First Advisor

Kyle Nelson

First Committee Member

Mel Moore

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

8-2025

Department

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sociology, Sociology Student Work

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of queer representation in mainstream film and television on young adult viewers, with particular attention to how these media portrayals influence social perceptions and cultural understandings of queerness and LGBTQ+ identities. While queer visibility in mainstream media has increased over the past two decades, the quality and complexity of that representation remain generally inconsistent and infrequent. Drawing on sociological theories of representation and cultivation, along with GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)’s Vito Russo Test as a guiding framework, this study explores both the quality and impacts of LGBTQ+ media visibility. The purpose of this study is to investigate how mainstream media, namely television and film, influences the social views of young adults who consume it, specifically social views on queer identity and queer rights in society. The research questions asked in this study are as follows: (Q1) How do college-aged students perceive and evaluate queer representation in mainstream media, and how are these perceptions shaped by their identities and experiences, including whether they have viewed a queer-inclusive film? (SQ1) What beliefs and attitudes do college-aged students hold about queerness and queer representation in mainstream media? (SQ2) How do students evaluate the quality and authenticity of queer representation in specific iii media, such as the film Booksmart (2019)? (SQ3) How do participants describe the presence or absence of multidimensionality and stereotypes in queer characters? (SQ4) In what ways do students perceive queer representation in mainstream media as contributing to visibility, empathy, or societal understanding of queerness? (SQ5) For those who participated in a film screening, did their responses to queer representation shift after viewing the film, and how did they describe the experience? Participants (approx. ages 18-26; 56 total) engaged in a film screening and completed a pre- and post-survey measuring attitudes toward queer people, stereotypes, and media influence. A stand-alone survey collected broader audience perspectives on queer representation. Quantitative analysis included t-tests, correlations, and general linear modeling to assess attitudinal shifts and demographic patterns, particularly differences between queer and non-queer participants. Qualitative responses from open-ended survey questions were analyzed thematically using a mix of inductive and deductive coding, identifying recurring patterns such as multidimensionality, authenticity, and emotional connection. Findings suggest that authentic, multidimensional queer representation can positively influence viewer attitudes, increase empathy, and reduce the endorsement or perpetuation of common stereotypes. However, the magnitude and nature if these effects vary depending on the viewer’s existing identities, media literacy, and prior exposure to LGBTQ+ narratives in both media and real-life. Queer participants often reported feeling more seen and emotionally impacted by the media content, while non-queer participants were more likely to report changed perceptions. This research contributes to ongoing conversations about the cultural power of media and its role in shaping understandings of queerness. It highlights the importance of intentional, iv complex queer representation in disrupting harmful narratives and fostering more inclusive social norms, particularly among young adults.

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Gender and Sexuality | Other Sociology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology | Sociology of Culture

Keywords

sociology; media; queer; sexuality; mainstream; representation; LGBTQ; television; film; movies

Language

English

Extent

152 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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