Media and Sexual Orientation

In my opinion the media portrays LGTBQ2S+ people in many ways. In North America sexual orientation is visible in the media. From my perspective historically the LGTBQ2S+ community have been portrayed negatively in the media. However there has been a shift and an acceptance towards LGTBQ2S+ people in the media. This is seen in our everyday life with LGTBQ2S+ issues represented in the media and gay marriage legal in Canada. In my opinion we live in a world where heterosexuality is the norm, therefore the representation of same sex couples in the media is important. The red rose commercial challenges the norm, and creates more diversity in the mainstream media. The positive presence of LGTBQ2S+ people in the media increased acceptance and shows support for the LGTBQ2S+ community.

Relating this directly to course content in the assigned article, “Compulsory Heterosexuality” by Rich, explains heterosexuality has been forcibly imposed on women. This has been relevant in the media and it is expected for women to marry a man and have a family. Some media and film examples are challenging how sexual orientation is represented in the media. Overall this is represented in the Red Rose Commercial.

Bibliography

  1. Red Rose Tea, “Brining People together one cup at a time,” YouTube video, 1:01, posted by “Red Rose Tea,” October 2, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvinz1Tyk9E
  2. Rich, A, “Compulsory Heterosexuality,” Signs, 5, 4 (Summer1980): 613-660.