LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning. LGBTQ individuals represent an ever-growing population worldwide, making up approximately 1% of the global population according to Gallup polls conducted in 2021.
This group faces discrimination, violence, and negative attitudes from society that can impact their psychological health.
Media representations of LGBTQ couples have become more diverse and positive, influencing adolescents' perceptions about themselves and their relationships. Adolescence is a crucial stage when teenagers experience physical changes, form identities, and develop romantic interests. This article will explore how media representation affects young adults' self-perception, relational expectations, and identity development.
How Media Representation Influences Self-Perception
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to media portrayals of sexuality because they are exploring their bodies, emotions, and relationships. According to research, exposure to positive media depictions of same-sex relationships may improve adolescents' self-esteem by reducing feelings of shame, stigma, and marginalization.
A study published in Psychology of Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity found that exposure to gay men kissing on TV shows increased adolescent boys' acceptance of same-sex relationships and reduced homophobic attitudes. Another study showed that exposure to gay characters on television led to lower rates of suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth.
Negative or stereotypical media representations can create harmful perceptions. A study found that gay males were shown as promiscuous, unfaithful, and emotionally immature on TV, which negatively affected adolescents' perceptions of them.
Adolescents may feel pressure to conform to societal norms for gender roles and sexual orientation, leading to internalized homophobia or transphobia.
How Media Representation Influences Relational Expectations
Media portrayals of relationships influence teenagers' romantic expectations. Adolescents may imitate what they see on television or social media, such as intimacy levels, communication styles, conflict resolution techniques, and relationship dynamics. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when real-life experiences do not match fictional ones. Research suggests that adolescents who consume more media with positive LGBTQ representation have higher relationship satisfaction and better communication skills in their own relationships.
Media also reinforces heteronormative narratives, which favor heterosexuality over non-heterosexual identities. This may lead adolescents to question their sexuality, gender identity, or both if they do not fit into traditional gender roles or cisgender categories.
A study published in Sex Roles found that exposure to lesbian pornography increased adolescent boys' acceptance of same-sex relationships but led to lower self-esteem among lesbians due to the hypersexualization of women in the media.
How Media Representation Influences Identity Development
Adolescence is a time of exploration and experimentation, where young people explore different identities, including sexual and gender identities.
Negative stereotypes about LGBTQ individuals can lead to low self-esteem and depression, especially for those questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. A study found that watching gay characters on TV reduced anxiety and depression in bisexual adolescents by reducing feelings of isolation. Positive representations of transgender individuals may also normalize diversity, reduce stigma, and improve mental health outcomes.
Media representations of LGBTQ couples influence adolescents' perceptions of themselves, romantic expectations, and identity development. While positive portrayals promote acceptance and openness, negative depictions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmas. Parents and educators should be aware of the impact of media on teenagers' mental health and create safe spaces for them to explore their identities without judgment.
How do media representations of LGBTQ relationships influence adolescents' self-perception, relational expectations, and identity development?
Media portrayals of nonheterosexual couples have been on the rise since the early 1980s, and they are becoming increasingly visible in popular culture. The increased exposure has led to greater familiarity with nonheterosexual relationships among young people (Mead & Bailey, 2013). Adolescence is an important period for establishing one's identity, and this includes one's sexual orientation and gender expression.