Mind

MIND

Queer Representation in Media

BY KATIE M c COLLOUGH

As a teenager, I was secretly obsessed with the British T.V. show “Skins” for the singular reason that there was an out lesbian character in a couple of episodes. I was still attending my small, religious high school at the time (where you would be sent to the principal’s office if your teacher confiscated a note containing revealing information about your less-than-acceptable sexuality - yes, this happened). The feeling of isolation, of otherness, was given a reprieve when I was able to see myself reflected in a loved, mainstream television character. This is often the case for many queer people.

Mainstream media can impact how we see ourselves, our confidence, and our overall mental health. Especially for adolescent LGBTQ+ people, the media can provide positive role models and a sense of community. According to research, “cultural factors such as media may influence important psychological domains, including individuals’ self-perceptions.” (Gomillion & Giuliano, “The Influence of Media Role Models on Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Identity”) Alternatively, “the message that can come from a society in which LGBTQ people are invisible, especially through the lens of the media, is that ‘you don’t exist and you don’t matter.’” (Jennifer O’Brien, “Psychology Today”)

Representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the media most notably began in the late ‘90s with Ellen DeGeneres coming out on television and the show “Will & Grace.” Since then, our community has risen in visibility with shows like “Pose, “The L Word,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Schitt’s Creek,” to name a few favorites. In GLAAD’s 2020 Where We Are on TV report, “10.2% [regular characters on broadcast scripted primetime broadcasting] were identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer.” This is the highest percentage found since the beginning of this yearly report, fifteen years prior. It is no coincidence that the rise in media visibility parallels the increasing acceptance of our community since the late ‘90s. While there is still so much work to be done, the social progress is clear. This contributes in a major way to our mental health and self-acceptance.

Applying the benefits of exposure to media that reflects your LGBTQ+ identity can be simple. If you haven’t already, nd an online community of people who reflect and support your identity and/or sexuality. The power of a community with like-minded people knows no bounds! Look for queer folks on social media to follow and support, listen to a podcast produced by LGBTQ+ people, watch and rate movies with a cast who reflects how you identify, and watch T.V. shows with characters that resonate with you!

Until next time...you can nd me watching Willow and Tara in Bu y the Vampire Slayer and listening to Sweet Bitter, a podcast about Sappho.

KATIE

McCOLLOUGH, graduate of Flagler College, is currently teaching English Language Arts in Saint Augustine, FL, specializing in gifted and exceptional education. Prior to attending graduate school, Katie plans to pursue her passion for writing while finding time to travel the world