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. Along with the scripted flamboyance of the gay man, their wardrobe usually consists of colorful and extravagant articles of clothing. Another common gay male character in film is the “closeted athlete”. This character is overused and usually has barely any depth other than their sexual frustrations.
On the opposite end of this spectrum is the portrayal of gay women in film. These often fall into the category of “butch” lesbian, which then further carries the stereotype of having a very strong, dark, and brooding personality. They are usually playing a “badass” role and mirroring that style through their clothing, haircut, and demeanor. Oftentimes they are clothed in dark colors, with harsh edges, such as leather jackets, flannels, and beanies. Their hair is often styled very short with undercuts, or fun colors implemented to stereotypically demonstrate to viewers that they are “traditionally gay”. With lesbian women in film, they are also portrayed on the opposite end of the spectrum for the male viewer’s entertainment or viewing “pleasure”. In film and media, today girl on girl relationships and sexual behaviors have been hypersexualized by men.
While gay men and gay women are portrayed differently on TV when it comes to the details, general purposes and messages are similar. Gay characters are often scarce, and when they are included, they are often shallow and not very rounded out. There also needs to be a better representation of gay characters with LGBTQ actors. It is great to have a heterosexual actor who is comfortable enough in their sexuality to play an LGBTQ character. However, there are most definitely LGBTQ actors who audition which can add another sense of realism to the character. Although there are many problematic representations, there are also some great shows with amazing representations that are must watches! So far, there has been immense progress to create more developed LGBTQ characters in recent years. For example, Eric from the tv show Sex Education. He is a gay man who has amazing character development throughout the series and has a great friendship with another man that is not at all affected by his sexuality. Characters like that should not have to stand out against a problematic crowd. Instead, it should be the norm for LGBTQ characters to have a well-developed storyline with depth. As the film industry expands and progresses, I hope to see more LGBTQ characters who break the mold of just being a stereotype.
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. Along with the scripted flamboyance of the gay man, their wardrobe usually consists of colorful and extravagant articles of clothing. Another common gay male character in film is the “closeted athlete”. This character is overused and usually has barely any depth other than their sexual frustrations.
On the opposite end of this spectrum is the portrayal of gay women in film. These often fall into the category of “butch” lesbian, which then further carries the stereotype of having a very strong, dark, and brooding personality. They are usually playing a “badass” role and mirroring that style through their clothing, haircut, and demeanor. Oftentimes they are clothed in dark colors, with harsh edges, such as leather jackets, flannels, and beanies. Their hair is often styled very short with undercuts, or fun colors implemented to stereotypically demonstrate to viewers that they are “traditionally gay”. With lesbian women in film, they are also portrayed on the opposite end of the spectrum for the male viewer’s entertainment or viewing “pleasure”. In film and media, today girl on girl relationships and sexual behaviors have been hypersexualized by men.
While gay men and gay women are portrayed differently on TV when it comes to the details, general purposes and messages are similar. Gay characters are often scarce, and when they are included, they are often shallow and not very rounded out. There also needs to be a better representation of gay characters with LGBTQ actors. It is great to have a heterosexual actor who is comfortable enough in their sexuality to play an LGBTQ character. However, there are most definitely LGBTQ actors who audition which can add another sense of realism to the character. Although there are many problematic representations, there are also some great shows with amazing representations that are must watches! So far, there has been immense progress to create more developed LGBTQ characters in recent years. For example, Eric from the tv show Sex Education. He is a gay man who has amazing character development throughout the series and has a great friendship with another man that is not at all affected by his sexuality. Characters like that should not have to stand out against a problematic crowd. Instead, it should be the norm for LGBTQ characters to have a well-developed storyline with depth. As the film industry expands and progresses, I hope to see more LGBTQ characters who break the mold of just being a stereotype.
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