The way that media portrayals of LGBT individuals affect public perceptions of them has been extensively studied in recent years, especially since the 1980s when researchers began to explore how different types of media representation affected attitudes towards gay people.
There is little evidence to suggest whether these effects are positive or negative, and it remains unclear which factors influence such outcomes. Recently, some studies have found that exposure to positive LGBT representations leads to increased empathy for LGBT people among viewers, but others have reported no effect. To understand this discrepancy, further research needs to examine what features make certain depictions more effective than others at promoting empathy and reducing prejudice. This paper will discuss some of the most common findings from previous research and offer suggestions for future investigations.
Historical context
The modern study of media's impact on public attitudes toward gay people dates back to the 1980s when several scholars examined the consequences of the popular sitcom Soap and its groundbreaking storyline about a gay character named Billy Crystal. In 1979, ABC broadcasted the first episode of the show, which featured him as a closeted homosexual struggling with his identity while living with roommates who knew nothing of his sexuality. The series ended two years later without addressing Billy's sexual orientation explicitly, but critics praised it for breaking new ground by portraying an openly gay man without making him appear overtly "camp" or exaggerated.
Positive vs. negative portrayals
While the specific effects of this show remain debatable, subsequent studies have attempted to determine how different types of representation affect viewer perceptions. One key distinction is between positive and negative images; in other words, whether the LGBT characters are presented favorably or unfavorably within the narrative. Some research has found that exposure to positive portrayals leads to increased empathy and reduced prejudice among viewers, particularly if they feature characters whose identities are similar to their own (i.e., white men). Others have reported no effect or even negative outcomes, such as desensitization or increased hostility towards gays after watching violent or stereotypical depictions.
These mixed results may be due to differences in methodology, sample size, or population studied, suggesting that further investigation is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
How do media portrayals of LGBT people influence public empathy and prejudice?
LGBT individuals are frequently shown on TV screens as caricatures in stereotypical roles (e. g. , as comedic sidekicks), which perpetuates harmful and outdated stereotypes about them. The lack of representation of queer characters in popular shows also makes it difficult for young viewers to see themselves reflected positively in the media they consume.