Grade 8 Healthy Living 8.14 examine the media’s portrayal of sexual orientation

Media formats Newspaper Magazines Television Social Media/ Twitter/ FB - Internet Radio/Pod Casts

Media Portrayal of LGBT People The media’s portrayal ranges from positive to very negative. The LGBT community is constantly battling with the negative image and trying to overcome stereotypes in televisions, films and other media.

However coverage has become more positive in recent years, possibily in an attempt by marketers to appeal to LGBT people.

Representation of transgender characters has increased in the last ten years, now including reocurring characters in popular shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Degrassi, Ugly Betty, Orange is the New Black and Glee.

TV shows that have characters from the LGBT community Modern Family Will & Grace Ellen Glee

Because 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, gay men are portrayed as overly promiscuous, flashy and incredibly bold. Gay and Lesbian families are commonly misunderstood because societies equates sexual orientation with the ability to reproduce. Gay and lesbian, even in movies, are usually not the main characters. They most of the time fall into the stereotyped supporting character or portrayed as a victim or villain.

Information Accessed from Wikipedia