Homosexuals In Film

To begin with, the cinema and film industry has not always been so accepting of LGBTQ+ roles or actors/actresses. During the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, homosexuals within silent films were seen as flamboyant, humorous characters. As film transitioned from silent to talking in the late 1920’s early 1930’s, homosexuals became a figure on film that was easily taken advantage of. This was because of the characteristics oftentimes associated with homosexual characters such as a “flowery, effeminate soul with a high pitched voice and attitude” (Benshoff). This is an early example of stereotypes being formed about gay people. Because of this, these homosexual characters were also frequently referred to as a “pansy”. Among

These extremely negative depictions were allowed by the censorship of the Code, which was allowing of homosexuality as long as it was classified as a mental illness. Films expressing homosexuality would more often than not show gay men and women being harassed by police (Morris). Although these acts may seem quite brutal towards the LGBTQ+ community, the perpetrators took no shame in committing these acts.

Advancing into the 1950’s, the censorship Code was loosening up due to the establishment of a newer film classification system. This being said, gay characters in American films were still depicted quite negatively. Gays were identified with being sex obsessed, miserable, suicidal misfits who would kill themselves or others

Police raids were common amongst gay bars which would result in the arrest of many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Not many places were very accepting and friendly to gay Americans. The Stonewall Inn of New York City was widely known for catering to a wide variety of people, meaning it was very accepting. Stonewall Inn became popular for taking in the most marginalized in the LGBTQ+ community such as transgender people, drag queens, and homeless youth. On June 28, 1969 when a particular police raid at the Stonewall Inn took place, tensions grew and residents erupted into endless protests and riots day after day, week after week. This event is very significant within the history of LGBTQ+ culture within America. The gay community was tired of being mistreated and discriminated against. They figured non-confrontational practices wouldn’t help them and they needed to become confrontational. Gay activist organizations were formed within New York and then spread quickly across the US and the World to promote rights for all gay and lesbian citizens (Frizzell). These organizations and riots demonstrate how the LGBTQ+ community can unify and come together to support each other against the cruelness of this world even