Representation of LGBTQ+ People in Film History: Modern vs. Classic

If you watch a movie from the 1940s and then watch one from today, you will most likely notice a drastic change in how the LGBTQ+ characters are portrayed. Classic Hollywood wasn’t exactly known for being inclusive. Because of the Hays Code, filmmakers couldn’t openly show LGBTQ+ relationships, so they had to get creative, for lack of better words. Characters were often shown as “coded” for being queer, or they were displayed through subtle hints, their fashion choices, or over the top personalities, but their identities were rarely acknowledged. And not to mention, “happy endings” for these characters weren’t common. 

Now we look at today’s movies and TV shows, and things are way different. Modern films are giving the LGBTQ+ characters the chance to be a lot more than just a sidekick or villain, rather they are now the main character’s, superheroes, love interest who get the happy ending and deserve to fall in love, and sometimes they’re displayed as someone just trying to make it through the week like the rest of us. The representation has become a lot more realistic, authentic and the audiences are getting to see these characters as someone to be proud of and look up to. 

Now don’t get it twisted, this doesn’t mean that Hollywood has completely figured it out yet. There is still plenty of room for them to have more diversity and better represent the LGBTQ+ community, but if were comparing it to where it was in the 1940s, I’d say it's gotten a whole lot better. 

Movies have always reflected the world around us. As a society, we have become more accepting and film has been able to make those changes as well, proving on screen that everyone deserves to be up there, everyone deserves to be represented and to be bold and proud of who they are. 

Sources

Russo, V. (1987). The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies. Harper & Row.

GLAAD. (n.d.). Studio Responsibility Index