficult for queer individuals to form meaningful relationships.
By presenting a wider range of experiences and identities, the media has the power to promote greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
What are the psychological consequences of hypersexualized or stereotyped portrayals of queer people in popular media?
In recent years, there has been an increase in the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in popular media, including television shows, movies, books, and online content. While this is seen as a positive development, some researchers argue that these portrayals may have negative effects on the mental health of viewers who identify with them.