Gay men in the media?

Do you think the way gay men are portrayed in the media is damaging to the goal of eliminating stereotypes and prejudiced views, our image as a social group and the attempt to educate the general public on the real facts of homosexuality?





Personally I can think of several British programmes (all entertainment based) and some American ones which portray gay men as camp, ridiculously flamboyant idiots. It annoys the hell out of me, partly because I find it offensive, partly because I feel it is counterproductive to the attempts of making homosexuality seen as acceptable within society, and partly because it makes me feel like I'm supposed to live up to some media-created image of what I'm supposed to be.

Gay men in the media?
I agree with you. However it is the media and not real life. If you look around you'll notice that even the straight characters all have "fatal flaws". The approach to a successful show is to take advantage of these flaws for conflict and comedy or drama. Don't forget, media depends on the humor and interest of the community. Just once I'd like to see a story about a gay person who is portrayed as someone who does something good, or with a happy ending without it being campy. Maybe its the community that needs to change attitudes, some member need more change than others, in order for the media to pick up on it. Thank you for your question.
Reply:I agree with you. And I think it's not only about gay thing but also about many things such as race, gender etc. Media or movies often write Asians as nard losers etc.
Reply:you should probably thank the camp, stereotypical queens like "jack" on Will and Grace for making straight people want to watch them... and have a good laugh while doing so... I know it's annoying that people think that that's what gay people are like in general... and that will go away... but the hardest thing to do when selling any idea is getting peoples attention.. and getting them to be interested... the same as how the "masses" can listen to political satire for a lot longer than a political news program... and morals are easier to teach on "Ugly Betty" than in a classroom about morals... the sheep need a big huge spoon of sugar with each bit of substance ....
Reply:I agree, just be yourself
Reply:I don't mind it in the least. There are people in this world who use common sense and realize that not all gay people are like this, and then there those that do think this and would think this regardless of how we potrayed.





Have you noticed that people assume black people to be all gangsta, or liking cornbread and collard greens?
Reply:I agree completely


I dont like calling myself gay bi or straight just because of what others say that means I have to be





just because I walk into a garage - it doesnt make me into an automobile


and even if you chose to call me an automobile I still am what I myself am becoming





so for all those who like the stereotypes that they hold in their minds - I let them have them - then it is in them not me and I am still free
Reply:I agree... I hate being stereotyped as a promiscuous, over the top, dirty, super feminine gay guy. It irritates me when shows do that and it's why I stopped watching QaF years before it ended.
Reply:I think you're absolutely right. Having said that, I do think Graham Norton is hilarious!
Reply:I agree completely.