LGBTQ Representation in the Media

[UofMfan]

I have been thinking, and although I think Will & Grace was a breakthrough show for the times, I believe the characterization of the gay roles were based on cliches and stereotypes. As soon as I typed that I realized that so was the L word...hmmm.

I think that the gay characters on Grey's Anatomy are an improvement, indeed.

As a whole, I believe that the media does a very poor job of representing those of us in the LGBTQ community.

[Greyson]

Does anyone remember the character "Vasquez" in one of the Alien movies? I think the movie depicted one of the very few examples of "Female Masculinity" on the big screen.

When I first viewed this character, my mind screamed out "Butch." ( Of course I also noticed Vasquez was a Latina/o.) Although back when this movie came out, I think it was somewhat of a new or unspoken concept that one could be or feel/project butch and be with a cisgender male. __________________________________________________ _____________

http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...e_Alien_series

Vasquez
Private Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein) was a smartgunner on the Sulaco, partnered with Drake. Vasquez survived the hive and helped seal off the complex from the aliens. She fought together with Drake and killed many aliens during the attack. She was injured when acidic blood from an alien that was shot at point blank range landed on her leg disabling her. Gorman and Vasquez together put their hands on a live grenade to avoid being taken by the aliens. Scholar Judith Halberstam, in her book titled Female Masculinity, wrote that the character is a strong example of female masculinity in film. The Aliens: Colonial Marines comic book limited series features her younger sister (Carmen Vasquez), also a Marine.

[Queerasfck]

There was very little LGBTQ representation on tv when I was growing up in the 60's-70's. We had one tv, my dad chose what we watched. I remember a particular episode of All in the Family with Archie coming home after performing CPR on a woman in his cab. The character (Beverly LaSalle) turns out to be in drag. That was the first time I can remember anything like that. Of course it was played for laughs and shock value.
I grew up in a conservative Catholic family. I never knew any queer people in real life and rarely saw them on tv and when someone was it was played for a joke. I'm not saying that it would have made my coming out process to my family any easier. But the LGBTQ youth of today may benefit in that there is more accurate representation on television now then that of the past.

[Soon]

CBS responds to gay criticisms

Friday, March 5 2010, 7:12am EST
By Dan French, TV Editor

CBS will make a conscious effort to introduce gay characters into its shows, network president Nina Tassler has confirmed.

Last year, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation criticised the Eye network for its lack of gay characters, while it was recently reported that CBS had rejected adverts from a gay dating site.

"Any show can have gay characters," Tassler told The Hollywood Reporter. "We're conscious of that as well. This year one of our pilots, Quinn-tuplets, has gay characters. Any series can.

"This year we made a concerted effort to suggest to producers, if not in pilot, then as we go forward."

Tassler added: "Diversity has always been a priority. It is a conscious choice across the board to pay attention and to add diversity any way we can."



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On entirely different note, remember that Jack, in Three's Company, had to pretend to be gay in order to live with Chrissy and Janet? That was weird now that I think back on it--how he *acted* the caricature of gay when the landlord came by--very swish etc...

Oh, and I couldn't watch Soap (conservative Catholic upbringing as well) b/c of it's *adult content* -- remember Billy Crystal played a gay man named Jodie?

Those are two of my earliest memories regarding TV and this issue.

[Apocalipstic]

It just kills me that the we in the US are so prissy! That commercial was so vague. Ehhhhhh.

I am thrilled to see people like Rachael, Ellen and Wanda Sykes are out and very popular. Yes, they make them wear make up and try to feminize them a bit, but it is better than it used to be.

Things are definitely better than when we were kids, but there is still a looong way to go.

[UofMfan]

I'm with Ezee, I felt the void growing up and I think those growing up gay today have so many benefits, and the simple of joy of being able to watch a TV show that has a character that you may or may not identify with.

I say that because I am not one that believes that TV characters should be our heroes or those we are inspired to be (well except for a few) or look up to, but it is plain fun to me so see gay characters on a show. Also, I think as a teenager I would have appreciated seeing those who reflected what I was going through, if only for the fact that it would have made dealing with the mixed feelings a bit easier.

And I had forgotten about CBS and their homophobic stance regarding the Super Bowl ad. Grrrr!

[Apocalipstic]

We really had no role models growing up.

[Soon]

I'm taking a different angle with this post.

I am so angry about how the media is treating little Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.

The obsession with this child and her appearance is disgusting.

This fixation includes multiple articles on her appearance, as well as speculation of (even!) this child's orientation, reeks of homophobia and transphobia. Just b/c at age THREE (!?), she is not conforming to what the press/society wants her to look like, they are ALL OVER IT.

I feel gross even talking about it b/c she is just a child, but it does reveal a lot about the media and press and what happens when even a child does not conform to societal gender expectations when it comes to appearance.

Here's an article about it on After Ellen:

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's haircut makes headlines
by Dorothy Snarker

[The_Lady_Snow]

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...3983187&ref=mf

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

I'm taking a different angle with this post.

I am so angry about how the media is treating little Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.

The obsession with this child and her appearance is disgusting.

This fixation includes multiple articles on her appearance, as well as speculation of (even!) this child's orientation, reeks of homophobia and transphobia. Just b/c at age THREE (!?), she is not conforming to what the press/society wants her to look like, they are ALL OVER IT.

I feel gross even talking about it b/c she is just a child, but it does reveal a lot about the media and press and what happens when even a child does not conform to societal gender expectations when it comes to appearance.

Here's an article about it on After Ellen:

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's haircut makes headlines
by Dorothy Snarker

I agree that the microscope treatment is difficult on adults, much less impressionable kids just trying to be themselves.

However, if I let my objective side take a walk and let my 'if it's in print, it MUST be true' side come to the foreground, I say flippin' excellent!

If Shiloh wants shorter hair and wants to dress tomboyish and wants to be called John and Brad and Angelina are doing it, brilliant. When I think about it, these are two of the most accepting people in the celebrity scene.

Besides, I actually prefer the shorter hair on her. It is absolutely adorable!

Now, back to the logical part of my post...yes, it's disturbing how much attention is fostered on kids in the media. Let them be, people.

Oh, and I also think that the representation our community has in the media is quite slim. There's no way to represent every branch of our community tree, but I wish they would try harder to do so and to make those characters really good and likeable. I do like Wong's character on SVU. But is being cast as a therapist the only way for our community members to receive a decent representation? Is that only field that 'good lil gay boys 'n girls' get to shine in (without becoming a caricature or stereotype)? That irritates me.