The Influence of Homosexual Media Portrayals on the Identity of Homosexual Young Adults

Abstract

Currently, the media has become a commonly used tool for communication between individuals. Although the homosexual population has been through the process of “being illegal” to “were accepted by some countries”, stereotypes are still unavoidable. Therefore, this paper focuses on the influences of homosexual media portrayals on the identity homosexual young adults, including how homosexual adolescents are viewed by the prevailing trend of the public. According to the research, the homosexual group is not portrayed in the media as realistic as the heterosexual people are. Gays and lesbians are described as opposite sex characteristics respectively. Negatively speaking, as a result of the one-dimensional portrayals, misconceptions about homosexuality are conveyed to the young public. In some extreme cases, young homosexuals may be traumatized and diagnosed with emotional disorders. On the other hand, a more open online community has been created by social medias. Young generation are able to clarify their sexual orientations better and to create better understanding of the homosexual population for the straight population.