Opinion: How the Media's Lack of LGBT Representation Affects Closeted Youth
The media plays a major role in the journey of acceptance for LGBTQ people everywhere. Troye Sivan an active advocate and member of the LGBT community once said: “What and who we see in the media defines our perception on the world around us and to see ourselves in what is ‘normal’ and what is acceptable and what is beautiful is absolutely vital.” I wholeheartedly agree. Yet the covers of our magazines, newspapers and TV shows tend to continuously pick and chose people from the same box. The lack of diversity in our media is forcing teens to closet their differences.
A recent study shows that less than 50% of teens whose ages range from 13-20 (Gen Z) identify as completely straight. The flip side of the study shows that 65% of millennials (21-24) identify as strictly heterosexual. From the study alone you can make an obvious assumption that Generation Z is more open and accepting to their queer identities, which is slowing becoming more and more embraced by generations.
Nowadays the media can play a major role in our lives, becoming not only an outlet for teens but for everyone. Who and what we see in our media could alter our idea and maybe even our side on a topic. The media is an obvious hot-spot for teens to find new and trendy information. It could help individuals become more self-aware, discover new and resourceful information, join and find new movement groups and LOADS of other things. Though the media does have an obvious flip side. Media exposure could very well have a negative impact on someone. The media constantly portraits a very hard stereotype that teens are prone to feel left out of. Our media throughout time has always shown picture perfect people, when in fact the people teens strive to be aren't even that was themselves. We feed into the dark parts and into the issues our media puts out there, making teens who aren't just like the ones on magazine covers experience a harsh hit discrimination which is easily covered up in the media.
A very common safe space for LGBT teens is in media outlets like Twitter, Instagram, or Youtube comment sections. Knowing you aren't alone is a key asset on the journey of self-acceptance. This is where a positive and resourceful role model comes in. We need role models. They act as an important figure to our lives. Having a positive role model influences how teens see and go about their future. This doesn't just have an effect on LGBT teens but all teens. The struggle to find a role model for LGBT teens tends to be much harder. Many studies show that lots of LGBT teens actively look for role models in the media to restore lost support from friends and family. Having a quality role model is an important piece of the development process. Knowing you aren't alone has a great impact on a young teens lives. The portrayal of LGBT people in the mainstream media is slowing evolving into a good thing. While the community used to be seen in a comical and villain way, the idea that LGBTQ people are here and are the exact same as anyone else is becoming slowly normalized. The media has a long road to becoming completely accepting and accommodating toward everyone, but regardless the time frame it needs to happen.
The impact that quality representation could bring to the community and to closeted teens everywhere would be extensive. When we start to see people and things in the media we begin to normalize them in real life situations. In the past when LGBT characters and people were shown to fit into stereotypes it hurt the community. People began to disregard the fact that LGBT people are pretty much indistinguishable from any heterosexual or non-queer person. The things we see in our media teaches us how to react and think when it comes to topics like these. It’s important to show that LGBTQ people are here, have always been here and always will be.
Support and kindness are a few things the community asks from you. Whether it is coming from a person in the community or an ally supporting and helping the LGBTQ community it isn't a difficult task. You don't have to be an LGBT person to have a voice in the community. Attend local pride events, write to your local congressperson's or even donate to projects like The Human Rights Foundation, GSA networks, The Trevor Project and the list goes on. Visibility is key in our journey to towards a more diverse and accepting media. Working towards these things take time and dedication. A brighter and more welcoming media begins with us, the people who read and watch what's being put out. While this might seem like the perfect time to shove your opinion in the closet I ask you to be louder. Be apart of the movement, stand up and advocate for what’s right.
