History of LGBTQIA Representation in Media

The Gay Brothers

1895

The first depiction of a same-sex couple dancing was depicted in Edison Short's silent film called "The Gay Brothers". Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAEjJSeBTeI&ab_channel=DorianWilde Sources: Wikipedia contributors. (2021). The Dickson Experimental Sound Film. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dickson_Experimental_Sound_Film

Manslaughter

1922

This silent film features the first kiss between a same-sex couple. Source: Monteil, A. (2021). A history of lgbtq+ representation in film. Stacker. https://stacker.com/stories/4331/history-lgbtq-representation-film.

The Soilers

1923

The character titled "Sissy Man" was depicted in San Laurel's silent film. This character was based on stereotypes about gay men. Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2020). The Soilers. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soilers

Pandora's Box

1929

This film depicts the first lesbian character. Source: Monteil, A. (2021). A history of lgbtq+ representation in film. Stacker. https://stacker.com/stories/4331/history-lgbtq-representation-film.

The Hollywood Production Code

Period: 1930 to 1968

This code prohibited the depiction of homosexuality in American media. Source: Raley, Amber B. and Jennifer L. Lucas. “Stereotype or Success?” Journal of Homosexuality, 51,
2, 2006, 19-38. Web. doi: 10.1300/J082v51n02_02

The Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters

Period: 1952 to 1983

This code prohibited the depiction of homosexuality in American media. Source: Raley, Amber B. and Jennifer L. Lucas. “Stereotype or Success?” Journal of Homosexuality, 51,
2, 2006, 19-38. Web. doi: 10.1300/J082v51n02_02

The Children’s Hour

1961

In this film, a woman is depicted as having romantic feelings towards her female friend, she commits suicide at the end of the movie. Sources: Media Smarts. (2014). Queer Representation in Film and Television. https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/media-issues/diversity-media/queer-representation/queer-representation-film-television Wikipedia contributors. (2021). The Children’s Hour (film). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Children%27s_Hour_(film)

The Boys in the Band

1970

This film includes depictions of gay men, however, these men are depicted as being sexual predators. Sources: Media Smarts. (2014). Queer Representation in Film and Television. https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/media-issues/diversity-media/queer-representation/queer-representation-film-television Wikipedia contributors. (2021). The Boys in the Band (1970 film). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boys_in_the_Band_(1970_film)

Periodic Side Characters

Period: 1970 to 1989

In the 1970s and 80s some shows began including brief depictions of gay side characters. These characters were never main characters and were often only in a single episode. Source: Raley, Amber B. and Jennifer L. Lucas. “Stereotype or Success?” Journal of Homosexuality, 51,
2, 2006, 19-38. Web. doi: 10.1300/J082v51n02_02

That Certain Summer

1972

This ABC film depicted a gay man raising his children. This film depicted a gay man in a relatively positive light. Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2021). That Certain Summer. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Certain_Summer

The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

1975

This musical depicts various members of the LGBTQIA community. Source: Monteil, A. (2021). A history of lgbtq+ representation in film. Stacker. https://stacker.com/stories/4331/history-lgbtq-representation-film.

The Birdcage

1996

This comedy starring Robin Williams portrays a gay couple and drag queens in a positive light. Sources: Media Smarts. (2014). Queer Representation in Film and Television. https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/media-issues/diversity-media/queer-representation/queer-representation-film-television Wikipedia contributors. (2021). The Birdcage. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Birdcage

Ellen

1997

Ellen became the first television show to depict a gay main character. Sources: Fisher, Deborah A., Douglas L. Hill, Joel W. Grube, and Enid L. Gruber. “Gay, Lesbian, and
Bisexual Content on Television.” Journal of Homosexuality, 52, 3-4, 2007, 167-188.
Web. doi: 10.1300/J082v52n03_08 Wikipedia contributors. (2021). The Puppy Episode. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Puppy_Episode#:%7E:text=%22The%20Puppy%20Episode%22%20is%20a,of%20the%20series’%204th%20season.

Brokeback Mountain

2005

This film depicted a romance between a same-sex couple. The film ends with the characters remaining closeted. Sources: Wikipedia contributors. (2021i, September 5). Brokeback Mountain. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brokeback_Mountain

Star Trek: Discovery

2018

This show depicted a homosexual character, however, the character was killed off within the same episode that they were introduced. This time period of television often killed off LGBTQ characters. Sources: Wikipedia contributors. (2021). Media portrayal of LGBT people. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_portrayal_of_LGBT_people Wikipedia contributors. (2021. Star Trek: Discovery. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_Discovery

Pose

2018

This show depicts the Drag Ball scene in the 1980s. The characters include various members of the LGBTQIA community. Sources: Wikipedia contributors. (2021). Pose (TV series). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pose_(TV_series)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

2020

This animated show depicts multiple same-sex couples without negative stereotypes or killing off romantic partners. Sources: Wikipedia contributors. (2021). She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/She-Ra_and_the_Princesses_of_Power