Realistic depictions

   On June 26, 2015 gay marriage was made legal by all 50 states. Over the past several decades, the media has been huge source of information of this transformation for the LGBT community. Even though society has made huge strides in becoming more accepting, coming out to family and friends as homosexual remains an extremely monumental and sometimes traumatic moment for many. In the article Information-Seeking Practices during the Sexual Development of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals: The Influence and Effects of Coming Out in a Mediated Environment, authors reveal that the media has been a primary source of information for those in the LGBT community (Bond et al 2008). Frequently, teenagers struggling to define their sexuality, and as discussed in the article, they look more to the media for information on the coming-out process more than interpersonal relationships. That being said, it is important that the media not only offer as many realistic depictions as possible but also characters whom LGBT adolescents can relate to.

             The popular show Glee does a successful job of casting homosexual characters and sharing their experiences coming out. Kurt Hummel possesses many stereotypical gay qualities; his coming out is no surprise to his peers and viewers. Kurt shares a special moment with father upon revealing his sexuality; despite the fear in Kurt’s eyes, his father’s response is “I know. I’ve known since you were three … I love you just as much.” The two hug, and viewers’ see the relief in Kurt’s eyes.

On the other hand, Santana Lopez starts dating a fellow cheerleader, which is a slight surprise as she has previously dated men. Santana expresses her struggle with sexuality to her grandmother, telling her that she no longer wants to keep this secret. Santana is shocked and distraught when her grandmother responds,  “everyone has secrets, Santana. They are called secrets for a reason. I want you to leave this house and I never want to see you again. Go, now!”

Santana’s experience coming out to her family is the complete opposite of Kurt’s. According to Bond et al., this media depiction reflects the reality for many LGBT adolescents “These conversations can be difficult, especially if the family atmosphere is homophobic or aversive to intimate conversation” (Bond et al 2008). Santana's experience shows just that. Through these two characters, Glee does a successful job of showing two drastically different experiences individuals undergo when sharing their sexuality.

            Glee does a fantastic job of representing two homosexual students who struggle to share their sexuality with their family members. No experience is exactly the same as another, but Glee shares at least two. Although the law and Supreme Court have made strides toward a more accepting community, this experience remains traumatic for many adolescents as not all who surround them will embrace the idea. Other television shows and media outlets should follow in Glee's footsteps in order to help those struggling with this type of situation and in order to keep up with our transforming and more accepting nation.