Bury your gays trope

Definition

The 'bury your gays' trope refers to a recurring narrative pattern in film and television where LGBTQ+ characters, especially those who are prominent and well-developed, are killed off or suffer tragic endings, often as a means of advancing the plot or developing other characters. This trope highlights systemic issues in representation, showcasing how LGBTQ+ identities are frequently relegated to roles that end in loss, pain, or tragedy rather than joy and fulfillment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'bury your gays' trope has been criticized for perpetuating harmful narratives around LGBTQ+ lives, implying that their stories must end in tragedy.
2. This trope can lead to a lack of authentic representation, as LGBTQ+ characters are often denied happy endings, reinforcing negative societal perceptions.
3. Many fans and advocacy groups have pushed back against this trope, calling for more positive and diverse portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in media.
4. Historically, the trope has been prevalent in various genres but is especially noted in dramas and tragedies where character death is used as a plot device.
5. Some creators have acknowledged the existence of this trope and have actively sought to subvert it by providing more uplifting narratives for LGBTQ+ characters.

Review Questions

• How does the 'bury your gays' trope reflect broader issues of representation in film and television?
  • The 'bury your gays' trope illustrates significant problems in representation by consistently portraying LGBTQ+ characters in tragic roles. This trend reflects a larger issue where these characters are not afforded the same narrative agency or happy endings as their heterosexual counterparts. The frequent deaths or misfortunes of LGBTQ+ characters contribute to a skewed perception that their stories must end sadly, thereby reinforcing stereotypes rather than promoting diversity and authenticity.
• Discuss the impact of the 'bury your gays' trope on LGBTQ+ audiences and their relationship with media content.
  • The 'bury your gays' trope can deeply affect LGBTQ+ audiences by creating feelings of alienation and frustration. When beloved characters are killed off or face tragic fates, it sends a message that their lives are less valuable or that their narratives must align with sorrow. This impacts how LGBTQ+ viewers engage with media; they may become wary of investing emotionally in characters who resemble their identities, fearing they may meet similar unfortunate ends. This phenomenon can lead to disengagement from shows that fail to provide positive representations.
• Evaluate how creators can move beyond the 'bury your gays' trope to foster better representation of LGBTQ+ identities in storytelling.
  • Creators can overcome the 'bury your gays' trope by consciously crafting narratives that celebrate LGBTQ+ identities through fulfilling story arcs that include joy, love, and resilience. This involves creating multi-dimensional characters with rich backstories who have agency over their fates. Additionally, involving diverse voices from the LGBTQ+ community in the writing process can lead to more authentic storytelling. By prioritizing positive outcomes and showcasing diverse experiences within the community, creators can contribute to a healthier representation that resonates with all audiences.

Related terms

Queerbaiting: A marketing technique in film and television that hints at a same-sex romantic relationship without ever committing to it, often to attract LGBTQ+ viewers while ultimately failing to deliver authentic representation.

LGBTQ+ Representation: The portrayal of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in media, reflecting their diverse experiences and identities within stories that resonate authentically.

Dead Lesbian Syndrome: A specific variation of the 'bury your gays' trope where lesbian characters are often killed off, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and limiting positive representation in media.