Is the Media Homophobic? Presentations of Gays and Lesbians in the Media

Gay and Lesbians weren't in the media for a very long time. Even now, when looking at commercials, TV shows, or another form of media, homosexuals are not a main topic. Homosexuality in media is hard to find. It’s almost a taboo topic that isn’t brought up very often. There might be hints of it, but there isn't many solely focus on it. There are only a few shows now a days that have regular homosexuals on the episodes. One of which is Glee. This Show features a few homosexual couples.

The two most promenate are these two featured above. In the show, the characters struggle with bulling, but they always come out on top. They are considered strong for being able to "come out" and embrace who they truly are. 

When looking at this subject as a whole, I found that homosexuals are much more "acceptable" in todays standards than in the past. In a new TV show on MTV, it follows around two teenage lesbians and their lives through high school.

In this show, they are looked up too. Even to the point of winning homecoming queen and everyone wanting to be their friends. This is definitely a change from earlier years.

But, in the 1990s it was a completely different view. There was a talk show that featured a gay man, with a very flamboyant attitude.

The way he is portrayed is completely different to the way gays are portrayed today. They are feminine, but not over the top like him. 

Even though homosexuals aren't in the media as much, they are still given certain stereotypes.

Gay men don't all have to be feminine, wear girl things, and love to go shopping. On the other side of it, lesbians aren't always manly, tough, or butch looking. The stereotypes in the media put on a negative view toward these people groups.

Media isn't necessarily homophobic, but they don't put out a real image of who they are. They also don't have enough homosexuals in the media either. They need to be seen and heard more and not pushed down to being less than others.