The representation of non-binary and transgender identities in media plays an important role in shaping society's understanding of them. Traditional media such as movies, TV shows, magazines, newspapers, radio, social media, and internet forums have been historically dominated by cisgender people who are more likely to portray non-binary and transgender identities negatively.
There has been a growing awareness of the need to accurately represent these communities and their experiences, leading to an increase in positive representation. This change is significant because it challenges societal norms about gender, sexuality, and identity that perpetuate discrimination, prejudice, violence, and isolation among LGBTQ+ individuals. Nonetheless, patterns of representation can still lead to misunderstandings and stereotypes, which hinder progress toward acceptance and equality.
One pattern that emerges from media representations of non-binary and transgender identities is the prevalence of negative depictions. These include jokes, mockery, ridicule, caricature, dehumanization, objectification, fetishization, marginalization, erasure, and tokenism. Examples of this include TV shows like "Glee" (where characters use derogatory language against non-binary and transgender people), movies like "Deadpool" (which uses transphobic jokes as comedic relief) or "Joker" (that reinforces the idea that being trans is a mental illness). This type of representation contributes to the belief that non-binary and transgender people are deviant, abnormal, inferior, unworthy, immoral, mentally ill, sexually perverted, and dangerous. It also perpetuates misconceptions such as gender dysphoria being caused by childhood trauma, confusion, shame, or lack of masculinity/femininity.
Another pattern is the overuse of cisgender actors in transgender roles, including Eddie Redmayne in "The Danish Girl", Jared Leto in "Dallas Buyers Club," and Matt Bomer in "The Normal Heart." This practice not only normalizes gender binary but also erases trans experiences and portrayals. Moreover, it often results in transgender individuals feeling excluded and underrepresented, which can lead to isolation and stigma. Some positive examples of media representations include Laverne Cox on "Orange Is The New Black," Jamie Clayton in "Sense8," and Elliot Page in "Umbrella Academy."
These depictions tend to focus more on coming out and transitioning than on everyday life, making them less relatable for many people.
Patterns of representation in media play an important role in shaping societal understandings of non-binary and transgender identities. While there have been some improvements in recent years, negative portrayals still dominate, leading to misunderstandings, stereotypes, and harmful prejudices. To promote equality and acceptance, we must continue challenging traditional gender norms, advocating for diverse stories and voices, educating ourselves about LGBTQ+ issues, and holding media accountable when they reinforce stereotypes or marginalize minority groups. By doing so, we can create a society that embraces all genders and sexualities as valid and worthy of respect, dignity, and support.
How do patterns of representation in media shape societal understandings of non-binary and transgender identities?
The representations of non-binary and transgender individuals in media can play an essential role in shaping societal understanding of these identities. Media plays a significant part in creating awareness about different genders and sexual orientations among people. It is responsible for providing information that helps people identify their identity and explore their gender expression. The media portrayals of non-binary and transgender individuals are mainly stereotypical and limited; hence it affects how they are viewed by society at large.