In order to be able to successfully represent homosexuality in our opening scene/film, we researched into how the topic is typically represented in different media texts and already existing LGBT characters.
I looked into homosexuality in media texts rather than just in TV drama in order to see how individuals represented themselves in the public eye and looked at Ellen DeGeneres in particular to see how she represented her homosexuality being an influential figure.
Ellen DeGeneres is a US TV host and has hosted the popular talk show The Ellen DeGeneres show since 2003. However, she has been in the public eye since the 1980s where she began her career in stand-up comedy and then starred in sit-com Ellen from 1994-1998. In this sit-com she played the character Ellen Morgan. During the fourth season of the show in 1997 Ellen Degeneres came out as Lesbian in a public appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show and soon after her character Ellen Morgan faced the coming out process in the show. This made Ellen the first openly Lesbian actress to play a Lesbian character.
Homosexuality at the time was much more of a taboo subject than what it is now and Ellen fore-fronted the individualistic movement in media, encouraging more LGBT public-personalities to become openly-gay. Although now Ellen is seen as a lively character and comfortable in her own skin, the support towards her sexuality hasn't always been present and in 1997 and after her announcement of being Lesbian, fast-food chain Wendy's pulled out as sponsor of the sitcom. Since this, there is much more acceptance towards homosexuality especially within media however some public-personalities still feel the need to hide their sexuality for fear of judgement.
When creating our opening scene we had in mind the questions and feelings that might be faced by our character Matt and tried to portray his nervousness and fear of judgement from his peers, without wanting to undermine him as a person. In media more recently there has been criticism that although more homosexual characters are being introduced into storylines, they are often being undermined and given insignificant roles or even in dramas such as soaps, being removed from the story.
There is however now since Ellen, alot more successful TV shows and films focusing solely on homosexuality and different issues that could potentially be faced. One of which, is the film Philadelphia starring Tom Hanks which documents the story of a Gay AIDS victim who is sueing his employer for wrongful termination of employment after his diagnosis. This was one of the first mainstream movies to tackle such issue and became a very successful movie with Tom Hanks receiving an Academy Award for his role.
From researching into this movie we began to discover the discrimination that people may face simply because of their sexual orientation and although our particular film doesn't feature any discrimination it was good to have in mind when sculpting the characters personalities. We wanted to make sure that because our protagonist Matt was quite nervous to 'come out' there was depth as to why and decided the fear of discrimination and judgement from his peers could be the basis.
More recently, the acceptance of homosexuality and the normality of it is being presented more and more in mainstream TV drama. Popular examples include Modern Family where the two protagonists Cam and Mitch are in a homosexual relationship and the show follows their journey of adoption and raising their daughter. And Pretty Little Liars, which similar to our film is targeted at teens and in the early seasons follows protagonist Emily who is Lesbian and shows her coming-out journey and the acceptance she receives.
The representation of homosexuality in mainstream media is having a major influence on modern society and is helping to shape the views of the various audiences. A growing awareness to homosexuality in adult dramas is contributing to moulding how previously hostile individuals now view homosexuality and the realisation that sexuality doesn't change or define a person Tor younger audiences the increase in homosexual characters in both TV and Film is presenting the normality and helping society modernise and accept all people regardless of sexuality. The positivity of homosexuality in media reflects on society and both encourages those who face the same issues to be open and accept themselves and other people to accept them. We hope that our film is able to have the same sort of positive influence.
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