Portrayals of Sex and Sexuality in Gay- and Lesbian-Oriented Media: A Quantitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Media serve as vital sources of sexual information for adolescents exploring their sexual identities. Research suggests that mainstream media sanitize depictions of lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) individuals, preventing LGB characters from engaging in realistic sexual talk or sexual behaviors. Beyond mainstream media, however, a niche media industry designed, produced, and marketed specifically for gay and lesbian audiences has become increasingly accessible. Despite the growing visibility of gay- and lesbian-oriented (GLO) media, no empirical research has quantified the depiction of sex and sexuality in this media genre. The current study reports the results of a quantitative content analysis of sexual instances in GLO television, film, and music popular with LGB youth. Results indicate that LGB depictions occur with greater frequency than heterosexual depictions in GLO media, most LGB depictions are validating in nature, and gay males are depicted significantly more than lesbian women or bisexual individuals. The diversity of LGB relationships, sexual interests, and sexual behaviors are also acknowledged in GLO media, suggesting that LGB individuals are portrayed in realistic sexual situations rarely portrayed in mainstream media. Additionally, comparisons between GLO media and mainstream media suggest that GLO media depict LGB sexualities more frequently and in more validating contexts than mainstream media. Possible effects of exposure to GLO media among youth are discussed in terms of the social identity perspective.