Perspectives of LGBTQ emerging adults on the depiction and impact of LGBTQ media representation
McInroy, L., & Craig, S. L. (2016). Perspectives of LGBTQ emerging adults on the depiction and impact of LGBTQ media representation. Journal of Youth Studies, 20(1), 32–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2016.1184243
Highlights
Background
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) young people have been increasingly represented in traditional (offline) media.
However, little is known about the content of contemporary representations, how such representations impact LGBTQ young people, or how young people’s experiences are affected by the present context characterized by the rapidly increasing prevalence of new (online) media.
Study Description
Utilizing grounded theory with a sample (n = 19) of emerging adults (ages 18–22), this study investigates:
(1) messages about sexual orientation and/or gender identity that emerging adults receive from LGBTQ representations in traditional media;
(2) potential differences in the experiences of LGBTQ emerging adults with traditional media compared to new media; and
(3) how consumption of these media messages impacts LGBTQ emerging adults
Key findings
While traditional media (especially television) creates a common dialogue and validates identity, it continues to represent LGBTQ people as one-dimensional and stereotypical, ignores many LGBTQ sub-groups, limits LGBTQ young people’s perceptions of their future trajectories, and offers no opportunities for critique. In contrast, emerging new media offers new, important, and valued spaces for discussion and creativity.
