Representations of Queer Teens- Critical Media Project (Marylynn Vanover) by Marylynn Vanover

Nick and Charlie- Heartstopper

vanover1 — 2025-03-18 15:12:58 UTC

Heartstopper is a teen drama about 2 LGBTQ+ teens who are figuring out their relationship and feelings while navigating the struggles of high school. I believe that is an accurate representation of queer youth because it shows how some families can be supportive when coming when others cannot be supportive. I believe that this is a positive representation of queer youth because it shows how people can be supportive when their friend/family member is coming out.

Owl House

vanover1 — 2025-03-19 14:22:01 UTC

An animated show on Disney. The show shows queer teens, because the main protagonist came out as Bisexual. I believe that this is an accurate representation of queer teens because it shows their struggles and emotions when trying to figure out their feelings during this time period. I believe that it was a positive representation of queer teens because it was the first time a Disney show portrayed a LGBTQ+ character. Another fact was that Disney eventually canceled the show because it 'didn't fit Disney's brand'.

Victor-Love, Victor

vanover1 — 2025-03-19 14:23:34 UTC

Love Victor is a young adult drama, about a Victor who just moved from Texas. He is just trying to 'fit in', when he starts to fall for Benji. I believe that this is an accurate representation of queer teens because it shows how when your figuring out your sexuality, you have to figure out if you just like one gender or both. I believe this is a positive representation of queer teens because it shows how much of a struggle it really is to come out and figure out who you like.

Alex-Julie and the Phantoms

vanover1 — 2025-03-19 14:25:32 UTC

Julie and the Phantoms is a Netflix original show, about 3 boys who died in 1995 and came back to life and have to do their one dream before they pass over. The girl Julie helps them because they can only be seen when they are playing music with her. But Julie can see them 24/7. This represents queer teens because there is a boy in the band who is gay. I believe that this is a positive representation of queer teens because it shows how even if your family is accepting of your sexuality you can still be supported by other people. I believe that this is an accurate representation of queer teens because it shows how some LGBTQ+ people are not accepted by their family's.

Alex and Harry-Red, White, and Royal Blue.

vanover1 — 2025-03-19 14:28:13 UTC

Alex Claremont-Diaz, the first son of the United States, and young Prince Henry fall in love. However, considering their high-profile public lives they must keep their relationship a secret at all costs. Alex and Harry aren't out yet so they have to keep their relationship under wraps. This is an inaccurate representation of queer teens because the both of them act like they are ashamed of being gay. When in reality not everyone is ashamed of just being them-self.

Theo-It Starts With Us

vanover1 — 2025-03-19 14:29:53 UTC

It starts with us is a adult romance novel, about a single mom finding love after an abusive relationship. This book has representation of queer teens because there is a 12 year old boy, Theo, who is struggling at coming out. I don't think that it is a accurate and authentic representation of queer teens because it is written by and adult straight woman. I believe that it is a positive representation because it shows how you can find supportive people in your life who love you no matter what.

Fabiola- Never Have I Ever

vanover1 — 2025-03-19 14:49:59 UTC

Never have I ever is a teen drama. Fabiola is one of the main characters. She came out to her friends, and they helped her gain confidence to tell her family. Her family was supportive and accepted her with open arms to be who she really was. I believe that this is not an accurate representation of queer teens because it portrays lesbians, as wearing masculine clothing and being in male dominated hobbies, when in reality that isn't always the case. I believe that this is a neutral representation because it isn't bashing and belittling the LGBTQ+ community but it isn't showing how just because you are a lesbian you don't have to fit the stereo type.

Shawn Mendes

vanover1 — 2025-03-19 17:30:38 UTC

This is a song from Shawn Mendes' newest album called 'Shawn'. This song talks about Shawn's personal issues with being in the spotlight of the media his whole life. He talks about his struggles about being accused of being LGBTQ+ his whole life and how it affected him as a teenager. I believe this is a negative representation of queer teens in the media because it shows how being in front of the social eye 24/7 can effect you and your mental health as a teenager. It also shows how you have to be very careful when trying to figure out your sexuality when you are in the media spotlight.

Max Baker- Ginny and Georgia

vanover1 — 2025-03-21 14:35:02 UTC

Ginny and Georgia is a teen drama about an African American who just moved to a majority white small town. Max is one of the main characters. She is an open lesbian. The show portrays her to be over dramatic and over emotional. She is also constantly trying to find a girlfriend, even when her life is complicated. I believe that this an inaccurate representation of queer teens, because it constantly has her wanting a girlfriend when in reality most queer teens are just trying to figure who they are, and aren't just jumping into relationships 24/7.

Jude- The Fosters.

vanover1 — 2025-03-24 14:28:48 UTC

This is a teen drama about a lesbian couple who fosters children. This is a representation of queer teens because one of the kids that the couple fosters is gay. This is an accurate representation of queer teens because it shows how being LGBTQ+ in the foster care can be a bad experience. I believe that this is a positive representation of queer teens because it shows awareness of being LGBTQ+ teen in the foster care system.