Media portrayal of LGBT people

Media portrayal of LGBT people ranges from positive to very negative. The gay community is constantly battling with the negative image and trying to overcome stereotypes in television, films and other media. However, coverage has become more positive in recent years, possibly in an attempt by marketers to appeal to LGBT people.

Overview

Since lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people look just like anyone else, the media often adds images to make the gay community as visible as a difference in skin color. In many forms of popular entertainment, gays are portrayed as overly promiscuous, flashy and incredibly bold.

There is currently a widespread view that reference to gays should be omitted from child-related entertainment. When such references do occur they almost invariably generate controversy. In 1997, when American comedian Ellen DeGeneres came out of the closet on her popular sitcom, many sponsors, such as the Wendy's fast food chain, pulled their advertising.^[1]

Despite the stereotypical depictions of gays, the media has at times promoted acceptance of gays with television shows such as Will and Grace and Queer Eye. This increased publicity reflects the coming-out movement of the LGBT community. As more celebrities come out, more gay-friendly shows develop, such as the 2004 show The L Word. With the popularity of gay television shows, music artists and gay fashion, Western culture has had to open its eyes to the gay community.

In the United States, gay people are frequently used as a symbol of social decadence by celebrity evangelists and by organizations such as Focus on the Family.

In Québec, RG Magazine was a major defender of LGBT causes for some 30 years.^{[citation needed]}

News coverage of LGBT events

Much of the negative media that surrounds the gay community has to do with pride parades that turn into drag shows or riots.^{[citation needed]} Opposition argues that such degrees of sexuality and nudity in public is not appropriate. News stories have typically identified the opposition to these demonstrations as led by Christian conservatives and not political figures.^[2]

Marketing to the LGBT community

The gay community has been targeted by marketers who view LGBT people as an untapped source of discretionary spending, as many couples have two income streams and no children. As a result, companies are advertising more and more to the gay community, and LGBT activists use advertisement slogans to promote gay community views. Subaru marketed its "Forester" and "Outback" models with the slogan "It's not a choice. It's the way we're built" which was later used in eight United States cities on streets or in gay rights events.^[3]

LGBT media advocacy organizations

Many LGBT organizations exist to represent and defend the gay community. For example, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in the United States and Stonewall in the UK work with the media to help portray fair and accurate images of the gay community.

See also

• Media portrayal of lesbianism
• List of media portrayals of bisexuality
• List of transgender characters in film and television

References

1. ^ "10 Unique Facts Regarding the Fast-food Franchise with the Old-fashioned Burgers: Wendy’s". Gomestic. Stanza Ltd. 2009. http://www.gomestic.com/Consumer-Information/10-Unique-Facts-Regarding-the-Fast-food-Franchise-with-the-Old-fashioned-Burgers-Wendys.427675. 
2. ^ Gay Pride parade attracts thousands. The Irish News. April 4, 2008
3. ^ Fetto, John. In Broad Daylight - Marketing to the gay community - Brief Article. BNet. Feb. 2001. [1]