It is estimated that roughly 90% of queer women feel that they are negatively stereotyped in popular media, with 85% believing that media is reluctant to represent them, (PinkNews, 2019) highlighting the importance of the further investigation of these depictions and their impacts. In light of this, the present research aimed to investigate queer women`s perspectives regarding depictions of same sex attracted women in the media utilising qualitative methods. The current study involved a sample of 5 participants from across the UK who identified as queer women and regularly watched media depicting queer women. Participants initially completed diary entries across a three-week period before taking part in a follow-up interview. A Reflexive Thematic Analysis, (Braun and Clarke, 2013), was conducted on both data sets which resulted in four main themes being established. These themes included the importance of positive representation for queer women, the recurring erasure of queer women in the media, the prevalence of negative depictions of queer women in the media and seeking better representation elsewhere. The findings of this research highlighted how queer women believe that depictions of queer women in the media are inherently negative, with participants referring to feelings of frustration regarding current depictions. Findings such as this highlight the importance of positive representations of queer women in the media and expose the strong feelings queer women have towards regularly being negatively represented, stereotyped, killed off and sexualised for the male gaze in television and film. The present research exposed real world implications for both viewers and tv show creators by highlighting the impacts of negative representation on viewers.
| Date of Award | 28 Feb 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Sarah Jane Daly (Main Supervisor) & Chris Cameron (Co-Supervisor) |
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