LGBT

Behind the Aegis

(54,927 posts) Thu Aug 11, 2022, 02:42 PM Aug 2022

What is straightwashing? Here are some prominent examples in the media

Though LGBTQ people have existed since time immemorial, they’ve only recently begun to receive a fair amount of representation on film and TV. Still, Hollywood has a knack for straightwashing LGBTQ characters and historical figures, reinforcing heteronormativity when it can.

Below, we highlight some recent examples of straightwashing in film and TV.

What Is Straightwashing?
Straightwashing is when LGBTQ people are portrayed as or made to appear straight (and/or cisgender). Essentially, straightwashing involves erasing someone’s LGBTQ identity to make them fit into heterosexual expectations and norms.

Hollywood isn’t the only one guilty of straightwashing – history also has a long, well, history of straightwashing important figures and icons who have experienced same-sex relationships or love in their lifetimes.

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This is in the same vein as "Queer bating" in my opinion.

4 replies

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What is straightwashing? Here are some prominent examples in the media (Original Post) Behind the Aegis Aug 2022 OP

But wouldn't it limit their opportunities if they could only play gay roles? jmbar2 Aug 2022 #1

No. Behind the Aegis Aug 2022 #2

Thanks for sharing your perspective jmbar2 Aug 2022 #3

I'm not sure it is gay baiting to fail to fully flesh out Dumbledore as a gay character. I don't Martin68 Aug 2022 #4

jmbar2

(6,239 posts)

1. But wouldn't it limit their opportunities if they could only play gay roles?

Reply to Behind the Aegis (Original post)

Thu Aug 11, 2022, 02:51 PM

Aug 2022

Not sure if that's what you're suggesting, but good actors take on many roles.

Behind the Aegis

(54,927 posts)

2. No.

Reply to jmbar2 (Reply #1)

Thu Aug 11, 2022, 03:29 PM

Aug 2022

The issue is str8 people playing gay roles with the characters sexuality is pivotal to the plot or character. It is not being suggested gay people only play gay people or that non-gay people can't play gay characters but define the limit and place openly gay actors in said roles.

And I am going to also add, that is but one issue, and not even the most egregious one, but almost always seems to stick in the craw of certain members of the left.

jmbar2

(6,239 posts)

3. Thanks for sharing your perspective

Reply to Behind the Aegis (Reply #2)

Thu Aug 11, 2022, 04:09 PM

Aug 2022

Gotta admit that when I see notably straight actors playing gay, or vice versa, that it kind of interferes with the believability.

Martin68

(24,738 posts)

4. I'm not sure it is gay baiting to fail to fully flesh out Dumbledore as a gay character. I don't

Reply to Behind the Aegis (Original post)

Thu Aug 11, 2022, 05:27 PM

Aug 2022

remember sex scenes of any kind in the series. Does every character have to publicly express affection for a romantic partner in every book or movie? Can't a gay or str8 character be portrayed as fairly asexual, just like real people in the real world who are not in a relationship and not looking for one?

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