Olathe East Student Journalism

Olathe East News

Olathe East Student Journalism

Olathe East News

Olathe East Student Journalism

Olathe East News

LGBT Representation in Film

Diversity in the film industry is vital to its audience. We are in the year 2019 and the representation is increasing greatly. The importance of having LGBT content in the mainstream media, especially to younger audiences, is extremely significant.

 

T.V. programs like One Day at a Time and Riverdale show a decent amount of LGBT representation. Each show features a main character who is a part of the community. Riverdale has the popular HBIC Cheryl Blossom, a lesbian, and her girlfriend Toni Topaz, who is bisexual. Riverdale, a famous show among the teenage and young adult audiences, could have a positive impact on those struggling to feel accepted and comfortable with their sexuality.

 

The Netflix original One Day at a Time is about a Cuban family in LA. A member of the family, Elena Alvarez, a 17-year old daughter, portrays what it’s like to come out to a family who may not be as accepting as expected. Over the show’s three seasons, she is seen realizing her sexuality, coming out to her family and friends, and her first relationship. I believe many people going through similar trials and tribulations of their own could watch this show and relate to the content given.

 

Love, Simon is a movie about a 17-year-old high school boy who wants to know who he wants to be. Simon struggles to find the courage to come out to his family and friends, and when he hears about an anonymous gay boy at his school, he searches for him in  an attempt to relate to someone about a secret he has kept for years. He wants a epic love story that everyone deserves. I think this movie is an amazing depiction of a modern-day coming out story. Many teens in the LGBT community may have felt more represented and accepted following the release of this film.

 

I believe that the LGBT community deserves to be represented and accepted through the film industry. Movies and T.V. that show with this kind of representation may help those struggling to find comfort and support with their sexuality. Humans crave the feeling of acceptance, especially when it has to do with who you are as an individual.

Cheryl Blossom and Toni Topaz (Riverdale)
Elena Alvarez (One Day at a Time)