Fast Fixes To Improve "How To Get Away With Murder" Gay Representation
"How to Get Away with Murder" (HTGAWM) captivated audiences with its twists, turns, and compelling characters. However, some viewers felt the show's portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly gay men, could have been improved. This post explores quick fixes that could have enhanced the show's gay representation, focusing on authenticity, depth, and avoiding harmful stereotypes.
Addressing Stereotypes and Tropes
One common critique revolves around the use of stereotypes. Many felt that certain gay male characters were reduced to tropes – the flamboyant best friend, the promiscuous party boy, or the tragic victim. These simplistic portrayals undermine the diversity and complexity within the LGBTQ+ community. Instead, showcasing characters with varied personalities, motivations, and relationships would have significantly improved the show’s representation. Think beyond the superficial. Develop characters with inner lives, personal struggles beyond their sexual orientation, and aspirations that go beyond their relationships with other characters.
Beyond the "Gay Best Friend" Trope
The "gay best friend" trope, where a gay character exists solely to offer support and comedic relief to a straight character, is a pervasive and harmful stereotype. HTGAWM could have avoided this by giving its gay characters independent storylines, ambitions, and meaningful relationships beyond their connections to straight characters. Developing fully realized characters with their own agency and desires is crucial. They should not exist solely to serve the narratives of straight characters.
Showing Healthy and Diverse Relationships
The show’s depiction of gay relationships could have been more inclusive. While some relationships were portrayed, exploring the variety of romantic and platonic relationships within the LGBTQ+ community would have added richness and realism. Showcasing healthy, loving, and long-term relationships alongside the complexities of dating and heartbreak would have provided a more balanced and relatable portrayal. It's important to move beyond the focus on sexual activity to depict the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ relationships and experiences.
Representation Beyond the Main Cast
While focusing on main characters is understandable, incorporating more LGBTQ+ characters in supporting roles and in diverse ways would have significantly increased the show’s inclusivity. Expanding representation beyond a few central figures allows for a wider range of perspectives and experiences to be shared. These characters should be integrated organically into the storyline, avoiding tokenism, and given meaningful roles that contribute to the overall narrative.
Listening to the LGBTQ+ Community
Ultimately, improving LGBTQ+ representation requires actively seeking input from within the community. Consulting with LGBTQ+ writers, actors, and advocates during the development and production stages ensures authentic portrayal and avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This collaborative approach is essential for creating a more accurate and inclusive narrative.
By addressing these points, "How to Get Away with Murder" could have further enhanced its impact and offered a more nuanced and positive representation of gay men and the broader LGBTQ+ community. The show had a significant platform, and utilizing it to showcase diverse and authentic characters would have resonated with viewers and made a meaningful contribution to broader discussions about representation in media.
