In recent years, we’ve seen a huge shift in the treatment of the LGBT community. It was not that long ago that major television networks were hesitant to show a same-sex couple holding hands, let alone kissing, on a prime time program. While huge advancements have been made regarding LGBT representation, such as the right to marry, the community still has a lot of work to do.

Representing a specific demographic of people in a specific light can perpetuate stereotypes. Understanding the importance of representation will help you understand the work that still needs to be done.

Widespread Attention

First and foremost, LGBT representation is important because it introduces people in less diverse areas to people of different walks of life. Once upon a time, the media only portrayed gay men as effeminate, shoe-obsessed gossips. The characters would lisp, flounce and be a bit too larger-than-life. While there are definitely gay men who fit this description, it is far from the norm. Most gay men are no different from straight men, with the obvious exception of who they are attracted to.

Due to how the media specifically represented gay men, many people have the preconceived notion that gay men are all the same: they all love fashion, and they all want to chat over brunch with their friends. Many gay men still try to fight this unfair stereotype today. Representation is about broadening the perception of a demographic, such as the LGBT community.

The Success of LGBT Representation

The media has made many attempts to show more diverse portrayals of LGBT characters over the years. “Orange Is the New Black,” a Netflix original, successfully shows characters from the LGBT community in an entirely new light. Not only did this show help broaden representation, it started conversations about trans individuals and their rights.

Other examples of LGBT characters who represent the community in more diverse ways and break stereotypes include Max from “Happy Endings,” Danny from “Teen Wolf,” and Alex from “Supergirl.” Even Titus from “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” breaks the gay-male stereotype by showing a character who has substance beyond his love for doll furniture and fanciful outfits. Even comic books have become better at portraying gay characters. DC Comics proudly publishes the adventures of well-rounded LGBT superheroes like Midnighter and Batwoman.

How the World Changes

The world does not always change in the ways we believe it does. Support for same-sex marriage increased, a Pew Research study found, as Americans realized friends and family members were gay. The more people who were in contact with members of the LGBT community, the easier it was for acceptance to become widespread. The right representation helps to do the same thing, as does introducing people across the country to relatable characters that just so happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans.

There are many obstacles to come on the road toward equal rights for same-sex couples. Though some big victories have been celebrated, like legalizing same-sex marriage, there are still many little battles to win. Advancements happen incrementally, which is important to remember. The more people are aware of the LGBT community’s diversity, the easier it will be to end today’s culture wars. Do your part by paying attention to representation and encouraging the right conversations whenever possible.