The role that the audience plays in creating the identities of public figures has been an interesting area of study for researchers in the field of media studies. This is especially true when it comes to queer individuals who have become celebrities or influencers within mainstream culture. In this essay, I will explore how audiences project their expectations onto queer public figures, and the potential consequences of such projections.
One must consider why people are drawn to certain individuals and why they may choose to follow them online or elsewhere. One theory is that individuals seek out others who share similar characteristics or traits to themselves, whether those be physical attributes, values, belief systems, or hobbies.
Someone who is interested in sports may be more likely to follow athletes than musicians. Similarly, someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ may be more likely to follow other queer individuals on social media platforms.
There are also reasons beyond mere similarity that can influence one's interest in a particular person.
Some individuals may identify as straight but find themselves intrigued by queer celebrities because they feel like they offer something different from what is typically seen in mainstream media. They may see these individuals as being brave or pioneering in their sexuality and gender expression, and therefore want to learn more about them. Others may simply appreciate the sense of community that exists among queer individuals and want to show support for those who represent them. Whatever the reason may be, the fact remains that audiences are often attracted to certain individuals for various reasons.
It is not uncommon for audiences to project their own desires and fantasies onto these individuals. This means that when they interact with them online or through other forms of media, they may imagine things that have nothing to do with reality. This can lead to the creation of false expectations and potentially harmful stereotypes. Take the case of drag performers, for example. Many people assume that all drag queens are transgender women, which is not always true. Yet, this assumption has led to a lot of misconceptions and hurtful comments made towards those who do not fit into that box.
When audiences form opinions based solely on the way an individual looks or presents themselves, rather than taking time to understand their authentic selves, they may make incorrect assumptions about who they truly are.
If someone assumes that a celebrity is gay because they appear flamboyant, and then becomes disappointed when they find out otherwise, there could be some uncomfortable consequences. Similarly, if an audience member expects a particular public figure to act in a specific way because they identify as non-binary, but that person does not behave in such a manner, it could cause confusion and disillusionment.
While audiences play a significant role in shaping the identities of public figures, particularly queer ones, it's important to remember that they should strive for understanding rather than judgment. By getting to know individuals for who they really are, rather than what we think they should be like based on our projections, we can create healthier relationships with these individuals and avoid creating damaging stereotypes.
How do audiences project expectations onto queer public figures, and what are the consequences?
Queer people are often portrayed as unconventional and non-binary in society, which means that they may have more difficult time fitting into certain social roles. Audiences who identify with these identities can project their own experiences and beliefs onto these figures. This can lead to high expectations for behavior and performance, which can be impossible to meet. Additionally, when someone doesn't live up to expectations, it can lead to disappointment, anger, and even rejection.