What does authentic representation look like in the media of film? by Jianna Chen

Why I chose this focus:

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 01:42:46 UTC

Having watched several LGBTQ+ related shows, a lot of titles popped into mind when I considered this question so I decided to focus on TV shows specifically and what it looks like to have authentic representation in this type of media.

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 01:43:21 UTC

Throughout the show, Otis' mom also gives advice to students at her son's school, except professionally. One scene, in particular, showcases Florence, who explains her asexuality to Otis' mom in an honest and realistic way. In doing so, she disproves the myth that asexual people don't want to form emotional bonds and describes a more accurate picture of what asexual people might feel.

Sex Education

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 02:22:40 UTC

Otis, a high school student, tries to secretly give sex advice to other students through the little knowledge he has from his mom, who is a sex therapist, and his sex education class, encountering all kinds of situations regarding gender and sexuality.

Euphoria

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 02:29:25 UTC

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 02:44:59 UTC

This show uniquely features nine main diverse characters, one of which is Rue, who begins to develop feelings for Jules. Despite the relationship between these two women, both Rue and Jules have their own individual plots and struggles just like any other character in the show. With Rue trying to recover from being a drug addict and Jules trying to find her self-worth as a transgender woman, Euphoria does a good job of representing characters who aren't defined only by their sexualities.

Atypical

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 02:52:56 UTC

Atypical is a good example of a coming-out journey that never really comes out. Both characters, Izzy and Casey, go through realistic conflicts of public exposure and confusion with labels but they are never expected to define themselves or make coming out a huge deal. Even when Casey's parents, who are divorced, and her brother, who has autism, find out, they prioritize getting to know Izzy rather than the concept that their daughter is not straight.

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 03:07:03 UTC

They struggle through conflicts that are applicable to any other relationship and have their own careers to worry about as they leave high school.

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22chen28 — 2021-12-22 03:27:05 UTC

<-- Ola is an openly pansexual character in Sex Education but still has her own meaningful storyline.

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 03:36:58 UTC

Authentic representation exists in depictions of real people, who aren't solely defined by their sexuality and have their own individual personalities that aren't exaggerated to fit stereotypes.

Bibliography

22chen28 — 2021-12-22 04:09:49 UTC