Representations of Queerness in the Media: Seeing Ourselves in History
LGBTQ+ Club had the final lesson of our "Queer Representation in the Media." term today, and we produced final pieces of the first person that we felt we were truly represented by.
Due to the marginalisation of Queer people throughout history, most representations of Queerness were as stereotypes or extreme versions of what was ‘palatable’ to the mass audience at the time.
As most Queer people are intersectional individuals, seeing a true reflection of yourself on screen is a rare occurrence. However, there have always been Queer people who have shone brightly and lived a proud and public life. Having these role models helps us to feel more included, accepted and seen.
The discussions around how Queerness is represented in the media this term have been informative, educational and inspiring to our learners in our LGBTQ+ after school club. Learners applied the lives of their icons to their own and explained how they themselves take inspiration to live fearlessly and visibly.
Our learners designed posters of their Queer icons, detailing an overview of their lives and why they chose to select them as representations of their own Queerness.
Our learners here at TAN Upper are always an inclusive bunch, but these types of activities and discussions ensure that boundaries are removed, equality is fostered, and everyone feels included within our student body.
Keep your eyes peeled for next term in LGBTQ+ Club as we’ll be looking at ‘Community’ and how to embrace our own and support others!