Note: In this blog, we use “queer” as an umbrella term to refer to a vast spectrum of identities including people who identify as: bisexual, transgender, lesbian, same-gender-loving, questioning, asexual, gay, non-labeling, and anyone else who does not strictly identify as heterosexual or cisgender. The views expressed in this blog are those of individuals, and do not represent the views of the Spectrum Center.
Since we recently touched on JCPenney’s new advertisements featuring both a gay and lesbian couple, I figured we would continue the conversation. I know that many people see it as a positive step forward, but I see it as more than that.
Growing up as a gay teenager in a very rural and conservative town, accepting and understanding my sexuality was a difficult thing. Just looking through advertisements in magazines and televisions, I was socialized to expect to see heterosexual couples only. Would my experiences of growing up been a lot different if popular media positively presented gay couples? I am excited and cautiously optimistic to believe that the next generations of LGBQ youth will be able to positively see “people like me” in popular media.
-MM
What are your thoughts and opinions about this story and the topic in general?
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sunshinetheinspiration answered:
I think it is a positive step forward, as you said, but it seems to continue a “LG-hetero” binary, which excludes “queers” outside of those
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snackles-for-ackles reblogged this from queerumich and added:
NO WAY. I MUST see these ads. I’ve been waiting to see an LGBT couple in an ad for pretty much ever. I mean to casually...
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queerumich posted this
