View of Queerness based on Representation
Although there has been an increase in queer representation in the media, a majority of it has been white. This applies to representation on television, film, and books. Overwhelmingly, white people are the face of queerness, leading the general public’s view of queerness to be only applicable to white people. This has major implications for Black members of the queer community, as their sexuality, gender identity, and gender expression are viewed as invalid by members outside and inside of their community and they aren’t able to see themselves represented the same way that white queer people are. According to GLAAD’s report on TV representation for 2022-2023, only 20% of queer characters on primetime scripted broadcast television, cable, and streaming are Black. Comparatively, 47% of all queer characters on primetime scripted broadcast television, cable, and streaming are white. There has been a steady increase over time, but this year the numbe...