Queerbaiting: What it is, Why it’s wrong, and How to stop it.
What is Queerbaiting? Over the years, “Queerbaiting” has expanded to include a variety of scenarios. Still, for this article, Queerbaiting is when pop culture creators plant the seed of a same-sex relationship to draw in LGBTQ audiences but don’t allow that relationship to thrive or develop into something meaningful.
The practice of using queer characters as plot devices in TV and film is nothing new. Even If you’re not familiar with the term Queerbaiting, you’ve probably seen it in action.
Remember Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001), starring Lucy Lawless? There was so much lesbian subtext in that show that it could be argued that Xena and her traveling companion Gabrielle were Prime Time TV’s first pair of scissor sisters. It’s that very reason Lawless quickly became an LGBT+ icon – so much so that many of Xena’s large lesbian fanbase flocked to New York to support Lucy in her star turn as Rizzo in the Broadway revival of Grease. At the stage door, those in the business referred to the stars’ post-show meet-and-greet sessions as the vagina monologues.
Although the Xena/Gabrielle relationship certainly qualifies, the phrase Queerbaiting didn’t hit mainstream vernacular until somewhere in the 2010s when queer fandom began calling out shows like Sherlock and Supernatural for their lack of queer content, despite the apparent chemistry between the show’s lead characters.
So, why are we talking about this twenty years after Xena and her Battle Bitch are off the air? Because it’s still trending. Queerbaiting wasn’t left behind with parachute pants and Members Only jackets of the ‘90s as it should have been. And it’s a problem.
As a bonafide queer, born in 1969, I grew up with the gay pride movement and witnessed the radical changes and improvements made over the years.
But it’s not over. I feel obligated to raise awareness and re-ignite this discussion for newer generations because Queerbaiting is alive and well and living in Prime Time. Shows like Riverdale, Stranger Things, Titans, The Falcon and Winter Soldier, and Super Girl, among others, continue to tease and entice LGBTQ audiences without fully committing to providing respectful representation.
I think that the entertainment media believes that straight, conservative America isn’t interested or can’t handle the complexities of homosexual storylines. I disagree. Look at Caitlyn Jenner. Straight, conservative Americans couldn’t get enough of that narrative. If they can handle 1976 Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner wanting to get his dick cut off and live his life as a woman, they can handle two guys making out.
Why is Queerbaiting Wrong? Queerbaiting is wrong because it is demoralizing and contributes to our devaluation. It’s an insidious practice that often involves teasing or suggesting queer relationships between characters, only to backtrack or never follow through. It’s a form of exploitation that capitalizes on the LGBTQ+ community’s desire for authentic and inclusive representation while ultimately failing to deliver.
Representation is critical, especially for this generation. For young queers, to see themselves authentically represented on film or TV can be life-changing and, in some instances, life-saving.
Some might say that “Something is exposure (through Queerbaiting) is better than nothing.” And that even a hint of a same-sex relationship is progress and should be considered a form of representation.
Wrong. It’s important to distinguish the difference. Representation involves the meaningful and authentic portrayal of gay relationships with depth, nuance, and respect. Queerbaiting exploits our desire for representation without delivering on its promise of inclusion. In doing so, Queerbaiting contributes to a cycle of harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about gay individuals and relationships. As same-sex narratives and characters disappear within the storyline, It only serves to erase our history further and nullify our struggles.
When queer characters are reduced to mere plot devices, it reinforces the idea that their stories are secondary and expendable, lending to the notion that their identities and experiences are disposable and unworthy of authentic portrayal. This fosters a sense of insensitivity among LGBTQ+ viewers towards the media when we are constantly denied the opportunity to see ourselves genuinely represented. Paramount’s Wolfpack, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, is a prime example. Once the steam evaporates, so does the development of the relationships.
How can we stop Queerbaiting? Here are three things we can do to help combat Queerbaiting and its exploitation of our community:
1. Speak up: Hold creators and producers accountable for their portrayal of queer characters and storylines. Write emails, and let your objections be heard in conversation.
2. Speak out: Educate and engage with others about the detrimental effects of Queerbaiting. Share your experiences and feelings about the characters and shows that may have disappointed you. Utilize social and media platforms to encourage authentic portrayals and inclusive storytelling of the LGBTQ+ community. Promote dialogue and accountability. A proactive approach empowers audiences to demand meaningful representation. We should also insist that entertainment companies hire a member of the LGBTQ+ community to be a part of the creative team on any project that includes a gay narrative. Entertainment companies can do their part by being open to criticism and making changes from the feedback they receive while researching to make representation as realistic and beneficial as possible.
3. Speak of: As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we must go out of our way to read, watch, listen, and support gay creators and seek stories written by queer people; to help increase awareness and popularity. We should encourage others to do the same, including family, supporters, and allies of the LGBTQ+ cause. If you’re a creator, be relentless in your creation of queer material. As consumers, we can spread the word and support our tribes. If you tell two people and they tell two people…. And so on.
Queer representation has improved dramatically in recent years. I acknowledge that and am grateful for it, but it still isn’t as common and expected as it should be if the objective is to mirror reality. When the media showcases exciting LGBTQ+ content without delivering it, they betray us, a marginalized community eager and deserving to see our realities portrayed in mainstream media.
Courting the gay dollar isn’t limited to TV and Film. Every June, for Pride month, many large companies pretend to care about pride and adjust their logos to sell products that seemingly support LGBTQ+ businesses – benefitting from an identity that they care nothing about. When this facade drops one month later, it shows how fleeting and insincere their morale is for the advancement of our community and how prevalent their lack of commitment is to see the LGBTQ+ movement push forward.
It is up to us to be aware and selective of the shows and companies we support. It’s our responsibility as proud members of the LGBTQ+ community to live the changes we want to see, and if you see something, say something. There are many outlets where you can let your voice and opinion be heard. It only takes a few keystrokes to make a difference. As the number and diversity of voices that object to Queerbaiting increase, the better our chances of seeing significant change. We mustn’t become complacent with the strides and achievements the LGBTQ+ movement has made. We deserve better. We deserve well-developed characters and storylines that contribute positively to diverse and inclusive storytelling.
Thank you for reading. If you have comments or suggestions for future topics, please drop me a line and let me know at RyanRockfordNYC@gmail.com.
Until next time.. Gone Fishin’.
