User:M1996G/sandbox

= Gay media = Gay media refers to media that predominantly targets a gay, lesbian or LGBTQ+ allied audience. The primary target market for gay media may also more broadly be considered to include members of a LGBTQ+ community. Secondary targets are LGBTQ+ allies, and in some instances those who oppose gay rights may be targeted as a form of activism to change their minds. Their are many types of gay media, and the type is determined by the purpose of the media presented. Gay or queer media can also be defined as web sites, films, magazines and other cultural products that were created by queer individuals, or groups that are typically out, meaning that they are public or open about their identity. Gay creators do not always include gay themes or issues in their productions but there is usually at least subtle references to queerness or acceptance in this media.

Representation in gay media is something that is important to consider. Again, the type or purpose of the media being produced has an impact on what challenges it faces and what should be monitored. One example is stereotypes, popular media has used this to characterize, classify, and attack LGBTQ+ people for decades. The down fall of the Motion Picture Production Code in the 1960's led to the possibility of LGBTQ + behavior to be present in films and slowly onto the small screen. This comes from removal of the one of the guidelines within the code that alluded to homosexuality being a perversion of sex. This new possibilities for representation within the industry, but not one that starts on paved roads. One of the early bumps that LGBTQ+ portrayals had to deal with, was the inclusion of derogatory terms descriptors in television programs and stereotypical characteristics. There have been both positive and negative representations of gay people in various types of media such as film, television, literature, press, ect.

Narratives of a fictitious nature, like those of films and television programs, have a tendency to affect the viewer through the connotations surrounding the character(s) in the the medium. There have been studies that have shown that media can have an influence on LGBTQ+ people's self-realization, coming out, and current identities.

= LGBT youth vulnerability =

Medium
Representation in film and television programs also affect individuals on an personal level, who is the person doing the portrayal and what connotations do the writers behind them add to character(s).