The Power of Queer TV and Film
By Daniel Simpson
Everyone enjoys seeing themselves represented in the media; it’s what makes figures like social media influencer Emma Chamberlain so respected. Emma’s ease in posting while wearing sweats and no makeup makes her relatable to the average person. It’s this relatability that draws me to TV shows and films featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.
Growing up watching Disney Channel as a kid, I was oblivious to the concept of a gay couple for a long time. Many parents oppose exposing children to the LGBTQIA+ community, fearing confusion. But children aren’t preoccupied with such notions unless conditioned to believe that queerness is “different” or an “alternative lifestyle.” Just as watching straight couples on TV doesn’t alter one’s sexual orientation, seeing gay couples won’t do so either.
I’m grateful for newer TV shows like Disney Channel’s Andi Mack, which introduces the LGBTQIA+ community to a younger demographic. However, it’s disheartening that the show faces significant backlash from parents, particularly regarding the queer character Cyrus. These concerns are nothing but dramatic as the only gay connection in the show is two guys holding hands. This outrage is also unnecessary as there are straight couples in this show that get more spotlight. The “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida strengthens this homophobia. Recently, a Florida teacher got fired for showing the Disney movie Luca to students, despite the film not explicitly featuring a gay couple.
On a brighter note, several TV shows and films have bolstered my confidence in my sexuality. Love, Simon, Heartstopper, The Fosters, and Glee stand out as favorites. Love, Simon shows how scary the coming out process can be, and how exciting it is when there is another queer individual in your community. Hearing there is another queer person in one of my communities is always exciting to me; I instantly feel a connection to that other person. Heartstopper challenges stereotypes as a rugby player unexpectedly falls for another guy. It is fascinating and inspiring to see this rugby player be an Upstander and stand up to his homophobic friends. The Fosters showcases various gay couples and transgender individuals, offering a glimpse into a diverse family with biological and adopted children. It is helpful to see what a family could look like with gay parents. Glee features several LGBTQIA+ characters, notably Kurt and Blaine, who serve as inspiring role models. Being a performer, I quite literally wanted to step in the shoes of Kurt and Blaine. However, despite their happy relationship and having supportive friends, they still face real-world challenges, like severe bullying and Kurt’s assault in New York City just for being gay.
Exposure to these shows and films did not make me or others gay; Lady Gaga said it best: “Baby, you were born this way.” In households with unsupportive families, such media can serve as a lifeline, offering a glimpse of acceptance and happiness. Preventing access to this positivity serves no constructive purpose.
About the Author
Daniel Simpson (he/him) is from Park Ridge, NJ, a small town outside of New York City. He is a first-year student at the University of Michigan pursuing a dual degree in Business Administration and Theatre Arts. Go blue!
Daniel was bitten by the theatre bug at the age of seven and has been a performer ever since. When Daniel was in middle school, he performed in a professional new musical called It’s Easy: The Friend Strong Musical, where he was introduced to the Be A Friend Project (BAFP). Daniel started an anti-bullying club at his high school, and now works for the BAFP as a Media Coordinator and a National Teen Kindness Board member.
In addition to performing and spreading the anti-bullying message, Daniel enjoys marketing, coffee, cooking, working out, and going on adventures with friends.
