Media Representation of Sexuality

• Media Representations of sexuality have historically been mostly heterosexual, with LGBT representations being largely invisible
• Batchelor et al completed their studies on the media representation of homosexuality in 2009
• Batchelor et al (2009) found that when gay representatives did appear in the mainstream media, they weren't generally integrated into plot lines, but rather gayness was part of the plot, seen as a source of anxiety, or as a target of teasing or bullying
• Craig completed their studies on media representations of homosexuality in 1992
• Craig (1992) said the 3rd Media Signifier of Gayness was Deviant Identity:

  • Where gay people are portrayed as evil or devious, possibly as sexual predators or who feel guilty about their sexuality, such representations seem to construct homosexuality as morally wrong
• Craig (1992) said the 2nd Media Signifier of Gayness was Macho Identity:

  • An openly sexual look which exaggerates aspects of traditional masculinity, as exemplified by the village people
• Craig (1992) said the 1st Media Signifier of Gayness was Camp Identity:

  • The 'flamboyant figure of fun' = A non-threatening representation of gayness, lying somewhere between male & female and one of the most widely found representations
• Craig (1992) identified 3 Media Signifiers of 'gayness':

  1. Camp Identity
  2. Macho Identity
  3. Deviant Identity