An Arrogant, Activist Alien: An Analysis of Negative Queer Tropes in the Representation of Fictional Non-Binary Characters in Film and Television

This dissertation examines the negative representation of fictional non-binary characters in film and television. In contemporary culture, non-binary people are often victims to angry debates, hate speech, and assaults, which has the consequence of serious mental and physical harm. These negative opinions are a result of a lack of knowledge due to its recency in mainstream discourse, a lack of understanding due to engrained ideology, and the complicated associations with other LGBTQ+ identities. Entertainment media can allow for a safer and more relaxed environment to portray non-binary people in a respectful way and discuss information about the identity. Many examples do prove this is possible. However, others fail to achieve this, either purposefully or accidentally. As a result, film and television can reinforce negative beliefs.

Using queer theory, which has noted the causes and impacts of stereotypes for all LGBTQ+ portrayals for decades, this dissertation discusses the most common and problematic stereotypes and issues in non-binary characterisation. Its aim is to impart a greater understanding of what bad representation resembles. Chapter 1 examines the academic basis of the idea of being non-binary. It explores how negative portrayals of homosexuality in the 20th century have evolved into stereotypes about genderqueer people being annoyed activists, self-centred snobs, and angsty teenagers. Chapter 2 will examine stereotypes regarding the links to transgender people, and the associated representations of non-binary people as pathetic failures, deceiving rapists, and inhuman aliens. Finally, Chapter 3 will discuss the positives and negatives of visibility in reference to queerbaiting and cisnormativity, and whether no representation is more beneficial overall.

Download the PDF here:

An-Arrogant-Activist-Alien_Joe-Carrick-Lawson.pdf

Download PDF • 1.41MB

Or watch on YouTube here:

An Arrogant, Activist Alien (Video Essay)