Banke 1 Emi Banke Christine Olding ENG 200 24 April 2014 Research Paper Gay rights have become

quite a prominent topic of conversation in todays society. As homosexuality has become more and more widely accepted with each generation, the public opinion and general acceptance of homosexuals has increased. Even though gay pride and gay rights have gained a lot of acceptance as awareness and education on the subject has increased over the years, there might be other factors involved with the integration of homosexuality into modern day society, such as television, movies, music, and other forms of media. However, the question then comes up, to what extent has music and the media helped to normalize gay rights and gay pride in the homosexual population in todays society? Media has played an enormous role in society ever since its invention and implementation in the early twentieth century. Media has a way of influencing its audience without the audience even being aware of the propaganda impacting them. As pointed out in one study, The mass media are a powerful tool that societies can use to create and proliferate the values, assumptions, and stereotypes of their society to the populace (Raley and Lucas 20). The study was delving into the impact of viewing homosexual characters on television and whether this exposure left a lasting impression, good or bad, on the viewer. Because of the nature of todays society and the value that is placed on media of all forms, watching a consistent character or series that features a gay individual would increase acceptance, as well as tolerance. This is validated more so in the experiment, when pointed out, Because mass media is a primary source of information, without

Banke 2 recognition and respect on TV and other forms of mass media, social groups are most likely to be devalued by society (Raley and Lucas 21). If we are to allow homosexuality to be an accepted and normal aspect of everyday life in todays society, then we have to make sure that that image is reflected in the media. What this generations children watch and listen to, as well as society as a whole, are what is generally accepted. Therefore, inclusion is the first step in securing gay rights and acceptance in todays society. It is important to remember that because homosexual individuals are in fact a minority within society, this leads to a good deal of ignorance and unawareness about the issues and realities surrounding the gay population. This can lead to ugly stereotypes, prejudices, and other sorts of misunderstandings. To eliminate some of these prejudices, turning to the media might be a positive solution, seeing as how the average consumer of mass media may have limited first hand knowledge or contact with these groups because of their minority status. Therefore, the primary channel of information about the real life of these minority groups comes from the fictional portrayals of these minorities as characters on TV programs (Raley and Lucas 22). Although the plotlines and characters might be fictional, the exposure to the elements that make up gay rights and education on such is beneficial and informative to the general population. Today, there are a number of different television shows that highlight or portray a variety of unique gay characters in their casts. Some such shows include Modern Family, Glee, The Fosters, Will and Grace, Pretty Little Liars, and The Ellen Show. All of these shows have at least one of their main characters as a gay individual. They play a large role in the series and many of the major plotlines surround them and the daily struggles/stereotypes of a gay man or woman in todays society. In Modern Family, two of the main characters, Cam and Mitchell are a gay couple who adopted a daughter from China. Many of the shows plotlines surround issues

Banke 3 revolving around having two men raising a family together, as well as insecurities, prejudices, and discrimination because of it (Modern Family 1). Similarly, in Glee, main character Kurt Hummel faces bullying, harassment, and embarrassment because of his sexual identity and self-expression, as he often dressed in flamboyant and unique outfits. Although as the show progresses, Kurt is quite proud and confident in his sexuality, he did face a period of confusion and questioning, which were very much directly related to the harassment he experienced from his peers. Blaine Anderson plays the role of Kurts longstanding boyfriend and love interest throughout the series. He is confident and comfortable in regards to his sexuality and expression of self, and helps Kurt to become more comfortable with who he is. These two characters represent one small minority within a larger sphere of homosexuals who identify as gay men. They question who they are and what they want, they experience embarrassment, shaming, and often bullying, and they love men (Modern Family 1). Glee does an excellent job of depicting, with grace, empathy, and tasteful realistic harassment, the daily struggles of a gay teenager questioning himself or herself, in the process of coming out, or as an openly gay individual. Glee also addresses other sexuality subjects, including bisexuality, experimentation (in the form of sexual exploration), and gender identity confusion. Brittany and Santana, two other main characters, begin a romance of their own, with Santana being a lesbian and Brittany expressing that love is love and she loves Santana, so what does it matter what they identify as. In a minor character, gender questioning and the concept of transgender are addressed in the form of Wade Unique Adams. She was born a boy, but identifies with and prefers dressing up as and performing as a woman. This nontraditional take on gender labels and self-expression led to many discussions and

Banke 4 reevaluations for the characters within the show to self-examine and determine their acceptance of this unique situation (Glee 1). A recently new show to air on television is titled The Fosters, featuring two lesbian women as spouses, friends, and mothers to their brood of adopted children, biological children, and foster children. The show touches on the insecurities and discomfort that the children might feel as they experience bullying because their mothers are gay. This raises awareness that these characters are not perfect, they can feel inappropriate shame and discomfort and just because one loves someone, like a parent, does not mean that dealing with the ignorance of the subject is any easier (The Fosters 1). Pretty Little Liars features Emily Fields, one of the main four girls, and she struggles with her sexuality and is attracted to women, but does not know how to handle this realization. Revealing that just because one might know what their attraction is, does not mean that they are able to label what they feel or how they identify themselves (Pretty Little Liars 1). And lastly, The Ellen DeGeneres Show features the openly gay television show host, Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen stands loud and proud about her sexuality, herself, and her expression of self. She shows and embodies the idea that confidence and pride in oneself is all that matters in life (Ellen DeGeneres 1). Music has played another large role in the integration and advocating of gay rights in modern society. The first inclusion of sexual exploration within music was in Rock-and-Roll, and this can be considered the most important breakthrough for gay people was rock-and-roll, and this set a standard for portraying gays in the mainstream media (Hattersley 17). Artists such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and endless other members of glitter rock (Hattersley 16). They led the modern world in singing and creating music that did not specify specific sexes or an exact intended audience. Unlike previous genres of popular music, rock

Banke 5 often leaves the gender of the desired one ambiguous (Hattersley 17). This allowed for the audience to relate to this in however way they so chose; whether they were heterosexual or homosexual, they were able to substitute their own personal significant others into the lyrics and not feel like the music was unrelatable to them. With each new song, more and more sexual exploration and self exploration became accepted and enjoyed. Men expressed and performed themselves as women, like Alice Cooper, or blurred the gender lines with their choice of costumes and mannerisms, such as Prince. Within these handful of songs and artists within the rock genres influence on music, they all may appear to young people to be incremental gains, but, taken together, they are cataclysmic in their potential to herald an era of tolerance and liberation (Hattersley 17). Rock-and-roll set the stage for the advocacy of gay rights and pride in music from this period of time on. Themes involving, pride in individuality, self-expression, and advocacy of gay rights have all become prominent in todays music because of the lead that rock-and-roll gave the music industry. Lady Gaga represents many of the same characteristics of these glitter rock stars who first sang songs of sexual exploration. Her theatrics and homogenous performances can be easily compared to that of these rockers who blended the gender lines, themselves. Lady Gaga preaches for having pride in oneself and to being exactly who one is with no apologies to society. In the song Born This Way, she roars: I'm beautiful in my way 'Cause God makes no mistakes I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way. Don't hide yourself in regret Just love yourself and you're set I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way. (Lady Gaga 1) Not apologizing for who she is or how she chooses to present herself to the public, Lady Gaga

Banke 6 expects the same of her fans and listeners. She counsels society to never be anything but yourself and these ideas are resonating in the words of her songs, such as when she advises, There's nothing wrong with loving who you are/ She said, "'Cause He made you perfect, babe (Lady Gaga 1). Everyone was made with love and perfect in their own way, and her advocating for acceptance of oneself is profoundly pro-LGBT, as many of these individuals are made to feel lesser than, or inadequate because of their sexuality. Regardless, Lady Gagas message is important to all American youth, whether gay or straight, because of the emphasis placed on accepting who one is and that they should never apologize for being the person they were born to be. In his 2012 hit, Same Love, Ben Haggerty, better known as Macklemore, reprimands society: Man thats gay Gets dropped on the daily Weve become so numb to what were saying [] Gay is synonymous with the lesser Its the same hate thats caused wars from religion Gender to skin color/ Complexion of your pigment The same fight that led people to walk-outs and sit-ins Human rights for everybody There is no difference. (Macklemore 1) With the growing awareness of gay rights and its assimilation into mainstream American society, Macklemore is one of a number of different artists who uses his music to advocate for education and better awareness of gay rights in this modern era. Macklemore wrote this song, in part to educate and admonish the public on the inappropriate and hurtful, degrading language that is casually used that are synonymous to being a homosexual. Another reason Macklemore wrote this song was to express his disappointment within the music industrys lack of sympathy, as well as its callous demeaning and degrading of homosexuals in songs. One final reason

Banke 7 Macklemore wrote this song was as a form of propaganda promoting the advocation of gay rights. This song helped to raise awareness on an issue that many people were unaware or even indifferent to. When shedding light on the humiliation, hurt, and inequalities of the gay population, as outlined in this song, it opened the eyes of many Americans. Thus, it can easily be determined that the impact of media and music in regards to a gay rights agenda is indeed evident and existent. As a study done on the resounding effects of watching gay characters on television, like Ellen DeGeneres and Will from Will and Grace, it is noted that, The more exposure the participant has with the character the more likely the character is to influence the participants subsequent attitudes toward homosexuals (BondsRaacke et al., 32). Viewing characters and homosexual themes in their everyday lives is beneficial to society as it opens the publics eyes on what the truths and realities of homosexuality are. Listening to music is also another important key to informing the public by gaining empathy, as well as a means of passing along important facts on issues such as harassment, shaming, and homosexuality in general.

Banke 8 Works Cited Bonds-Raacke, Elizabeth T. Cady, PhD., et al. Remembering Gay/Lesbian Media Characters: Can Ellen and Will Improve Attitudes Toward Homosexuals? Journal of Homosexuality, Volume 53 (3). The Haworth Press, 2007. The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Warner Bros. Television Distribution, United States. 2003-present. Television. Fosters, The. ABC Family. ABC Family Original Productions, United States. 2013-present. Television. Glee. FOX. 20th Century Fox Television, United States. 2009-present. Television. Hattersley, Michael. Rocks Role in Gay Liberation. Gay and Lesbian Review, 1996. Lady Gaga. Born This Way. Born This Way. Interscope Records, 2011. CD. Macklemore, and Ryan Lewis. Same Love. The Heist. Macklemore LLC, 2012. CD. Modern Family. ABC. 20th Century Fox Television, Los Angeles. 2009-present. Television. Pretty Little Liars. ABC Family. Warner Bros. Television Distribution, United States. 2010present. Television. Raley, Amber B., B.A. and Jennifer L. Lucas, PhD. Stereotype or Success? Prime-Time Televisions Portrayals of Gay Male, Lesbian, and Bisexual Characters. Journal of Homosexuality, Vol. 51 (2). The Haworth Press, 2006. Will and Grace. NBC. NBC Studios, Los Angeles. 1998-2006. Television.