Absence and Distortion in the Self-Representation of LGBTQ+ Narratives

Abstract

This research uses a mixed quantitative and descriptive approach to analyze the representation of LGBTQ+ people in YouTube fiction produced by Singaporean filmmakers. It observes the general characteristics of such portrayals with a particular focus on the characters’ gender and identity expressions. Simultaneously, a qualitative study analyzes these observations in greater depth by means of discourse analysis on two levels. A macro level identifies the ideas conveyed by the narratives and a micro level identifies the portrayal of stereotypes, types of masculinity, visibility of sexual orientation and affective/sexual relations. The results show that Singaporean LGBTQ+ filmmakers depict homonormative characters and follow cis-heteronormative canons. They do not advocate for the normalization of LGBTQ+ realities, and instead present distorted constructions of LGBTQ+ people that do little to encourage their acceptance. This does not contribute to any improvement in sociocultural views of non-normative sexual and gender orientations and negatively impacts the LGBTQ+ identity. Moreover, LGBTQ+ people from the country’s ethnic minorities are ignored. These results inform academia, audiovisual industries and regulators about the representation of LGBTQ+ people in fictional products in countries where queer populations still face stigmatization and marginalization.