Trope, Tripe or Tribute?
Is your LGBTQ+ identity one you've seen portrayed in movies, tv, books or social media?
Oftentimes these characterizations rely heavily on stereotypes - the good and the bad. So thinking of one LGBTQ+ character you’ve seen, tell us about them and rate them “trope, tripe or tribute?!”
We’ll categorize those as follows:
Trope - “common or overused, stereotypical” - this representation reinforces some stereotypes but is presented in a way that isn’t entirely hurtful or which openly admits it is a stereotype and not realistic.
Tripe - “something poor, worthless, or offensive” - this representation is not just inaccurate, it’s bad and it may even be doing harm!
Tribute - “truthful and uplifting” - this representation feels true to me, I can relate to this character and feel it is a fair and accurate depiction.
It’s okay to agree or disagree with others just do so respectfully please! This is meant to be a bit of fun and maybe let us get an idea of some of the various representations, accurate or otherwise, that exist in the media. Perhaps we can even think of some we’d like to see instead?!
[Image reads Trope, Tripe and Tribute superimposed on three different rainbows to represent each word.]
Join in, add your own character summaries and ratings! Will they be "trope", "tripe", or "tribute"?
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So for our first example I give you:
[Image consists of the character Jack McFarland in a rainbow suit]
Jack McFarland
(from “Will and Grace”)
Characterization of a gay man
Jack McFarland is a confident, loud, proud and flamboyantly gay man. Jack is known for being somewhat erratic, rapidly changing careers and relationships. Jack is often portrayed as vain, self-absorbed, and at times shallow. While his character has flaws, his character progression shows that underneath it all he isn’t really shallow and has good intentions.
My rating: Personally I would classify Jack as “trope” if only because while Jack presents some of the rather strong stereotypes about gay men, the character Will Truman(who coincidentally is more the “gay best friend” trope) generates a contrast that makes Jack seem extreme and farcical rather than meaning to represent gay men in truth. In a way both of these roles contrasted against each other almost serve as commentary on the true diversity that gay character tropes fail to represent.
So how would YOU rate Jack? Trope, tripe or tribute?
@EmotionsListener
I agree. Jack is totally a trope.
No I haven't actually. I identify as demiflux which isn't too widely known so it's not portrayed much. I"m sure there's enby characters tho.
@NovaIsNB
Some identities aren't portrayed as often as others, I know I've been watching the series called "Sort Of" which is a sitcom about a non-binary character and the various stresses and struggles expectations have put on their life. I've not watched enough to really say if it's a good or bad representation, but I know it's one of the few I have seen at all.
Are there any other LGBTQ+ identities you've seen portrayed that you think were done particularly well? Or maybe that were absolutely awful?
@EmotionsListener
Ooh I'll have to look into that one!
Not really I don't watch a lot of stuff. More of a books person lol
I think that Schitt’s Creek did a great job with David being pansexual. They also did really well with Patrick coming to terms with being gay. Also, I just really loved David and Patrick as a couple. I would say that show is definitely a tribute to our community.
@MDF7
I've not watched much from the show, but found the comedy aspect made a lot of the characters rather over the top, but perhaps I'll have to take some time to give it another look. Although I am noticing a theme as we discuss these here - a lot of the LGBTQ+ representations appear to come from comedy settings. Though in more recent years I'm noticing more in drama etc. as well.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@EmotionsListener
The computer game "The Last Express" took place on the Orient Express in 1914 right before the first world war. There were two side characters, Rebecca and Sophie who were two young women traveling together. From listening to their conversations it sounds like they are lovers but given the time period, they have to hide. They discuss marrying men and still seeing each other.
I feel like Rebecca and Sophie are both tributes. Their story and relationship and feeling seem so real and relatable to me. It's easy to imagine a situation like that in the past and even in the present day!
I tried to attach a picture from the game but I can never do that.
@LovingPeacefulHeart
That's an interesting example, especially as it's sort of suggested but never fully open, in many ways that sort of hinting but not out can indeed be a very true experience for many in the community.
Thank you for sharing!
@EmotionsListener
@LovingPeacefulHeart
Hmm I can see how that may seem a bit sapphic, all they need is a bouquet of violets between them! 🤣
@EmotionsListener
YAS! A bouquet of violets we some candles.
Their dialogue is also quite sapphic. I remember my dad and brothers playing this game and I asked them about those girls and I was told they're 'gal pals.'
My favourite game couple is Sam and Lonnie (they're both girls - Samantha and Yolanda) from Gone Home. The story's set in 1995, so they get to at least be open about their relationship with some people, but there's still quite a lot of secrecy and risk involved.