In recent years, increased representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media has been celebrated by audiences and activists alike. However, there are still issues with the way in which these characters are portrayed, and two terms that are often used but not well understood are queer coding and queerbaiting. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between these two concepts and their impact on the representation of queer characters in media.
What is Queer Coding?
Queer coding is when writers and creators use subtle cues, behavior, or characteristics to create characters that are perceived as being LGBTQ+. These characters may not be explicitly labeled as queer or gay, but they are given traits that lead the audience to intuit their sexuality. For example, a male character who is effeminate, fashion-focused, and has a high-pitched voice may be considered queer-coded.
Queer coding is not necessarily a negative thing, as it can allow for greater representation of the LGBTQ+ community without being explicit. Many classic films and TV shows used queer coding as a way to include LGBTQ+ characters in works that would otherwise have not been allowed to be openly queer due to censorship or societal pressures. However, queer coding can still perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce the idea that queer people are inherently different.
What is Queerbaiting?
Queerbaiting, on the other hand, is when writers and creators tease a romantic or sexual relationship between two characters of the same gender without any intention of following through. This is often done as a way to attract queer viewership and create buzz around their work, without actually including any representation. Queerbaiting can involve romantic tension, flirting, or intimate moments between two characters, but no explicit acknowledgement or follow-through of their attraction.
This can be especially harmful as it raises the hopes of LGBTQ+ fans who are starved for representation, only to have their expectations subverted or their investment in the characters invalidated. It also perpetuates harmful stereotypes by insinuating that queer relationships are only for the purpose of titillation or fan service.
The Impact of Queer Coding and Queerbaiting
Queer coding and queerbaiting have different impacts on the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media, but both are ultimately harmful to the community. Queer coding can allow for greater representation, but it can also reinforce harmful stereotypes and the notion that queer people are inherently different or othered. Queerbaiting, on the other hand, can raise hopes and then ultimately invalidate them, leading to disappointment and disillusionment.
Both queer coding and queerbaiting are often used as a result of societal pressures or a lack of understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. It is important for writers and creators to understand the impact of their choices and to strive for genuine, authentic representation that does not rely on gimmicks or stereotypes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while queer coding and queerbaiting are often used as a way to include or tease representation of queer characters in media, they are ultimately harmful to the LGBTQ+ community. Queer coding can be used well to subtly include queer characters, but it can also perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce harmful notions of otherness. Queerbaiting can raise hopes and then invalidate them, leading to disappointment and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. It is crucial for writers and creators to understand the impact of their choices and strive for authentic representation that is not reliant on gimmicks or stereotypes.