Homosexuality and Media
Cam and Mitchell from 'Modern Family'
The Media Awareness Network contends that modern media, especially film and television, tends to be cautious in its depiction of homosexuality, tending to “sanitize” the subject matter (1). However, homosexuals have made great strides in recent years in both media portrayal and involvement in media production. Homosexuals are extremely influential in all aspects of media, ranging from production to consumption, and the media has proven to be a critical tool in pushing social issues that homosexuals are invested in (such as the fight over gay marriage in California) into the political spotlight. In addition, media has reflected changing social attitudes towards homosexuals.
Influential homosexuals involved in production of media include Ellen Degeneres (host of one of daytime televisions most popular programs and judge on American Idol), David Geffen (billionaire co-founder of DreamWorks SKG), Jann Wenner (owner and publisher of Rolling Stone), Rich Ross (studio chair of Disney), and Elton John (Grammy and Academy Award winning singer-songwriter).
There has been an increase in portrayal of homosexuals in popular media—such hit television shows as “Modern Family” and “The Office” depict modern homosexual lifestyles in a positive light, and display an evolution of homosexuals in modern culture. In "Modern Family," Cameron and Mitchell along with their adopted daughter Lily make up one of the three "modern" families on the show, something that up until recent times would have not have been allowed by an American production studio. In film, Sean Penn recently won an Oscar in 2009 for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk in the film Milk.
Homosexual consumers have also wielded a huge influence on the music industry, especially popular music. Best selling artists including Britney Spears, Madonna, and Beyonce have huge homosexual fan bases. Grammy award winning Lady Gaga (who also owns the record for the most watched Youtube video of all time) credits her homosexual fan base for much of her success. “The turning point for me was the gay community. I've got so many gay fans and they're so loyal to me and they really lifted me up.” (2)
Overall, homosexuals have exhibited a huge influence on modern media, in terms of form (news, print, film, television, music), portrayal, and production, which has allowed them to be a vocal social group in the political and social arenas of American culture.
Influential homosexuals involved in production of media include Ellen Degeneres (host of one of daytime televisions most popular programs and judge on American Idol), David Geffen (billionaire co-founder of DreamWorks SKG), Jann Wenner (owner and publisher of Rolling Stone), Rich Ross (studio chair of Disney), and Elton John (Grammy and Academy Award winning singer-songwriter).
There has been an increase in portrayal of homosexuals in popular media—such hit television shows as “Modern Family” and “The Office” depict modern homosexual lifestyles in a positive light, and display an evolution of homosexuals in modern culture. In "Modern Family," Cameron and Mitchell along with their adopted daughter Lily make up one of the three "modern" families on the show, something that up until recent times would have not have been allowed by an American production studio. In film, Sean Penn recently won an Oscar in 2009 for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk in the film Milk.
Homosexual consumers have also wielded a huge influence on the music industry, especially popular music. Best selling artists including Britney Spears, Madonna, and Beyonce have huge homosexual fan bases. Grammy award winning Lady Gaga (who also owns the record for the most watched Youtube video of all time) credits her homosexual fan base for much of her success. “The turning point for me was the gay community. I've got so many gay fans and they're so loyal to me and they really lifted me up.” (2)
Overall, homosexuals have exhibited a huge influence on modern media, in terms of form (news, print, film, television, music), portrayal, and production, which has allowed them to be a vocal social group in the political and social arenas of American culture.
