This document discusses representation of sexuality and identity in TV dramas. It begins by defining sexual orientation and then examines stereotypes that are commonly used in portraying LGBTQ+ individuals in media. For gay men, common stereotypes include being effeminate, only interested in sex, lonely, and facing family rejection. For lesbian women, stereotypes include being masculine and aggressive and only having "butch" or "femme" relationships. Bisexuals are often portrayed as confused, promiscuous, or not "real". The document suggests considering different characteristics when representing various sexual identities in TV to avoid relying on stereotypes.
3. How could sexual identity be represented?
How can you position them against each
other?
Sexual
Identity
1. Homosexual man Vs. Heterosexual man
2. Homosexual woman Vs. Heterosexual woman
Consider linking the micro elements – how would you represent this
identity?
What do they look like?
Wear?
Sound like?
Do for a living?
How do they behave?
4. Homosexual representation stereotypes
• Gay men are portrayed as overly effeminate
• There can be the belief that all gay men desire to be women or
are feminine
• Gay characters are condemned to a life alone without children
• Mothers regret being too close to their sons, thinking that is what
"made" them gay
• The idea is that its just a phase.
• Drifting from one sexual liaison to another, they end up old and
alone; Gay men are only concerned with sex
• Gay men are flamboyant , feminine characters, have camp
mannerisms
• Represented as often feared, pitied or being the subject of
laughter
• Gay men do professions like fashions, material design and hair
styling
• Gay men are often depicted as suffering family rejection
• Speak with a lisp
5. Homosexual Females:
•Gay women are portrayed as overly masculine
•Often represented to be aggressive and mouthy
•There is always the ‘masculine’ and the ‘feminine’
partner in any gay female relationship
•Drifting from one sexual liaison to another, they end up
old and alone
•Gay women do jobs such as sports/P.E. teachers and
military and are butch
•Lesbians commonly represented as pursuing
heterosexual women.
•Gay women are often depicted as suffering family
rejection
9. Stereotypes about Bisexuals
People deny that bisexuality is real
They are confused, undecided, dabblers,
insecure, experimenting or “just going
through a phase”.
People are either ‘gay, straight or lying’
They are promiscuous
They are greedy
10. Stereotypes about heterosexuals
•They are always monogamous
•It is the ‘norm’
•‘There is nothing at all wrong with
heterosexuality’
•Male partners can be abusers
•Straight couples always want
children
11. Viewing of Past Exam Extract
Be prepared to feedback your observations on the
representation of sexuality
