Stereotypes Of LGBT's By The Media

When LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) characters first came on screens it was in the 70’s. They were either “coming out” or being portrayed as having something wrong with them. But interestingly were all played by straight actors. As years went on more stereotypes were added to LGBT characters. As a gay the media portrays them to be, very flamboyant, not athletic, loves musicals, very sassy, they sleep around, don’t seem to stay in relationships for too long and the main one fashion is their life. In majority of women’s TV shows were a gay is a character, they are to be “the gay best friend”. The one that is always there, talks about everything, gives great advice on relationships and fashion. But never really seen in a relationship themselves. As an example the TV show “Will and Grace” show all these stereotypes. And even though this would be an old show it is still a prime example of media’s stereotypes. A more recent show that still uses stereotypes is “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”.

As lesbians are portrayed in media to be butch, manly, feminists, cheaters, again don’t stay in relationships for too long and again like gays sleep around a lot. This I feel is no longer the case in the last few years. Lesbians have come more diverse. In my opinion I think that lesbians have left the media stereotypes, as TV viewers may be more open to lesbians then gays. I feel that men would be more comfortable and acceptable watching lesbians on screen rather than gays. A prime example of all this is “Orange is the new black”. Here we have a show based on lesbians and bisexual women. This is a huge hit with men and women. As for shows that are based on gays I cannot say there is.

LGBT characters on television admittedly have come a long over the years. But still have a lot further to go, especially gay stereotypes. Not all gays hate sports or doing “manly” stuff. And hopefully in the next 10 to 20 years we do get to see a change.