Finding Home: 
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Representation in Films and TV Shows

ADOBESTOCK / GETTY IMAGES / CARTOON NETWORK / NETFLIX / DISNEY

ADOBESTOCK / GETTY IMAGES / CARTOON NETWORK / NETFLIX / DISNEY   

Films and TV shows play a significant role in shaping cultural norms, beliefs, and identities. They are not just sources of entertainment but powerful tools for storytelling, reflecting societal values and influencing public perception. For the LGBTQ+ community, representation in media is a critical issue, one that speaks to visibility, acceptance, and the right to see oneself reflected in the stories told by society. In both America and Great Britain, the struggle for accurate and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in film and television has been long and complex. This article explores the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in these two cultural powerhouses, examining the historical context, the progress made, and the challenges that remain.

The Historical Context of LGBTQ+ Representation

In the early 20th century, LGBTQ+ representation in American film and television was virtually non-existent or highly problematic. The Hollywood Production Code, also known as the Hays Code, which governed American cinema from the 1930s to the 1960s, strictly prohibited any depiction of homosexuality. This led to LGBTQ+ characters being either completely erased from mainstream narratives or portrayed in a negative light, often as villains, deviants, or tragic figures.

When LGBTQ+ characters did appear, they were often coded—subtly hinted at but never explicitly identified. For example, in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope (1948) and Rebecca (1940), the queer subtext was clear to those who knew what to look for, but it remained unspoken, reflecting society’s discomfort with openly acknowledging LGBTQ+ identities.

In Great Britain, the situation was somewhat similar, although the British film industry was not governed by a code as strict as the Hays Code. British cinema, too, often depicted LGBTQ+ characters through subtext and innuendo. During the 1950s and 1960s, British films like Victim (1961) began to address homosexuality more directly, reflecting the country’s evolving attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights. Victim is notable for being one of the first films to use the word “homosexual” explicitly and to portray a gay character sympathetically, although it still operated within the constraints of the era, focusing on the tragic consequences of being gay in a repressive society.

The UK also saw some LGBTQ+ representation in television, albeit in limited and often stereotypical forms. Camp characters and innuendo-laden humor were more common than serious portrayals of LGBTQ+ life, reflecting a culture that was still grappling with its own prejudices.

Breaking Barriers

The 1970s marked a significant shift in American media, with the Stonewall Riots of 1969 serving as a catalyst for greater visibility of LGBTQ+ issues. The counterculture movements of the time encouraged more open discussions about sexuality, leading to the gradual inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in film and television. One of the landmark moments in American television was the airing of That Certain Summer (1972), a made-for-TV movie that sympathetically portrayed a gay relationship. Though the film was groundbreaking, it still depicted the relationship as a source of conflict and tragedy, reflecting the limited acceptance of the time.

The 1980s and 1990s saw further progress, although it was often met with resistance. The AIDS crisis brought LGBTQ+ issues to the forefront of public consciousness, and media representations began to reflect the realities of the epidemic. Films like Philadelphia (1993), starring Tom Hanks as a lawyer with AIDS, were instrumental in humanising LGBTQ+ individuals and bringing their struggles into the mainstream. However, many representations still centred around tragedy and victimhood, contributing to a narrative of LGBTQ+ life as inherently fraught with suffering. On television, shows like Dynasty and Thirtysomething introduced gay characters, but these portrayals were often controversial and limited by network censorship. Nevertheless, these representations were crucial in challenging stereotypes and slowly changing public perceptions.

In Britain, the 1970s and 1980s also saw significant shifts in LGBTQ+ representation. The legalisation of homosexuality in 1967 marked the beginning of a slow cultural transformation, with media starting to reflect these changes. The BBC drama A Very British Scandal (1972) was one of the earliest examples of British television tackling LGBTQ+ issues head-on, depicting the real-life story of Jeremy Thorpe, a British politician who was tried for conspiracy to murder his former lover, Norman Scott. The show was groundbreaking in its frank portrayal of homosexuality, although it still highlighted the challenges and dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a largely hostile society.

The 1980s brought more visibility, with shows like EastEnders introducing LGBTQ+ characters into mainstream narratives. The character of Colin Russell, who appeared on EastEnders in 1986, was one of the first openly gay characters on British television, and his storyline, which included a controversial kiss, was a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the UK.

1989: On ABC's 'thirtysomething,' recurring gay characters Russell (David Marshall Grant) and Peter (Peter Frechette) were shown in bed together.

The Golden Age of LGBTQ+ Representation

The 2000s marked what many consider the golden age of LGBTQ+ representation in American media. Shows like Will & Grace (1998-2006, 2017-2020) were pivotal in bringing gay characters into the homes of millions of Americans. The show, which featured openly gay characters in leading roles, was a critical and commercial success, helping to normalise LGBTQ+ identities for a mainstream audience. Will & Grace was credited with helping to shift public opinion on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly same-sex marriage, by portraying LGBTQ+ characters as relatable and endearing. As the decade progressed, more diverse and complex representations began to emerge. Shows like The L Word (2004-2009, 2019-) focused on the lives of lesbian women, offering a more nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. Meanwhile, Glee (2009-2015) introduced a younger generation to LGBTQ+ characters through its diverse cast, including Kurt Hummel, one of the first openly gay teenage characters on prime-time television.

The 2010s saw even greater strides with shows like Pose (2018-2021), which focused on the lives of transgender and gay people of colour in New York City’s ballroom scene during the 1980s and 1990s. Pose was groundbreaking not only for its subject matter but also for its casting of transgender actors in transgender roles, marking a significant step forward in authentic representation. The show’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ resilience and community resonated deeply with audiences, further solidifying the importance of representation in media.

Films during this period also made significant progress. Brokeback Mountain (2005) was a critical success and brought a tragic gay love story to a mainstream audience. While the film was celebrated for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship, it also faced criticism for perpetuating the “tragic gay” trope. Nonetheless, it marked a significant moment in the history of LGBTQ+ representation in cinema.

In Great Britain, the 2000s saw a similar evolution in LGBTQ+ representation, with shows like Queer as Folk (1999-2000) leading the charge. Created by Russell T Davies, Queer as Folk was a groundbreaking series that depicted the lives of gay men in Manchester with an unprecedented level of honesty and candour. The show was both celebrated and controversial, sparking debates about the portrayal of LGBTQ+ lifestyles on television. Following the success of Queer as Folk, British television continued to explore LGBTQ+ themes with shows like Sugar Rush (2005-2006), which focused on the coming-of-age story of a teenage lesbian, and Skins (2007-2013), which included LGBTQ+ characters as part of its ensemble cast. These shows were instrumental in bringing LGBTQ+ stories to a younger audience, reflecting the changing attitudes toward sexuality in British society.

In recent years, British television has continued to push the boundaries of LGBTQ+ representation. Shows like It’s a Sin (2021), also created by Russell T Davies, have received widespread acclaim for their portrayal of the LGBTQ+ experience. It’s a Sin focused on a group of friends navigating life during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, offering a poignant and powerful exploration of love, loss, and resilience. The show’s impact was profound, sparking discussions about the history of HIV/AIDS and the ongoing stigma faced by those living with the virus.

The Importance of Authentic Representation

For LGBTQ+ individuals, seeing themselves represented in media is more than just a matter of visibility; it’s about identity and validation. Representation in films and TV shows allows LGBTQ+ people to see themselves reflected in the stories that society tells, affirming their existence and their right to live authentically.

In both America and Great Britain, media representation has played a crucial role in shaping LGBTQ+ identities. Positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters can help individuals come to terms with their own identities, providing a sense of belonging and community. For many LGBTQ+ youth, seeing characters who share their experiences can be a lifeline, offering hope and reassurance in a world that often feels hostile or unwelcoming.

Accurate and diverse representation also plays a key role in challenging stereotypes and breaking down prejudices. For decades, LGBTQ+ characters were often portrayed as villains, comic relief, or tragic figures, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and contributing to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Today, however, there is a growing recognition of the importance of authentic storytelling. Shows like Pose and It’s a Sin have been praised for their nuanced and realistic portrayals of LGBTQ+ life, offering viewers a more complex understanding of what it means to be LGBTQ+. These shows not only provide representation but also challenge viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions, fostering greater empathy and understanding.

LGBTQ+ representation in media also has the power to influence public opinion and, by extension, policy. Studies have shown that exposure to LGBTQ+ characters in media can lead to increased acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and support for LGBTQ+ rights. For example, a 2015 GLAAD study found that non-LGBTQ+ viewers who saw LGBTQ+ characters on TV were more likely to support LGBTQ+ rights and feel positively about LGBTQ+ people.

In both America and Great Britain, media representation has played a role in the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Shows like Will & Grace and Queer as Folk not only entertained but also educated viewers, helping to shift public opinion in favour of LGBTQ+ equality. This shift in public perception has, in turn, influenced policy decisions, contributing to the progress made in areas such as same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination protections.

Diversity Within the LGBTQ+ Community

One of the ongoing challenges is the lack of diversity within LGBTQ+ representation. While there has been an increase in the visibility of gay and lesbian characters, other identities within the LGBTQ+ community, such as bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals, are often underrepresented or misrepresented. For example, transgender characters have historically been portrayed by cisgender actors, leading to concerns about authenticity and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. In recent years, there has been a push for more authentic representation, with shows like Pose leading the way by casting transgender actors in transgender roles. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all identities within the LGBTQ+ community are represented fairly and accurately.

Another challenge is the issue of tokenism, where LGBTQ+ characters are included in a show or film simply to meet diversity quotas, without being given meaningful storylines or character development. This can lead to shallow and stereotypical portrayals that do little to advance the cause of representation. To address this issue, it’s important for media creators to focus on telling authentic, nuanced stories that reflect the full diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience. This means going beyond surface-level representation and exploring the complexities of LGBTQ+ life, including the intersection of sexual orientation with race, gender, class, and other identities.

The journey toward meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in films and TV shows has been long and fraught with challenges, but significant progress has been made in both America and Great Britain. From the coded depictions of early Hollywood to the groundbreaking shows of the 21st century, LGBTQ+ representation has evolved in ways that have profoundly impacted both the LGBTQ+ community and society at large.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, representation in media is about more than just visibility; it’s about finding a sense of home and belonging in a world that has often excluded or marginalised them. It’s about seeing themselves reflected in the stories that society tells and knowing that their identities and experiences are valid and worthy of recognition.

As we move forward, it’s crucial to continue pushing for more diverse, authentic, and meaningful representation in media. By doing so, we can help to create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can find a place in the stories that shape our culture and our lives.

Ben Maguire

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