The Gay Stereotype in the Media

According to last weeks reading, "Stereotyping," stereotypes aren’t just apparent in films and novels, they are believed and sometimes even conformed to in the “real world.” We must stop and consider how and stereotypes are being portrayed, because they “speak” for the masses in harmful and demeaning ways, rather than focusing on individual people.

The media likes to depict gay men as flamboyant. According to the media, they like fashion, going shopping and helping girlfriends decide what to buy, they like to gossip and complain, and dress up in women's clothing. Rarely do you see a gay man in the media portrayed differently, and when you do they are the complete opposite of feminine. The only gay men in the media are on each furthest side of the spectrum. What this creates is a stereotype.

A problem this causes is with young gay men and adolescents who have yet to "come out." They are still adjusting and figuring out who they are, and how to translate themselves to others. The media is showing these two stereotypes and almost forcing them to pick one, when in reality they are neither. They use the stereotypes to try and project themselves, but they are really just harming their individuality. This has really impacted me personally with a close friend dealing with this. At home he is very much himself and comfortable, but when we are groups of friends he really plays into the flamboyant stereotype.