Hey guys! Diana here, and today I want to discuss the importance of representation. Only in recent years have queer characters and relationship wiggled onto the big screen. After decades of the queer community being shoved aside for straight story lines, we are finally starting to see our own blossoming in the limelight. But it isn't all sunshine and rainbows (pardon the pun). As a community, we still face a lot of problems when it comes to media, primarily not being represented at all, and when we are the representation being bad.
No representation is self-explanatory. But what is considered "bad" representation?
Bad representation/misrepresentation occurs when queer characters are present but are presented in such a way that undermines …show more content…
There are so many queer writers trying to shake up the industry to make room for good LGBT+ characters. Take the time to find new novels and comics and shows and films that accurately portray queer characters and relationships. Need help finding good media? Check out my resource page to get some recommendations!
Be vocal with your discontent. Boycott media productions that showcase harmful stereotypes as the norm. You aren't required to stand for the scraps you've been handed. But, in doing that, be sure to let creators know why their work is being sidelined. If no feedback is received, it may be assumed that the problem the show/movie/book is so unpopular is because of the queer representation. Let them know it is the bad representation that is turning viewers away.
Spread awareness. With so many social media platforms and other tools of communication, there is no excuse not to talk about the problems your community is facing. Use your voice! Even if you aren't queer, sharing information and listening to the discussion is a great way to show your support for the community.
There is no reason to sit back and take what the media throws at you. Fight back. Share your stories. Take back your narrative. Now is the best time to start planting seeds for the future. Put on your gardening gloves and get to work.
Yours
No representation is self-explanatory. But what is considered "bad" representation?
Bad representation/misrepresentation occurs when queer characters are present but are presented in such a way that undermines …show more content…
There are so many queer writers trying to shake up the industry to make room for good LGBT+ characters. Take the time to find new novels and comics and shows and films that accurately portray queer characters and relationships. Need help finding good media? Check out my resource page to get some recommendations!
Be vocal with your discontent. Boycott media productions that showcase harmful stereotypes as the norm. You aren't required to stand for the scraps you've been handed. But, in doing that, be sure to let creators know why their work is being sidelined. If no feedback is received, it may be assumed that the problem the show/movie/book is so unpopular is because of the queer representation. Let them know it is the bad representation that is turning viewers away.
Spread awareness. With so many social media platforms and other tools of communication, there is no excuse not to talk about the problems your community is facing. Use your voice! Even if you aren't queer, sharing information and listening to the discussion is a great way to show your support for the community.
There is no reason to sit back and take what the media throws at you. Fight back. Share your stories. Take back your narrative. Now is the best time to start planting seeds for the future. Put on your gardening gloves and get to work.
Yours