By: Sandra Wiktor
Yes. The answer to the title question is an unapologetic and passionate yes. And not only homosexuals – the entire LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other identities such as asexual) community should play a larger role in entertainment media. There is, of course, the question of why, and the answer is quite simple:
LGBT+ communities should be more visible in media because there is a question about whether or not they should or should not be to begin with.
People must come to terms with the fact that there are people with sexualities other than heterosexuality, and they must move on. LGBT+ people still face daily struggles simply to survive in a world where their sexuality makes them outcasts. Seventy-eight percent of gay or perceived-to-be-gay teens are harassed in their schools and communities, which is significantly more than for individuals who are heterosexual, according to Violence Prevention Works. In addition, in a sample of about 3,500 students aged 13 to 18, one third of the students struggle against bullying because of their sexual orientation, or students’ perception of their sexual orientation. This is old news. The fact that people still see a sexuality other than heterosexuality as something wrong or shameful and therefore something warranting harassment is a major concern. What can be done to ease the struggles and pain of people who happen to be part of the LGBT+ community? How can they gain acceptance?
Well, what has humanity done to sway opinions ever since it was possible to do so?
Put it on TV. T
elevision has a profound effect on life, no matter how stubborn one is in one’s long-held views. TV and other sources of media show how best to react in or to certain situations as depicted in the program. If TV shows people reacting to the LGBT+ community with acceptance, the viewers will be more inclined to do so as well. Several studies have supported this concept. For example, a multi-method research study was conducted by Latino Decisions and NHMC about the effect of media-encouraged stereotypes of immigrants and Latinos on non-Latino people’s attitude towards them. They have found that, “News and entertainment media have a strong influence on non-Latino perceptions about Latinos and immigrants” through a series of interactive online-experiments. This is a clear example of how portraying a repressed group in a positive or in simply a non-dehumanizing light in media changes perceptions of them.
However, some people may not be specifically homophobic, but they may be uncomfortable with seeing the LGBT+ community on TV. What could be done about that? Well, there are two options for an individual such as the one described. That person can turn off the television and change what he or she views, or simply open his or her mind to change those views, because if the idea of a homosexual character on TV is uncomfortable for them, something is wrong. This kind of mentality can only breed an internalized prejudice and consequent discriminatory action. It is no longer an issue of “personal opinion.” It is an issue of putting innocent people at risk for something beyond their control, because even if one person’s prejudiced attitudes are subtle, another’s may be radical and vicious. Any form of prejudice bears weight, no matter how subtle. In fact, this kind of unassuming prejudice may be more effective at spreading a prejudiced mentality than a virulent slur. The only way this can be countered is through a widespread mentality of acceptance, whereby the question “Are you gay?” is spoken and perceived in the same way a query like “Is your zodiac sign Virgo?” is.
What exactly does it mean for a character on TV to be part of the LGBT+ community? This does not necessarily mean the character has to be in a romantic situation (but he or she certainly can be). LGBT+ characters on TV need only to be treated equally to non-LGBT+ characters: as humans, as people, who are more than just their sexuality. They should be complex characters depicted as heroes, as mentors, as companions, as villains, as normal people. Non-LGBT+ characters are not known just for being “heterosexual” and members of the LGBT+ community should have the privilege of being more than their sexuality as well, while still exploring their sexual identity. They must simply be shown to exist.
For example, in the Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus series, one important side-character is Nico di Angelo, who is very well-liked by his fans. He builds up a reputation as a very complex, interesting and lovable character. It is not until the middle of the second series that he is revealed to be gay (or, at least, to have a same-sex romantic interest). This allows readers to create their own assessment of Nico without being hindered by the stereotypes they may associate with homosexuals. This is a series targeted at children who may fall victim to their parents’ homophobia. If they have latent, internalized prejudice against people who are gay, they have a predicament, since a character that they may like very much is gay. They have two options: decide that they dislike the character because of it, or accept that he is gay and like him anyway. Chances are, they will chose the second option. If they readily accept this character, then they are more likely to enthusiastically accept people who are gay.
This issue goes beyond LGBT+ representation. Ethnic minorities also fall victim to lack of portrayal, which creates as many problems as it does for the LGBT+ community. By the same logic, racism is perpetuated as a result of stereotypical or inadequate depiction, as may feelings of inferiority. A lack of different body types and of complex, positive female characters poses a similar problem. And so, in addition to more representation of the LGBT+ community, more representation of people other than attractive, straight, white, slender characters should be evident in media in order to create a more accepting community.
Despite the fact that lack of representation is a problem, society is beginning to amend its judgmental ways. Recently, two animated cartoons aimed at children, The Legend of Korra and Steven Universe, confirmed characters in the LGBT+ community. The Legend of Korra boasts two bisexual characters (Korra and Asami Sato), both of whom were previously involved romantically with a member of the opposite sex before developing interest in one another. Steven Universe also depicts two characters (Ruby and Sapphire) presented as feminine in a canon relationship. This is a momentous step in the development of a better society, but even more must be done.
Media is capable of committing unforgivable grievances against the world. It encourages propaganda, glamorizes unhealthy, dangerous practices and stereotypes, and causes devastating conflict. However, media is capable of tremendous wonders as well, and should be used with this objective in mind. With this powerful tool, the idealistic, previously unattainable dream of a society accepting the LGBT+ community could be on the fringes of fruition.
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