Gay Stereotypes in Film
Throughout my extensive experience as a viewer of film and tv shows, I have noticed some common themes. These themes include LGBTQ+ characters acting stereotypically. Specifically, the significant differences in how LGBTQ men versus LGBTQ women are portrayed. Often gay men and gay women are portrayed as their gender counterparts. For example, gay men are often portrayed as the “gay best friend”, depicting an overly flamboyant, sassy, and over the top character who is often put in place as the comedic relief. One example of this character would be Christian from Clueless who becomes Cher’s “shopping partner” or fashion buddy and as previously mentioned, her “gay best friend”. Gay men are often written into a show for the sole purpose of adding diversity to the cast or as a supporting character for the main characters, specifically for “hyping up” or reassuring the female lead. Gay men are also only really portrayed as being friends with women. Alon...