What is Queer Media?
Queer media refers to any form of communication that explores, represents, celebrates, or challenges non-heterosexual sexual identities. It includes literature, film, television shows, music videos, graphic novels, and online content such as blog posts, podcasts, and social media campaigns. These works may feature characters who identify themselves as LGBTQ+ individuals or who explore their sexual orientation and gender identity through their experiences, actions, thoughts, and relationships. Some examples of queer media include the novel "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by Emily Danforth, the television series "RuPaul's Drag Race," and the album "No More Parties in LA" by Kesha.
Psychological Effects of Representation
Representation has several positive effects on the psychological well-being of queer individuals. When they see themselves accurately portrayed in media, they feel validated, recognized, and accepted. Seeing characters who share their identities and experiences helps them understand themselves better, build self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and develop resilience against discrimination and prejudice.
A study found that LGBTQ+ youth who saw more LGBTQ+ representation in media were less likely to experience depression and suicidal ideation than those who saw less representation (Johnson et al., 2019).
Psychological Effects of Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation can have negative consequences for queer people's mental health.
When they see stereotypical or harmful depictions of their identities, it reinforces negative attitudes about themselves and their communities. This can lead to internalized homophobia, shame, anxiety, and other negative emotions. It also perpetuates stigma and misunderstanding among the general public, which further harms queer people's mental health. In addition, misrepresentations can create false expectations and unrealistic standards of beauty and behavior, leading to body image issues, low self-esteem, and other problems.
Research shows that heterosexual men who consume pornography with female performers with large breasts are more likely to view women with smaller breasts as less attractive (Lamont & Brown, 2017).
Accurate representation and positive portrayals of queer people in media have numerous psychological benefits for individuals and communities. On the other hand, misrepresentation can have detrimental effects on mental health by reinforcing negative attitudes, creating unrealistic expectations, and perpetuating stigma and discrimination. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize authentic representations of queer experiences, identities, and relationships in all forms of communication.
What are the psychological effects of representation and misrepresentation in queer media?
Psychologically speaking, media depictions of queer individuals can have both positive and negative effects on viewers. Representations that accurately reflect the diversity within LGBTQ+ communities may foster self-acceptance among those who identify as queer, while reinforcing stereotypes or perpetuating harmful tropes can lead to feelings of exclusion, stigma, and shame.