Let’s face it: sapphic women struggle to gain representation in the media, whether positive or negative. GLAAD recorded that in 2015, only 17% of all LGBTQ characters on US broadcast television were lesbians. The agonisingly low figure is shocking enough, but what upsets me the most is that this is supposed to be a privilege.
On the other hand, this number is much higher than in previous media. In 2005, the number of lesbian characters on US television series rose to a pathetic 3. Three lesbian characters, out of 110 shows. We have come a long way, but there is much more to improve on.
A major issue with the way lesbians are represented is the fact that the majority are white. From the 2005 GLAAD report, all of the 3 (THREE!) lesbians were white. This just isn’t realistic. Recently, there have been some developments, for example 42% of LGBTQ characters were of colour, although the majority were gay men.
It seems to be that the main media’s audience find gay men entertaining, so it is doubtful as to whether the increase in queer representation is of value. Do we really want representation if it is only for the sake of mockery? Regardless, I find it alarming that gay men are appreciated by the audience, but gay women are discarded. Why are lesbians more taboo than gays? Do gay men only avoid being stigmatised for entertainment?
Onto the stereotypes. When sapphic representation happens, it is more often than not shown as promiscuous and unreliable. A large majority of lesbian films, even those favoured by queer women, feature a woman having an affair with another woman, because she grows tired of her husband. Take for example, Imagine Me & You. In this enchanting whirlwind of a romance, Rachel spots Luce from across the church hall, whilst literally walking up the aisle to marry her fiancé. It’s love (or infatuation) at first sight. As you might expect, Rachel cheats on Heck, her newly wedded husband, with Luce. This is just one of the countless examples of films revolving around a lesbian affair.
I understand that it can take time for some people to realise their sexuality, but this exaggeration is simply not realistic in today’s society. Surveys have concluded that most queer people know of, and understand, their sexuality by the age of 12. Realising an unknown sexual orientation after marriage, and consequently cheating on our partner, does happen, but certainly not the extent presented by the media.
Representing lesbians as cheaters to the mainstream audience enforces stereotypes that sapphic women are debauched and have no loyalty. There is no logic here. It’s almost astounding that these types of stereotypes can be produced purely from the media using lesbian affairs for entertainment.
Hopefully, this, and the stereotypes themselves, will change in the near future. Representation is being discussed much more openly, especially due to the current film Black Panther, which has a 90% black cast. Every day, minorities are slowly creeping in to the media, and it’s incredible to witness.
Until next time,
Gracie.