Bury your gays trope

Definition

The 'bury your gays' trope refers to a storytelling pattern in which LGBTQ+ characters, particularly queer individuals, are killed off or meet tragic ends, often as a means of advancing the plot or developing other characters. This trope highlights the persistent issue of negative representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in media, where their stories often end in tragedy rather than fulfillment. It reflects societal biases and reinforces harmful stereotypes about queer lives being less valuable or inherently doomed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'bury your gays' trope has been criticized for perpetuating harmful narratives that suggest LGBTQ+ lives are less important or valuable than heterosexual lives.
2. Many fans and critics have documented instances in popular media where queer characters are killed off as a cheap plot device, leading to significant backlash against creators.
3. This trope contributes to the underrepresentation of happy endings for LGBTQ+ characters, which can affect how queer audiences relate to the stories being told.
4. Media scholars argue that the 'bury your gays' trope not only affects the visibility of LGBTQ+ characters but also reinforces negative stereotypes and fears within society.
5. Activism around this trope has led to increased calls for better representation of LGBTQ+ characters with more diverse story arcs that include positive outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does the 'bury your gays' trope reflect societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • The 'bury your gays' trope mirrors societal attitudes by showcasing a deep-rooted bias that devalues LGBTQ+ lives compared to heterosexual ones. By frequently portraying queer characters meeting tragic ends, it sends a message that their stories are less significant or worthy of happy conclusions. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates a cycle where media narratives fail to represent the full spectrum of queer experiences.
• Discuss the impact of the 'bury your gays' trope on audience perception and engagement with LGBTQ+ representation in media.
  • The impact of the 'bury your gays' trope on audience perception is profound. It can lead to frustration and disappointment among LGBTQ+ viewers who seek relatable and uplifting narratives. When queer characters consistently face tragic outcomes, it can foster a sense of hopelessness and alienation among audiences. Consequently, this negatively influences how LGBTQ+ individuals connect with media, ultimately discouraging engagement with stories that fail to honor their humanity.
• Evaluate the role of activism and audience response in challenging the 'bury your gays' trope and promoting positive LGBTQ+ representation.
  • Activism plays a crucial role in challenging the 'bury your gays' trope by raising awareness and advocating for more nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters. Audience response has also been powerful; through social media campaigns and organized protests, fans demand accountability from creators for harmful narratives. This collective push for change has prompted some content creators to reconsider how they write LGBTQ+ characters, emphasizing the need for stories that include diverse experiences and positive outcomes, ultimately fostering more inclusive representation.

Related terms

Queerbaiting: A marketing tactic used in media where creators hint at a same-sex relationship without actually depicting it, often to attract LGBTQ+ audiences while avoiding genuine representation.

LGBTQ+ Representation: The inclusion and portrayal of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in media, encompassing various aspects of their identities and experiences.

Tragic Gay Man Trope: A specific version of the 'bury your gays' trope that focuses on male characters who are gay and whose stories often end in despair or death, typically used to evoke emotional responses from audiences.