The term "LGBT" stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who identify themselves as such. These individuals experience discrimination and marginalization due to their non-heteronormative sexual orientation or gender identity in many places around the world. Visual and narrative media have played an important role in shaping societal attitudes towards this community since the early days of filmmaking. In conservative societies where homosexuality is considered a sin, LGBT characters are often portrayed negatively. They are depicted as being perverted or mentally unstable. This perpetuates negative stereotypes about them and reinforces fear, stigma, or acceptance of these identities.
There are also some positive examples of how visual and narrative media can challenge these biases.
One way that visual and narrative media reinforce fear, stigma, or acceptance of LGBT identities is through the representation of LGBT characters in films. Many Hollywood blockbusters feature LGBT characters but they are often shown in a negative light.
In the movie 'Brokeback Mountain', two cowboys fall in love with each other but their relationship is ultimately doomed because they cannot be open about it. Similarly, in 'Philadelphia', a man dying from AIDS struggles against his family's rejection after coming out as gay. These movies reinforce the idea that LGBT relationships are dangerous or taboo.
Television shows like 'Will & Grace' and 'Orange Is The New Black' present more positive images of LGBT people. These characters are shown to lead normal lives and face similar challenges to straight people. This helps viewers see LGBT individuals as ordinary human beings who deserve equal rights and respect.
Narrative media such as books have also played an important role in shaping attitudes towards LGBT identities. Some authors use this platform to challenge societal norms by creating stories featuring LGBT protagonists who defy expectations. 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker features a lesbian romance between two black women set in rural Georgia during the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of oppression, love, and identity. It was controversial when published but has since become a classic work of literature.
Some writers choose to avoid portraying LGBT characters altogether for fear of backlash. This perpetuates the idea that these identities should not be represented at all or that they should remain hidden.
Visual and narrative media can both reinforce negative stereotypes about LGBT identities or challenge them depending on how they are presented. It is important for creators to create diverse representations of this community that show its full range of experiences and complexities. By doing so, they can help reduce stigma and promote acceptance in conservative societies.
In what ways do visual and narrative media in conservative societies reinforce fear, stigma, or acceptance of LGBT identities?
Research on the impact of visual and narrative media on perceptions towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people suggests that such portrayals can influence the way individuals perceive sexual orientations and gender identities. In conservative societies where attitudes towards LGBT individuals are often negative, these representations have the potential to reinforce existing stigmas and prejudices against them.