LGBT representation

In a drawing, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley stand together smiling with bright confetti and shapes sprinkled in the background with "WHAM!" written above them.

Experience the Timeless Energy of Wham!

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

A Journey Through the Iconic 80s Band and Their Impact on Society Today…

January 15, 2024

In an article of episode three of Hulu's "The Last of Us," is an image of the characters Bill and Frank lovingly embrace with a green window curtain in the background and a purple sunset outside.

‘The Last of Us’ Episode 3 Is a Milestone for LGBT Characters

Joshua Laine, Emmanuel College

The hit HBO Max show masterfully breaks away from queer stereotypes and embraces authenticity.…

March 1, 2023

In an article about 'Steven Universe' the character Rose Quartz sings into a microphone.

‘Steven Universe’ — The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Character Assassination

Jacob Puestow, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

Even the most well-regarded animated shows have their faults.…

January 30, 2023

Dove Cameron Shows Alluring Villainy in ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘Breakfast’

Ashley Hagan, Virginia Commonwealth University

We all love a powerful heroine, but nothing compares to an untamed baddie.…

July 29, 2022

an illustration of two queer characters on Stranger Things

‘Stranger Things’ Is Not Doing Justice to Its Queer Characters

Virginia Beall, Elon University

Yes, the show is a huge hit, but the queer representation in the show is anything but ideal.…

July 24, 2022

Reading the Rainbow: Great Books To Pick Up During Pride Month

Megan Miller, Arizona State University

Here’s a comprehensive summer reading list to brighten up your bookshelf.…

June 23, 2022

Children’s TV Shows Are Gradually Getting Better at LGBT Representation

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

Although TV programming aimed at kids is becoming more inclusive, it still has a long way to go.…

April 15, 2022

A scene where 3 characters from The Owl House are screaming

After a Brief Cancelation, ‘The Owl House’ Has Risen From the Ashes

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

While the show was missed, particularly for its excellent LGBTQ+ representation, fans will get the chance to catch up with their favorite characters shortly.…

March 15, 2022

Illustration of Kristen Stewart with fiancée Dylan Meyer.

Kristen Stewart’s Engagement and ‘Celesbian’ Visibility

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

The 'Twilight' actress is set to marry screenwriter Dylan Meyer, prompting the question: How can the media help with LGBTQ+ visibility?…

November 15, 2021

A Superman comic and merchandise lay on a table

Saying ‘Bi’ to the Old Superman

Joy Young, Chapman University

The timeless superhero is coming out as bisexual — a refreshing twist that is equal parts heroic change and tangled conflict.…

October 27, 2021

Lament for the Femme: The Complex Role of Femininity in Gay Male Representation

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

Some members of the LGBTQ+ community look askance at more femme expression among gay men. It's time to embrace this aspect of the community instead.…

September 24, 2021

‘Q-Force’ Is Unfit for Active Duty

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

While the show seeks to fight stereotypes by taking them to the extreme, it doesn’t go nearly far enough to make a meaningful statement.…

September 20, 2021

In an article about Tim Drake, Robin stands against a blue sky and a rainbow flag.

Tim Drake and the Evolution of Queer Representation in DC Comics

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Batman's most iconic sidekick recently came out as bisexual in an issue of 'Batman Urban Legends.' It's a big step for representation, but queerness has a long history in DC comics.…

August 26, 2021

Marvel's Loki is illustrated framed by purple, blue and pink "bisexual lighting" in an article about his coming out. (Illustration by Olivia Luo, The Ohio State University)

The MCU’s Loki Came Out as Bisexual, and It Matters

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Marvel's cinema franchise confirming this character's sexual identity demonstrates the importance of increasing diversity and representation in popular media.…

July 9, 2021

An illustration of a TV playing Hulu's Love, Victor as a (presumably teenage and same-sex) couple watches.

Hulu’s ‘Love, Victor’ Is Changing Sexuality on Teen TV

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The 'Love, Simon' spinoff is taking huge strides away from its predecessor in its realistic representations of teenage sexuality and the difficulties that arise with coming of age.…

July 8, 2021

An illustration of Todd Chavez from BoJack Horseman in an article about asexual characters. (Illustration by Lucas DeJesus, Montserrat College of Art)

The Legacy of ‘BoJack Horseman’ Lives On Through the Asexual Todd Chavez

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Even a year after the series's end, the show deserves to be praised for containing one of the few real portrayals of asexuality on TV.…

March 8, 2021

Illustration by Marlowe Pody for an article on The Christmas Setup

‘The Christmas Setup’ Introduces Lifetime’s First LGBTQ+ Main Characters

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Lifetime's newest Christmas film welcomes LGBTQ+ characters into the hearts of viewers this holiday season.…

December 24, 2020

‘Glee,’ While Forward-Thinking at the Time, Feels a Little Outdated Now

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

While the show has approached many serious themes throughout its six seasons, it hasn't always addressed them properly.…

October 8, 2020

Illustration of a house behind bushes and a tree, by Sezi Kaya in article about memoir "In the Dream House"

‘In the Dream House’ Is an Important Memoir About LGBTQ+ Abuse

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

In her memoir, Carmen Maria Machado documents her experiences in an abusive queer relationship, telling a story that often goes untold.…

July 29, 2020

The Purported Queerness of SpongeBob, and Why It’s Important

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? A gay sponge, according to Twitter speculation. The ocean eccentric is helping to normalize the LGBT community on TV.…

June 29, 2020

Writing for diversity: book spines arranged by color to resemble a rainbow.

Making Your Writing Inclusive, Even If It’s Outside Your Own Experiences

Katie Klear, Columbia College Chicago

In attempts to combat the lack of diversity, writers from non-marginalized communities often miss the mark when writing about groups they don’t identify with.…

June 15, 2020