Introduction:
What is the problem with the representation of the LGBTQ+ community in film? The main problem: that this is even a problem at all. The representation, or misrepresentation that is, has not gone unnoticed. “When gays and lesbians do appear on screen, it is more often than not in ways that uphold stereotypical notions, such as the ‘pansy’ male or the ‘hardboiled’ woman,” is how Mangin explains this dilemma. This statement holds truth, but it is only the beginning of addressing the problem. Society has deemed it necessary to discriminate against this community, instead of accepting them, and treating them how they should be treated; like normal people, since that is what they are, of course. unjust way the LGBTQ+ community …show more content…
In the film Crocodile Dundee (1986), a female character says, “probably marching now, for the gay Nazis or something,” referring to her previous significant lover. This statement, for obvious reasons, may very well be insulting to some. This film character put someone with a sexual preference on the same level as a group of fascists with the intent of using these words in a derogatory way. Additionally, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007), two men try for a life insurance deal, but to do this, they must pretend to be gay. The film is weighted with numerous homophobic quotes such as, “But really, this is a great thing, even if straight guys might think it’s gross,” and “Having people think you’re gay is gross.” The sexual preferences of, in this particular instance, actual gay men are portrayed in a humiliating and demeaning manner. This film makes it seem as if one can get special treatment by proclaiming they are gay and abusing what is a struggle for this community. Contrasting to the constant objectification of women, members of the LGBTQ+ community have this struggle themselves. One of the newest additions to this film conundrum is G.B.F. (Gay Best Friend) (2013). This film objectifies a gay high school boy who was outed in his school and was then sought after to be the ‘gay best friend’ of many high school girls. The movie, although maybe not completely homophobic in ways, objectifies gay …show more content…
Because of this, the lack of acceptance lingers on as they battle to find a voice and natural place in film and culture (Carilli et al. 8). Just as it was a problem in earlier film, as stated in the previous paragraph, films from the 1900’s, and even still to the present day, still have these occurring stereotypes and discrimination. Even the media’s advertising is questionable on this issue. Film regarding the LGBTQ+ community is often advertised to target audiences. This has most often meant demeaning nature towards this group as to make the targeted audience more comfortable with what may be going on in the film. Because these sexual preferences are at times not accepted, it seems that the easy way out is to put down this group and belittle them (Cabosky). Another problematic instance is when foreign movies get their actors’ voices replaced by a voice speaking a different language, also known as dubbing. This act may seem harmless, but the chosen voice actors fall under this same discrimination umbrella. To ‘fit’ the characters’ personalities and character traits in film, voice actors that ‘sound’ gay, or an overly female man’s voice, lesbian, or a deeper, more masculine woman’s voice, are chosen (Fasoli). This plays into the already set stereotypes that need to be long