Graphic by Maxx Alsop
Harmful portrayals of the LGBTQ+ community as created by those who perpetuate stereotypes have impacted the safety of queer people. A national state of emergency was declared after over 70 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were signed into law in the U.S. within a single legislative session in 2023. Regardless, some of the strongest voices against openly queer celebrities are those within their community.
Simply put, an openly queer celebrity adhering to nasty stereotypes is a betrayal to the LGBTQ+ community — a community that needs to see itself represented positively.
One of the clearest examples of queer outrage is seen in the controversial reputation of Ellen DeGeneres. She made a huge impact on society being the first openly gay lead on television. However, this would not excuse the rude behavior and toxic workplace conditions she created. Ellen has faced significant scrutiny from queer people that were previously her supporters.
Queer YouTubers have faced similar career backlash due to allegations or actions. Jeffree Star, Shane Dawson and James Charles each lost brand deals after backlash due to racist, offensive and or sexual misconduct.
Despite identifying as queer himself, Star has called those that do not fit into the gender binary, “stupid.” In alienating members of the LGBTQ+ community, he lost its support.
Other LGBTQ+ internet personalities like Isabella Avila, also known as OnlyJayus, and Tana Mongeau have been dropped from brand deals after their actions and behavior were publicly condemned. Transgender influencer Nikita Dragun caused outrage after assaulting a police officer with a water bottle. Pansexual singer Brendon Urie has faced controversy for years related to racist comments, harassment and assault allegations that led to people blocking him online.
Each of these figures held large followings within the queer community due to their openness about their identities.
Drag is similarly a historically queer art form challenging presentation of gender norms that has fought false narratives about the LGBTQ+ community. Supporters of drag performance bans claim it leads to the “grooming” of children. Conversely, the queer community has shown no tolerance for grooming or sexually abusive behavior, publicly condemning former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Sharon Needles and Sherry Pie once allegations came to light.
This criticism extends to companies that publicly support queer people. MrBeast is the biggest YouTube channel and has defended one of its founding members, Ava Kris Tyson, against online hate during her gender transition. However, public outrage at grooming allegations against the collaborator led to her removal from the channel.
Another prominent figure in the community is Caitlyn Jenner, a controversial trans woman with seemingly transphobic stances. She made concerns known about Nike dropping 10-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix as brand ambassador when she became pregnant. However, Jenner took issue with another trans woman and activist, Dylan Mulvaney, seemingly being offered this position in her place. While Jenner did not blame Mulvaney for taking the deal, she condemned the company’s mistreatment of Felix in the process.
Mulvaney herself spoke about disappointment after Bud Light, which faced boycotts due to her inclusion, never reached out to her or stood beside her during the backlash she received.
“For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse, in my opinion, than not hiring a trans person at all,” Mulvaney said.
So why does the LGBTQ+ community make such a big deal about making sure its public figures and their supporters are publicly ridiculed for nasty behavior?
This “fall from grace” is taken so seriously because of how queer people have been historically villainized in the media. For decades this has impacted both cultural and internal perceptions in society and created unsafe spaces.
Confirmation bias, or the tendency to take a supporting example of an underlying belief as proof, make this more pertinent. Queer people are especially susceptible to homophobia, transphobia and hate after societal perceptions are “proven right” by a prominent LGBTQ+ figure being a bad person.
Recent legislation has shown tendencies towards restricting the LGBTQ+ community, including the so-called “Don't Say Gay” law and anti-trans bills. Openly queer celebrities have an additional responsibility to not feed into homophobic stereotypes that lead to harmful conditions or legal restrictions being implemented.
Despite legal protections for housing and employment, there are many areas in the U.S. which are not safe for queer people, especially queer youth. Having celebrity figures with similar identities can help inspire. The need for role models is reflected in queer youth self-esteem, emotions and reduced risk of psychological distress.
I don’t want to pretend that the extra pressure is fair to those who already fight social norms to have a platform. Queer people in the media are humans capable of making bad choices. For better or for worse, when a large part of a celebrities’ platform is being queer, they are tying their identity to their fame. They become a representative of their community in the public eye.
Existing as queer in the public space is challenging in and of itself, as people combat hatred and criticism of their identities. However, whether or not they want to, openly LGBTQ+ public figures have to positively represent their community and not feed into confirmation biases.
Article originally published via Technician, found here.
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