Media Exposure: Glee Representation of LGBTQ Youth

Ellie Cavazos

Thursday 1-1:50pm

Kristin Conover

                                   

                        Media Exposure: Glee Representation of LGBTQ Youth

            Media representations are almost entirely negative if they surround sensitive issues that rest on a social borderline. The LGBTQ community is a frequent target of negative media exposure and affects every age group and subgroup within that particular community. This exposure, although beneficial to casting a light on the LGBTQ community, hinders social progress for the community instead of aiding in their efforts. A reality TV series that incorporates gay and lesbian issues alongside other prevalent topics on diversity is FOX network’s Glee. The show Glee takes place in an Ohio high school where teens, who are facing angst among other stresses, meet to dance, sing, kumbaya together and, in that fixed space, are not afraid to reveal their true selves. What surfaces is a seemingly utopian perspective at the conclusion of every episode.  The show has a very mediocre approach to the issues of the LGBTQ community because it addresses them too lightly. The youth of the gay and lesbian community is already associated to a certain kind of flamboyance that the show tends to highlight on, taking away from the seriousness of other LGBTQ issues. The show overexposes this community in a fashion that’s far more dramatic than the reality of the pressures that exist in LGBTQ individuals. Although Glee positively highlights teens battling social and sexual differences, Glee misconstrues the immense and often times painful process towards embracing the entirety of LGBTQ identity.

            In Van Der Meer’s article, “Gay bashing- a rite of passage?” he explains how youths of Dutch origin recognize the social position of “homosexuals” and are already conditioned to categorize others on a social hierarchical system based on acceptance. Van Der Meer also explains how the gay community is outwardly recognizable by their physical appearance, clothing, hairstyle and movements, “Even when describing their victims as particularly big and strong, they remained convinced that all gays are effeminate. Besides which gays are scared, weak and cowardly: they immediately take to their heels; they do not hit back; they never defend each other” (Van Der Meer p. 159).

For example, the character Kurt Hummel in Glee doesn’t quite correspond with his economic and social surroundings. His dad is not the figure of economic success and Kurt fails to maintain a steady job, but yet his fashion statements fall nothing short of donning big designer names. Because he is the so called “gay” character in the show it is as if he has to have the most expensive and high fashion name brand clothing. Kurt’s character upholds the insert gay characteristic/pun line here, cookie cutter mold of the stereotypical effeminate, and flamboyant gay male.  However, the show fails to recognize that this figure of a gay male is not the only one that exists. Why is it that the show is insistent on perceiving the “gay” male as a character so closely associated with feminine traits? Does it not take into account that being gay can also mean appearing to blend in to the social eye as one who appears to take on a masculine figure? Taking on a gay identity but at the same time being equally afraid to come out and remaining in the “down low” category is explained in John Barshaw and Lynn Letukas’s article, “The down low: Origins, risk identification and intervention”, “The down low is a phenomenon consisting predominately of men identifying as ‘heterosexual’ or ‘straight’ who engage in sex with both men and women and fail to disclose same-sex behavior to other men and/or women…” (Barnshaw and Letukas p. 83).  Kurt’s outwardly confident character in the show Glee undermines the other possibilities within the LGBTQ community. The character revealed by this actor constricts other identities and, again, fails to highlight or even introduce other sexual and gender identifications.

What is interesting about this show however is how the students and staff are able to handle differences optimistically.  The show Glee is successful when it brings to the forefront general issues facing the LGBTQ community, but it does not fully capitulate on the diversity within this very own community.

Bibliography

  Barnshaw, John, and Lynn Letukas. "The Low down on the down Low: Origins, Risk Identification and Intervention." Health Sociology Review 19.4 (2010): 478-90. Web.

  "FOX Affiliate: Is ‘Glee’ Gay Teen Propaganda?" TIME.com. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. <http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/05/08/fox-affiliate-is-glee-gay-teen-propaganda/>.

  Van Der Meer, Theo. "Gay Bashing- a Rite of Passage?" Culture, Health & Sexuality 5.2 (2003): 153-65. Print.

"The Kids Are Alright"

Written by: Krystal Lazaro

                The topic of homosexual couples having children and starting a nuclear family is a controversial subject, however it has recently been depicted as a normal thing through recent films and television shows. Media is currently representing same sex couples and families as successful, happy, and fully functional. Two media sources that have recently exemplified how successful homosexual couples are in raising heteronormative children are The Kids Are Alright, which is a recent film, and the television series Glee. In the movie The Kids Are Alright, a lesbian couple raises a son and daughter who both grow up to be heterosexual, intellectual, and involved in school sports. One partner depicts the masculine role and holds the occupation of a doctor, while the other partner plays the more feminine role and holds a lower paying and less prestigious job. Before the conflict that occurs in this films storyline, this family is presented very similarly with how traditional heterosexual families are depicted.

            Another example of how media illustrates the normality in gay families is through the television show Glee. In this television series, the talented and ambitious character Rachel Berry is the daughter of two gay men, yet she is displayed as one of the most talented and aspiring characters on the show. Glee doesn’t show how this gay family functions as an institution, however they make it clear that Rachel, the daughter of a gay couple, is talented and bound for success. In an article titled “Let My Parents Marry,” from the New York Times, astonishing statistics state that, “31 percent of same-sex couples who identify themselves as spouses are raising kids, compared with 43% of heterosexual couples” (Belkin, 2011). The author Lisa Belkin goes on to discuss a study that was conducted at the University of Virginia and George Washington University in which 27 lesbian couples, 29 gay couples, and 50 heterosexual couples were followed over a course of time and progress on their adoption of preschoolers was documented. The results of this study showed that “it’s the quality of the parenting that creates a psychologically healthy child, not the sexual orientation of the parents” (Belkin, 2011). These results were groundbreaking, because they defied many common myths that society holds against gay couples with children.

            Although success in gay families is portrayed positively through media and various studies, there are still many problems that gay couples face on the road to happiness. Many of these problems stem from cultural expectations. In Tomas Almaguer’s article on “Chicano Men: A Cartography of Homosexual Identity and Behavior”, Almaguer discusses the complexities of the Chicano culture, and how finely defined their sexual systems are. He explains how the Chicano family restrains men from freedom that would allow them to have male lovers. He also states “The openly effeminate Chicano gay man’s rejection of heterosexuality is typically seen as a fundamental betrayal of Chicano patriarchal cultural norms” (Almaguer, 1991, p.546). This statement made me contemplate the validity of media’s depiction of gay couples and families, because they seldom show this oppressive side of the spectrum in films or television.

                In a more optimistic view, I think that there are also new factors that contribute to making gay couples more acceptable in real life. Gay and lesbian activism has continually escalated since the 1960’s, and we have now reached an increased level of tolerance for LGBTQ people. In Barbara Smith’s article “Homophobia: Why bring it up?” Smith proposes several ways in which we can enrich homophobic attitudes. The most enlightening remark she makes is on how she has discovered through teaching and speaking that “making connections between oppressions is an excellent way to introduce the subjects of lesbian and gay male identity and homophobia, because it offers people a frame of reference to build upon” (Smith, 1993, p.101)  

            Overall, I believe that films and television are greatly contributing to the positive way in which gay families are presented through media. I have noticed that these nontraditional families are continually being depicted more similarly to traditional heterosexual families, but the oppressive sides of starting a gay family are not emphasized upon. I believe that these gay families are now being more accurately depicted through media, however there is still progress that can be made towards displaying the entire truths to these families.

References:

Almaguer, Tomas. “Chicano Men: A Cartography of Homosexual Identity and Behavior.” Differences: A Journal of Feminist Cultural Studies 3.2 (1991): 75-100 Print

Belkin, Lisa. (2011).  Let My Parents Marry. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/16/let-my-parents-marry/?scp=7&sq=children%20of%20gay%20parents&st=cse

Smith, Barbara. "Homophobia: Why Bring it Up?" from The Lesbian and Gay

            Studies Reader. ed Henry Ablelove et al New York& London: Routledge, 1993.

Evan Tambini

TA: Kristin Conover

Section: Thurs. 1pm

                                 Representations of LGBTQ Youth in the Media

            Though various forms of media have been around for ages, acknowledgment and representation of the LGBTQ community within the media is a modern concept. Although this is a positive step in representing all minority cultures, the portrayals of the LGBTQ culture is not always accurate. Typically, there is a set outline for what is acceptable in the media, such as in TV programs. For example, in the new TV series American Horror Story, a gay couple is depicted as the standard model that one could expect to see on TV. There is a more aggressive, masculine man paired with a flamboyant partner who has a high sense of fashion. Though this is quite entertaining, it is not an accurate depiction of all gay couples, or even most gay couples. This misrepresentation extends to teenage LGBTQ characters. There are two main stereotypes presented for teens: the flamboyant gay male and the hyper-sexualized, confused lesbian. These characters should create nothing but joy for their making it into mainstream culture, but the stigmas that they create do more damage.

             A perfect example of the stereotypical flamboyant gay male is the well-known Kurt Hummel from Glee. He is a great friend, fits in socially among the other members of Glee club, is talented and motivated. He is an icon that aided in the movement where “homosexuality shift[s] from being an aberration for which individuals are punished to a condition that inhered in a person and defined one’s nature (“Homosexuality and American Society: An Overview”, John D’Emilio). However, Kurt also whines, is fairly self-absorbed, is delicate and feminine, incredibly sassy, and fashionably forward. Though he is a lovable character, he is not a good representation of gay males as a whole. For heterosexual, homophobic men, Kurt embodies everything that they feel animosity towards, everything they do not understand. For instance, in one episode “Kurt relentlessly pursued his straight classmate Finn, in a dangerous storyline that reinforced to a young audience that gay men are predatory, won't take no for an answer and will do anything to seduce any straight boy in sight” (“The gay one from Glee -- positive role model or dangerous cliche?”, www.guardian.co.uk)  Even so, This representation of a gay male might not be such a terrible thing (it is good to expose people to what they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with), but there are very few representations in the media of gay teenage males that deviate from this formula. To those that have very little knowledge of the queer community and do not interact with gay people on a regular basis, this could lead to negative opinions forming among the ignorant. 

            Another misrepresentation of Queer youth is the confused lesbian sex-pot. Santana, also from Glee, is a good example of this cliche, but to veer away from one TV show, Tea, from Skins-US, is another great example. Tea is introduced to into the show as the Lesbian, who is stunningly beautiful and independent and popular among the ladies. Despite the fact that all the characters of the show know that she is a lesbian, the men all lust after her. This is not so bad, it happens enough in reality that it is not a lie and it makes for entertaining TV. The problem is when she finds herself sleeping around with these men. Her character of being attractive and desired and also attainable is only created to fulfill the ideal fantasy for boys that watch the show; they make excuses for what they refuse to understand- lesbians do not want to have sex with men. Men cannot imagine a reasonable explanation for why a girl would not want to sleep with them, so they ignore that truth. It is just another example of “men’s control over women’s sexuality” (Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence, Adrienne Rich). This does not help lesbian teens learn to love and respect who they are as individuals, independent from the desires of men. It also does not help teenage boys to learn to respect lesbian teens for their sexual preferences; it lends to the notions that “no” really does not mean “no” and leads to sexual harassment of varying degrees. 

           Though these are not accurate representations, I understand why they are on TV: they are entertaining to watch. The problem isn’t that these characters exist, it’s that there are not enough other examples of LGBTQ Youth in the media that veer from those standards. The media needs to learn to incorporate more elements and characters from the queer culture and community, to fully represent LGBTQ people and educate society for the well-being of LGBTQ Youth.

                                                       References

-Cullen, Jack. "The Gay One from Glee -- a Positive Role Model or Dangerous Cliche?" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 13 Nov. 03. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. 

<http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2011/mar/15/kurt-hummel-glee-gay>.

-D'Emilio, John. "Homosexuality and American Society: An Overview." 1983. Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities in the United States 1940-1970. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1983. Print.

-Rich, Adrienne. "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence." Professions of Desire: Lesbian and Gay Studies in Literature. New York: Modern Language Association, 1995. Print.

Krystal Lazaro

TA - Kristin Conover

9 February 2012

The Evolution of Acceptance – Creating Hope for LGBTQ Youth

            Since the formation of human social structures, society has created guidelines of what is acceptable to our culture, and what is deemed wrong. Regardless of one’s reasons for not following heterosexual characteristics, roles, or sexual norms, people of all sexual orientations that are not heterosexual have been looked down upon throughout the course of history. One of the main contributors to societies view on sexuality is religion. In Judeo Christian tradition, homosexuality is viewed as an unacceptable and immoral sin, which was originally established as a crime (D’Emilio 25). Rubin Gayle, author of an article on the “Politics of Sexuality”, goes to the extent of stating that society has drawn a fine line between sexually acceptable acts, and that “Most systems of sexual judgment - religious, psychological, feminist, or socialist attempt to determine on which side of the line a particular acts falls on” (Rubin 14). Is this perspective of acceptance improving? I believe that LGBTQ youth are now gaining a greater acceptance rate and influencing the way parents view their children.

 There are many children now who display gender characteristics that don’t correlate with what society expects from them. Some examples of this may be, little boys who enjoy wearing dresses and playing with Barbies, or young girls who prefer wearing boy clothing and playing with cars rather than dolls. The display of these characteristics does not mean that the child will develop homosexual tendencies, but in many cases it does occur. For some parents, a display of non-heterosexual qualities at a young age alarms them, and they attempt to “correct the problem” before it gets worse. An example of this that I have witnessed from my personal life is by watching how my 10-year-old male cousin is constantly stripped from “his girly things”. My cousin enjoys watching Glee, learning the choreography to Lady Gaga music videos, singing, and dressing up in his sisters clothing, but my uncle despises all of these qualities, and restricts him from using the computer, watching television, and monitors what music he listens to. This is an example of how parents may begin to form oppression in children’s lives, and how their acceptance for them is denied, however an article from the New York Times titled “Boys Will Be Boys? Not in These Families” sheds light on how acceptance of our youth is headed in a new direction.

Jan Hoffman, author of the New York Times article, discusses a story about a 3-year-old named Harry, and about how his parents develop acceptance for their son. Hoffman describes how “Harry’s father had a hard time watching his son twirl around in princess wear. But his gift of buying him a Barbie symbolized acceptance” (Hoffman ST1). Her article continues by explaining that in previous generations parents might have just ignored their children’s odd gender behavior and instead viewed it as a “phase”, but more parents are now taking the same approach as Harry’s parents (Hoffman ST1).

I believe that the acceptance rate for LGBTQ youth is now increasing, however the structure for morality that our society was built on is still holding us back. Our society needs to adapt to change and embrace differences rather than hold on to our concept of conformity. Gayle Rubin makes an interesting point in stating that, “Variation is a fundamental property of all life, from the simplest biological organisms to the most complex human social formations.  Yet sexuality is supposed to conform to a single standard” (Rubin 15). I believe that the farther away from conformity our society gets, the closer we will be towards creating better and happier lives for our LGBTQ youth.

D’Emelio, John. “Homosexuality and American Society: An Overview.” Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities in the United States 1940-1970. (1983): 23-30. Print.

Hoffman, Jan. “Boys will be Boys? Not in this family.” New York Times 10 June 2011 late ed.:ST1. Print.

Rubin, Gayle. “Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality.” The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader.(1993):3-22. Print.

Educating Youths on Tolerance

Evan Tambini
Fem 80
TA: Kristin Conover

                      “Take Arms Against a Sea of Troubles and by Opposing End Them”

              Any person who has spent his or her preteen years in a public school knows that children are cruel. Some say that this truth is character building, while others know that the teasing and harassment can do more harm that a simple blow to ones self-esteem. This is especially true of LGBTQ youths, who have an extra step to take in their individual development This has been shown in many past incidents regarding LGBTQ youths and their peers. Children need to be better educated on the effects of their actions, through both new school programs and the authority figures in their lives.

            One instance where taunting and harassment went too far and did irreversible damage was the E.O Green Junior High School Shooting, when openly gay Larry King was killed by a classmate, Brandon McInerney. (Young, Gay, and Murdered, www.thedailybeast.com) Both boys were young, under fifteen, and both came from troubled homes, with irresponsible and often violent role models. In the news, King was portrayed as “flaunting” his sexuality, and his school criticized for supporting it, or at least for not intervening in some manner. The lesbian vice-principle, Epstein, was under questioning for not interfering when tensions arose between McInerney and King. These tensions were due to King’s open expression of himself, which he did without breaking any school rules. There were many instances where King’s “behavior” was encouraged (the encouragement was later criticized), as well as instances where his behavior was condemned (which sets a terrible example for impressionable youths). Where do our values lie? Should schools encourage our LGBTQ youth to express and defend themselves as we would any heterosexual member of society or do we create boundaries and restrictions for those who’s actions are more inclined to place them in harm’s way, and thus sending the wrong message to students? There appears to be a fine line between the two possibilities. 

           On September 18th, 2011, an LGBTQ teenager, Jamey Rodemeyer, hung himself after suffering constant bullying on his various online social networks. (After Another Teen Suicide, Can We Do Better Than “It Gets Better”?, www.queerty.com) The comments all taunted him mercilessly and encouraged him commit suicide. This is another instance when the hurtful words of ignorant children have severe and irreversible consequences. Though this is a pressing matter, it is not a simple one to solve. 

           History has shown that adolescents through young adulthood are difficult to control and have a tendency towards violence. An equally prevalent trend is the harassment of LGBTQ youths around the world and the stifling of their culture. Reasons as to why this may be so are researched in the Netherlands. (“Gay bashing -- a rite of passage?”, Culture, Health, and Sexuality) Interviewed “gay bashers” stated that “gays represent everything that [the gay bashers] considered to be dishonorable” or effeminate. Another reason given, was the anti-homosexual violence gave their lives meaning as well as a sense of belonging during a difficult time in their life. Basically, these two statements imply that they are causing others harm because they feel a need to unite with their peers against a common enemy, chosen because they do not understand those who are different from themselves. 

          All this can be remedied, though slowly and with great effort, through new strategies for educating students from a young age on tolerance. When children learn to appreciate, or at least endure, those who are different from them, there will be change in how LGBTQ youths are treated. One of the best propositions dealing with this idea of enlightening students, is the strategy of replacing “zero-tolerance” with “zero-indifference”. (“Bullying, Harassment, and Violence Among Students”, Original source unknown, Introduction to LGBTQ Studies Reader) This idea would be a step further than “zero-tolerance”, preventing negative actions towards LGBTQ youth before they happen, or a “plan to notice the behaviors, comment on them, intervene, and make corrections accordingly”, involving extensive training on all authority figures within the schooling system. If this is what needs to happen to end violence and harassment towards queer youth, then so be it. It is the time for change and troubled youths will not wait. 

Stein, Nan. "Bullying, Harassment, and Violence Among Students." Radical Teacher. Print.

Van Der Meer, Theo. "Gay Bashing: A Rite of Passage?" Culture, Health, and Sexuality. 2nd ed. Vol. 5. Taylor and Francis, 2003. Print. Homophobia and Anti-Gay Violence.

Villarreal, Daniel, and Dan Avery. "After Another Teen Suicide, Can We Do Better Than “It Gets Better”? / Queerty." Queerty - Free of an Agenda. Except That Gay One - Gay News, Politics, Culture. QUEERTY, 21 Sept. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. <http://www.queerty.com/after-another-teen-suicide-can-we-do-better-than-it-gets-better-20110921/>.

"Young, Gay and Murdered in Junior High." The Daily Beast. Ed. Ramin Setoodeh. Newsweek, 18 July 2008. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. <http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/07/18/young-gay-and-murdered.html>.

LGBTQ Youth: Homelessness and the Struggle to Belong

Ellie Cavazos

Feminist Studies 80

Kristin Conover

                        LGBTQ Youth: Homelessness and the Struggle to Belong

Our group has chosen to focus on LGBTQ Youth and the various issues that are tied to this specific subgroup. For my individual blog post I have chosen to write about LGBTQ Youth and more specifically how bullying affects their experiences in the home and in school leading countless teenagers to become homeless and, in some cases, victims of suicide. Furthermore, I will look at the reasons why teens resort to homelessness be it the simple lack of concern, support in the household or even more so face rejection in their relationships and friendships with their parents, siblings and peers. Running away from home is a reality that many LGBTQ identified teenagers come to cope with to escape judgment and neglect. Feelings of safety and welcoming attitudes are provided by safe havens for LGBTQ youth such as Larkin Street Youth Services.  They are one of many support programs that assist LGBTQ youth to get back on their feet as they nurture an environment to prepare youth for success. Neglect and bullying in school on top of the lack of support in the home lead  some to homelessness and in very unfortunate cases, suicide as detailed by a news article featured on Rolling Stones’s website concerning a school district in Minneapolis that has cultured anti-gay sentiments and agendas. 

Think back to your teenage years. Weren’t they a difficult time? Trying to figure yourself out, yelling at your parents for not allowing you to be out after school hours, getting upset because you had a maximum time allowed to talk on the phone? It was a time of inner crisis.  As if this time was not excruciating enough, some teenagers find it unbearable due to their sexual and/or gender identification.  While the onset of puberty brings physical awkwardness and confusion of the changes the body is undergoing during that time, LGBTQ identified youth face a battle in itself during the midst of an already unstable period of change. In Gayle Rubin’s article, “Thinking Sex” the importance of family support is emphasized, “Families play a crucial role in enforcing sexual conformity…Many families respond by trying to reform, punish, or exile sexually offending members. Many sexual migrants have been thrown out by their families, and many others are fleeing from the threat of institutionalization” (Rubin, 22).  What Rubin is conveying in these couple of lines is that the family provides a space of safety. When that home space is threatened by a foreign force that appears to intervene and/or disrupt the home, it can either be reconciled with or done away with.  Seems like a double-edged sword, right? Although a family may be “ok” with the thought of having a family member who identifies as LGBTQ, they may not be accepting and may not entirely welcome this family member. Ousting someone entirely has similar characteristics and is detrimental to that person’s sense of belonging. In Nan Stein’s article, “Bullying, Harassment and Violence Among Students”, she details an approach that focuses on support through involvement. One of her strategies in combatting the zero tolerance policy and sexual harassment is by parent involvement, “Involve parents- both through open community forums as well as in private discussions, especially if their children are involved in incidents of sexual harassment. One technique that I have seen used is providing the classroom lessons to the parents, having them do the assignments on sexual harassment, and also having them view the students’ work. It can be very enlightening for them” (Stein 33).  Parent involvement during this window of time is critical in showing their children that they do have a support system. Even though they may not be completely comfortable with the idea of their child’s identification, with this strategy, it is hoped that they will be work towards overcoming differences. In some parts of our nation, anti-gay sentiments are openly addressed and because of this hostile environment many LGBTQ teens have resorted to suicide. School officials ignored students accounts of bullying, at home they were not welcome and the ultra-conservative  views of their community all contributed to the domino-effect of suicides in their school district.

I have included a YouTube video of Larkin’s Street Services. They are located in San Francisco and have become a safe space for LGBTQ identified youth who are homeless.  Not only do they provide resources for the LGBTQ community but facilitate programs and are a solid support system

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=48mC89f6PgA

Works Cited

  Erdely, Sabrina R. "One Town's War on Gay Teens | Politics News | Rolling Stone." Rolling Stone | Music News, Politics, Reviews, Photos, Videos, Interviews and More. Web. 05 Feb. 2012. <http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/one-towns-war-on-gay-teens-20120202?page=5>.

  Nardi, Peter M., and Beth Schneider. "Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality." Social Perspectives in Gay and Lesbian Studies. Print.

  Stein, Nan. "Bullying, Harassment and Violence Among Students." Radical Teacher80: 49-51. Print.