Stereotypes and Tropes

Lesbian and queer women are often subjected to various stereotypes and tropes in media representation. The most common of these include the oversexualization of lesbian and queer women for shock value and/or for the interest of male viewers, the promiscuity of lesbian and queer characters, the mentally unstable or “psycho” lesbian, and the “bury your gays” or "dead lesbian syndrome" trope (Gilchrist & Reynolds, 2023).

Oversexualization/Shock

Relationships or intimate encounters between two female-identifying characters should be normalized, and the intention should be more inclusive and diverse representation. However, in many television shows and films, sometimes this is included for the pleasure of a male character, and therefore a male viewer who identifies with said character. In a study of 178 lesbian women, the group found media portrayals of the lesbian community to be mostly hypersexualized for the male gaze, and lesbian relationships depicted as temporary (Annati & Ramsey, 2022). Further, Arienne Annati and Laura Ramsey claim that many lesbian characters on television send a message that being a lesbian or queer female is a performance for the attention of men (2022). Additionally, sometimes these encounters are included not for diversity and inclusion, but for shock value to boost ratings (Waggoner, 2018). This is also an example of “queerbaiting” in which audiences are teased with the possibility of LGBTQ+ representation or a same sex relationship, and therefore watch the film or program (Cover & Milne, 2023).

Cruel Intentions (1999)
- Characters Kathryn and Cecile shocked audiences when they shared an iconic kiss that is still talked about today. The actors have even re-enacted the kiss.
Jennifer's Body (2009)
- Longtime best friends, Jennifer and Needy, blur the line between platonic and romantic love when they share a one-time kiss on Needy’s bed.
Fallout (2021)
- Vada and Mia share a passionate moment and then choose to remain friends.
Riverdale - “Archie the Musical” (2023)
- Veronica and Betty, who are both interested in the same man throughout the show, kiss and hold hands throughout this episode and then it is never mentioned again.

Promiscuity

Another stereotype associated with lesbian and queer women is that they are promiscuous and obsessed with sex (Felmlee et al., 2010). This then creates a generalized view that lesbian and queer women are unable, or do not wish to, hold stable and long term relationships. A lesbian storyline often revolves around a sexual relationship rather than love and romantic desire. This stereotype is evident in many shows and films that include lesbian and queer characters.

The L Word (2004-2009)
Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
Atomic Blonde (2017)

"Psycho" or Mentally Unstable

The “psycho” or mentally unstable lesbian or queer female-identifying character is a stereotype we know too well. There have been numerous television shows and films that have either based their storyline off of, or included in the storyline, an obsessed or unstable lesbian or queer female character. Sometimes, this character actually poses a threat to the other characters in the show or film and is portrayed as a villain or criminal.

Police Woman - “Flowers of Evil” (1974)
- Pepper (Angie Dickinson) goes undercover to catch killers, all of which are discovered to be lesbians.
Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
- The lesbian character “Crazy Eyes” is one primary example of this stereotype.
Criminal Minds - “Somebody’s Watching” (2006)
- This episode focuses on a lesbian character who stalks and murders women.
Killing Eve (2018-2022)
- Villanelle is portrayed as a psychopathic and dangerous assassin.

Bury Your Gays or Dead Lesbian Syndrome

The “bury your gays” trope, which has also been referred to as “dead lesbian syndrome” refers to the many television shows or films that have killed off a character that identified with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly lesbian and queer female-identifying characters (Waggoner, 2018). It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that the characters are killed off specifically because of their identity, but this concept rather highlights the frequency that lesbian and queer characters are specifically the ones chosen to be killed off. Happy endings are uncommon in shows and films with lesbian and queer female characters, and the absence of such is also incorporated with this trope (Cover & Milne, 2023). With representation of this community already limited, this media phenomenon creates an idea that lesbian and queer female-identifying characters are not deserving of a happy ending.

The 100 (2014-2020)
- After finally expressing their love for one another, Lexa is shot and killed in front of Clarke.
Warrior Nun (2020-2022)
- Ava and Beatrice finally share their feelings for one another, just in time for Ava to be killed off in the final episode. The series was canceled altogether soon after.
First Kill (2022)
- Following a Romeo and Juliet theme, the two main characters, Juliette and Calliope, fall in love despite their family history of being enemies. The series was canceled after only one season.