LGBTQ+ Representation in film and television

 by Ben Davis

Film and television representation of the LGBT community has improved tremendously in the last decade with almost all new programmes including some form of LGBT representation. However, whilst we have come a long way, there are some problems which should be addressed. 

Firstly, whilst it may be common to see a gay or lesbian character in a film, it’s uncommon to see a transgender character. The film is even less likely to feature a pansexual/ non-binary/ asexual character. This has got to change. There is disproportionate representation of gay and lesbian characters to other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Now, I’m not saying that companies such as Netflix and Amazon should cram all of their material with a host of characters spanning the LGBTQ community. No, that would simply be unrealistic considering that, at a stretch, estimates suggest that 5% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+. I also accept that films/ programs set pre 1990’s may feature fewer LGBT characters due to lower acceptance of the community at the time. I’m simply saying that, instead of cramming in another gay character - show some variety. Add a character who identifies as non-binary or perhaps ? Show viewers that just because their specific sexuality is not adequately represented (unlike gay/ lesbian characters) this doesn’t degrade it in any way and that they should not assume that gay/lesbian people are preferred or more accepted just because of disproportionate representation. 
Secondly, I’d like to highlight the way that large production companies portray LGBT characters. As if to say ‘look we have ticked the diversity box, they’re DEFINITELY gay’, companies will aim to extenuate typically gay mannerisms/ accents etc.. such that the final product ends up being the most stereotypical gay character physically possible. For example, while most see Modern Family as an excellent example of how modern television should be filmed, I only partly agree. Mitchel and Cam, the resident gay couple, are heavily stereotypical. Cameron, in my opinion, is presented as overly feminine. Considering this heavy focus on femininity for gay characters is common across Hollywood, it presents a dangerous idea of how a gay person ‘should’ behave. Being brought up watching films and televsion programmes involving heavily feminine gay characters I find myself sometimes altering my own personality in order to align with those stereotypes presented to me on television - which, when looking back, is completely ridiculous. I guess what I’m trying to say is that production companies need to understand that not all gay people present themselves in the same way - that just because some people may adopt typically gay mannerisms, those who don’t are not ‘less gay’ and don’t need to shift towards stereotypes. 

Finally, there’s even disproportionate representation between the genders. It’s infinitely more common to watch a programme/ film involving a male gay character rather than a lesbian character. Why ? Well to be honest, I have no idea. For some reason, production companies are more willing to throw in a guy. Think of some of the most well received gay films. For me, I think of ‘Love, Simon’ (a coming of age film centred around a man). Perhaps i’m just biased but I’m sure most would agree that it’s certainly not 50/50. 

To conclude, whilst I think great progress has been made in recent years in regard to LGBTQ+ representation, there are some fundamental errors that have been made along the way which need to be addressed. 1. Writers need to realise that they have more options than gay, lesbian or transgender when planning their storylines. 2. Directors need to stop over exaggerating stereotypical gay mannerisms and 3. Companies need to reassess the gender balance when choosing LGBT characters for their films.