Sexuality can be a significant part of a person’s personality and lifestyle, and it can be a source of discomfort or anxiety for some. Representation, through mediums such as TV, film and literature can help some LGBT people lacking in confidence, as they can see reflections of themselves presented in strong, likeable characters. Most LGBT cinema is made by and for queer audiences, to show multi-dimensional, relatable characters that don't have to be ‘toned down’ for conservative audiences. Sometimes, however, this mode of film is used to educate those conservative audiences by presenting likeable, real genuine queer people, who are not solely defined by their sexuality, as tends to be the case in most heteronormative film and TV. A lot of standard TV uses a ‘token’ gay character to show progressiveness and inclusivity of all sexualities, yet this character is often an exaggerated stereotype, such as the camp gay best friend.
Many modern shows are attempting to appeal to the youth demographic and thus attempt to include non-straight characters to please these liberal audiences. However, some shows want to gain the LGBT audience but don't want to actually show any homosexual activity on screen, incase it deters the majority view of the straight community. These types of shows engage in what is known as ‘queer-baiting’, which essentially involves the presentation of potential homosexual romances through subtext, but have no intention of following through in granting these relationships. In more recent years, this concept has been shunned and is beginning to be overcome as the youth demographic that TV aims to please, now want to see these LGBT characters well represented as multi-dimensional and interesting characters.
Representation is also beginning to be seen in ‘gay icons’, celebrities or people in the public eye who strongly support positive LGBT messages and openly present themselves as non-straight and are successful regardless.
Millennials.