The document summarizes the portrayal of homosexuality in films over the past century. It notes that historically, homosexual characters were depicted as objects of comedy, pity, or fear. These fleeting depictions nonetheless left a lasting legacy, as Hollywood taught straight audiences what to think about gay people and gay people what to think about themselves. The document then outlines some common stereotypes and themes in the depiction of homosexuality in films, such as the use of stereotypical appearances, avoidance of homosexual characters, and the idea that homosexuality could be "fixed." It also discusses how these portrayals may influence viewers' worldviews and counselors' understanding of clients.

1. Homosexuality
Homosexuality
in Films
in Films
Abby Carroll
Amanda Friedman
April Fallon
Casey Harvilla

2. “In a hundred years of movies, homosexuality has only rarely been
depicted on the screen.
When it did appear, it was there as something to laugh at -- or
something to pity -- or even something to fear.
These were fleeting images, but they were unforgettable, and they
left a lasting legacy.
Hollywood, that great maker of myths, taught straight people what
to think about gay people... and gay people what to think about
themselves.”
- The Celluloid Closet

3. Multicultural Perspectives
• Ethnicity/Race
– Philadelphia
• Age

4. Multicultural Perspectives
• Sexual Orientation
– Homosexual and heterosexual
– Terminology and labels

5. Multicultural Perspectives
• Geography
– Small towns/rural areas vs. large cities
• Coming out process
• Lifestyle and behaviors
• Class
• Religion/Spirituality

6. Covert & Overt Messages
• Earliest Depictions of Homosexuality in Film
– Homosexual characters included for comedic effect
• The “Sissy”

7. Covert & Overt Messages
• Depictions from 1930s to 1980s

8. Covert & Overt Messages
• Depictions from 1990s to Present

9. Covert & Overt Messages
• Age
– Younger vs. older
• Outsiders see young gay and lesbian people as not serious or
going through a phase
• Older gay and lesbian couples are more accepted
– If These Walls Could Talk 2

10. Covert & Overt Messages
• Stereotypical Appearance
– Lesbians often shown dressed as men, or “butch”
– Gay men often dressed extremely flamboyant

11. Covert & Overt Messages
• Substance Abuse
– Many films depicted homosexual characters using drugs
such as alcohol, crystal meth, or cocaine while at bars or
clubs
– Drug use is often followed by a sexual interaction
– Heterosexism
• Avoidance and Villains
– Short films telling audiences to avoid homosexuals were
released
• Homosexuality can be “fixed”
– But I'm A Cheerleader

12. Observations
• Stereotypes
– Substance abuse
– Promiscuity
– One partner in the
relationship “plays” the
male and one the
female (butch females
and feminine males):
gender roles
– Gay men dress
well/wear makeup/are
flamboyant

13. observations
• Gay males vs. gay females
– Males= it’s wrong/against religion
– Females= it’s attractive
– Gender roles
• Chosen vs. innate
– Sexual orientation can be “fixed”
• Coming out process
– Conflicts inside themselves vs. outside (family/friends/others)
– Edge of Seventeen Trailer
• Age of couples
– Younger couples/younger people involved vs. older couples (50s,
60s +)

14. Concerns
• Media is a strong influence
– People may believe it
• All gay people/couples do not operate in
these ways

15. Impacts on Worldviews
• Counselors may not understand clients’ gay
lifestyle
• Client’s gay lifestyle may go against
counselor’s values and/or religion

16. Counselor Actions
• Counselor must educate themselves and be
willing to learn more about the client’s lifestyle
to be more effective

17. Films Used/Researched
• The Four-Faced Liar • Beginners
• Edge of Seventeen • Kiss of the Spider Woman
• Philadelphia • But I’m A Cheerleader
• Adam & Steve • Bloomington
• RENT • I Love You, Philip Morris
• Brokeback Mountain • Fagbug
• The Fish Child • Small Town Gay Bar
• Burnt Money • Kissing Jessica Stein
• Monster • Weekend
• The Wedding Banquet • Boys Don’t Cry

18. Homosexuality
The End
in Films
Any Questions?
Abby Carroll
Amanda Friedman
April Fallon
Casey Harvilla