The Importance of BIPOC Queer Representation

    “Where’s the Representation? Black & POC Queer Media” was a video created by YouTuber Jay Theo in 2022. In it, he explains his issues with the racial representation in queer media and how there is a lack of BIPOC centric stories. He feels that the current representation for queer stories does not actually show realistic friend groups and communities. 

    His first point is about queer romance in the media and how it always is white centric. The majority of queer couples in TV and movies have partners that are both white, especially in the most popular and well known queer media. Examples of this include Heartstopper, Young Royals, Carol, Call Me by Your Name, and The L Word. Even in stories that may involve a BIPOC main character or love interest, the person they are set up with is white. I have noticed this as well in most new TV shows and movies. Examples of this include The Owl House with Amity and Luz, Our Flag Means Death with Stede and Ed, Yellowjackets with Tai and Van, First Kill with Calliope and Juliette, and many more. This does not mean that the representation is not important or good, but that it seems as if a queer white person is required to be in a relationship with a BIPOC character, as opposed to another BIPOC character. Jay Theo sees this as an extension on the white savior trope, because it pushes the idea that queer and BIPOC, to be out and loved, requires a white person to “save them”.   

    Jay Theo brings up the importance of good representation in media, as it destigmatizes queerness. He particularly mentions that the whiteness of representation makes queerness seem like an only white experience. This can cause issues in the Black community, as many members don’t accept Black queer people because they think that queerness is only for white people. This perpetuates homophobia in the Black community. “Because we are rendered invisible in both Black and gay contexts, it is that much easier for the Black community to oppose gay rights and express homophobia without recognizing these attacks and the lack of legal protections affects its own members” (Smith 1)

    As a result of the lack of representation, Black queer people’s unique struggles that are caused by the intersection between race, gender and sexuality are not shown. This makes queerness seem like a monolithic experience and does not expose audiences to different ways that queerness affects a person’s life. "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single issue lives.” (Lorde, 138) This isolates BIPOC queer people from their communities, as their identities are only viewed as separate from each other. “‘Queer’ activists focus on ‘queer’ issues, and racism, sexual oppression and economic exploitation do not qualify, despite the fact that the majority of ‘queers’ are people of color, female or working class.” (Smith 1).

    Jay Theo talks about how there is power in seeing yourself represented and loved on screen. By seeing someone who is like you be successful, be happy, and be themselves, the more likely you are to have hope for yourself and support others in your community. There is community in seeing your identity represented on screen because it proves that it is not an isolated or individual experience.     

    Representation on screen also gives exposure to issues that are not heavily talked about inside and outside of the queer community. This provides an opportunity to teach the audience about things that they previously have not been exposed to in an entertaining way. Since it is presented in a TV show or movie, it has a much lower barrier to entry than an article or book would, meaning a much bigger audience will be able to understand what is presented. Jay Theo uses the show Noah’s Ark as an example. It was able to cover topics such as HIV/AIDs, sexual health, queer marriage dynamics, hookup culture, etc, which are not often covered in the context of being a Black queer person. 

    BIPOC representation on TV and in film is important for exposure outside the queer community as it destigmatizes queerness and provides a source of education for issues that affect QTPOC. It also provides a source of queer joy by showing queer people from all different backgrounds with diverse stories. It is essential that showrunners and filmmakers are able to make stories that represent all queer people, not just white queer people.

Citations:

Lorde, Audre. “Learning From the 60’s” Sister Outsider, 1982.

Smith, Barbara. “Where’s the Revolution?” The Nation, 1993.

Smith, Barbara. “Blacks and Gays: Healing the Great Divide” The Truth That Never Hurts, 1993.