Representation of Sexuality in Media

Sexuality in Media is a tricky theme. For some the idea of a character being homosexual or bisexual in a drama is shocking, due to the nature of the piece or the societal background they grew up with. For others, it creates a refreshing perspective for the audience, since they can see how the events that occur affect the character who isn't like the others.

It is also affected by the historical context present in the piece. If the drama is set in the past, the idea of a homosexual character or relationship will be one of the main focuses for the plot as it can run parallel to the main plot and also cut in when there is some new perspective needed. For example, they could kill off one of the partners in a homosexual relationship and show how it affected the other partner. If the writers don't want to make it a side plot, they can hide the relationship and have it develop and how it affects other characters and the participants in the relationship.

An example of historical context affecting a homosexual relationship would be this extract from the January 2012 Media Paper:

In this clip the director uses long exposure shots and editing techniques to elicit emotions from the audience regarding the woman's situation. This use of editing techniques presents longing feelings of a sexual nature, shown through the frequent focuses on the other woman's body and breasts. These shots are usually long and slowed down, signifying the woman's feelings of love and affection. the fades also work to give a feeling of loss over time, almost as if the chances of her being able to show her true feelings are slowly slipping away from her.

Homosexual relationships don't feature in our film, but there is still representation of a sexuality included in it. Our main character is a boxer, so he is seen as quite tough and a fighter in every sense of the word. he is obviously heterosexual as there is a romantic element hinted in the film.