The Power of Representation: Why LGBTQ+ Media Matters

There has been a growing awareness of the need for media representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in recent years. Shows like Schitt’s Creek, Kim’s Convenience, and Anne With An E include LGBTQ+ perspectives and storylines which help to cultivate understanding and inclusivity. Historically, LQBTQ+ characters would remain closeted, be relegated to sidekicks, or would be written as walking stereotypes. This type of representation leads to harmful misconceptions and prejudices about the LGBTQ+ community. 

I grew up in a West Indian family. My mom came to Canada from Jamaica in the 70s with her parents and younger sister. In my childhood, I was very close to my cousins, and we visited our grandparents often. I always looked up to my cousin, who was four years older than me, reveling in her stories about high school and boys. About nine years ago, my cousin revealed to me that she was dating a woman. As far as I was concerned this information was not particularly shocking. In my naïveté, I didn’t anticipate my family being concerned by this either. 

Approximately 1.3 million Canadians identify as LGBTQ+ and of them, 31% have reported that they have faced discrimination in the past year. Having diverse representations of the LGBTQ+ community in the media leads to the creation of safe spaces for these individuals to express themselves and thrive. As Canadians create a media landscape that celebrates and normalizes LGBTQ+ identities, they acknowledge the struggles of the community and challenge discrimination. This is imperative to protect the safety and general well-being of our fellow Canadians. There has been heavy stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ communities in the past, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, with suicide rates three times higher than the general population. 

When my cousin came out to my family, there was definitely tension. I won’t speak too much on her experience as I wasn’t the one to go through it. But, I do know that my family has a tendency to be a bit judgmental, and they will let you know exactly what they’re thinking. She has mentioned the glares, pointed silence, and quiet disapproval, and I imagine the closed-door conversations were infinitely more difficult for her. Fortunately, my family is also fiercely loving, and my cousin was never shunned or turned away. Even though my older relatives didn’t approve of what they saw as “her decision,” she was still loved, and acceptance was coming. 

Positive media representation can be beneficial to LGBTQ+ individuals' self-esteem and mental health, in addition to normalizing their identities and combating false negative stigmas. LGBTQ+ people may feel more connected and validated when they see themselves reflected in a positive light in the media, especially if they feel unsupported at home.

After a few years, the first major breakthrough was made when my cousin’s girlfriend joined us for a family dinner at our grandmother’s house. Grandma was definitely the most disapproving member of the family. I imagine it must have been confusing for her when her granddaughter who had dated guys in high school seemed to suddenly like women. I think that what she and many others fail to realize is that many LGBTQ+ people remain closeted for years out of fear of being rejected by society or by those close to them. My cousin attended Catholic school until she went to university, and if she came out, she would likely have faced ostracization. Additionally, some members of the LGBTQ+ community aren’t able to come to terms with their identities for many years - especially if they grow up in a culture or community where being LGBTQ+ is not acceptable. I’m not sure if my grandmother grew to realize this, or if she simply decided her relationship with my cousin was more important than who my cousin was dating. Either way, I felt very proud of my grandmother’s ability to grow and come to a place of acceptance. 

Today, my aunt will buy my cousin anything with a rainbow on it to show her support. My cousin jokes that it’s too much, but I know that it means a lot to her to see how my family was willing to learn, grow, and come to a place of support. All out of love for her. 

Creating a media landscape where everyone has a space to be seen and heard is imperative to our betterment as individuals and as a society. We gain the opportunity to learn from those who were previously voiceless, view the world from new perspectives, and broaden our understanding of ourselves and our fellow Canadians. Positive representation can also cultivate empathy and understanding, leading to a feeling of safety and belonging for all.