Queer media challenges gender norms and heterosexual relationship stereotypes through the representation of the LGBTQ+ community. We can see the progression of queer acceptance in society in relation to queer representation in the media. In recent years, queer media has become more prevelent, with movies, tv, music, and podcasts including more LGBTQ+ characters/ideas and using more queer methods of storytelling. I think for a lot of people it’s important to see representation of someone like yourself in the media because it helps to find your identity and feel accepted. For example, in the coming of age film Love, Simon, the main character is a closeted high school student who struggles with his sexuality and fears coming out to his friends and family. Exploring the complexities that come with identity, sexuality, and coming out, this film is important for queer individuals to see themselves positively represented on the movie screen. Released in 2018, Love, Simon was the first film with a gay protagonist to be backed by a major film studio. There was a hugely positive reaction to the film, inspiring many individuals to come out and even share their experiences on social media. Below, I included some tweets of people sharing their experiences after watching the film. Queer representation in media is so important because media has such an infleuential role on our cultures and identities.
Tweets from 2018 after Love Simon was released
I completely agree with the idea that queer representation in the media has been helpful in tackling the issue of identity crisis. This is because queer media that has been produced in recent times has had Inclusivity as one of its main goals. As seen from your love Simon example, the consumption of queer media from a major production company had a positive effect and this can lead us to question the role that major production companies play in queer media consumption as they continue to endorse more of it.
I agree with the idea that movies like Love Simon help create a safe space for people that are struggling with their identities. The tweets you provided are real-life proof that media sources that include members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to have such positive and lasting impacts on people’s lives. It’s amazing that a singular movie was able to provide so much comfort and confidence for some people that it allowed them to come out to their families. I hope that in the future, the number of media sources featuring LGBTQ+ characters continues to grow so that the amount of help provided is unlimited.
I agree queer media help the LGBTQ+ community to find their identity with a positive image. I like the example of Love Simon and tweets of people sharing their experiences after watching the film, which shows the power of new media. People resonate with these queer media, which provide more support and understanding to them. It’s happy to see the development of queer media. People influenced by movies and TV shows have confidence to accept themselves and find their own identities. I think this is one of the biggest effects of new media: bring power to real life. Hope there will be more powerful and positive queer media works in the future.
Love Simon is one of the first examples of Queer media that I remember causing a huge stir on social media platforms. Although queer media was far from new when the movie was released, I think that Love Simon was one of the first examples of queer media that made a huge impact on culture as it reached so many different demographics of people. I remember seeing social media posts from teens and adults alike, as the film inspired many to share their stories about coming out. Sharing stories and experiences is so important in uplifting a community, and I sincerely believe that the reaction that Love Simon got from the media and queer community inspired the production of other queer films and TV shows.