Representations of Sexuality

Dyer

Gay people are made visible through difference, reduced to stereotypes like campness or victimhood; media reinforces heteronormativity.

Craig

Three recurring stereotypes: the camp clown, the deviant/dangerous figure, and the tragic victim.

Batchelor et al.

LGBTQ+ characters are often side characters in heterosexual plots, leading to marginalisation and lack of complex representation.

Stonewall

Provides UK-based stats and reports on LGBTQ+ underrepresentation, discrimination, and improvements — useful for real-world evidence.

GLAAD

Tracks LGBTQ+ inclusion in US media via the GLAAD Media Index; useful for stats and Hollywood/streaming case studies.

Gill

Sexuality is shown through a heterosexual male gaze; lesbians are underrepresented or hypersexualised for male audiences.