We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Pink-wearing hairdressers to manly gay men: LGBT+ in Flemish children's fiction.
- Authors
van Wichelen, Thalia; Dhoest, Alexander
- Abstract
This paper provides critical insights into the inclusion of sexual minorities in Flemish fictional TV shows aimed at children. Narratives including LGBT+ characters and non-normative gender performances have gained presence, and especially Nordic and Dutch productions have been acknowledged for their inclusive storytelling. Following up on this premise, our study analyzes five Flemish programs aimed at children aged six to twelve, which all include at least one character who identifies as LGBT+. Our analysis concludes that Flemish children's productions show a visible willingness to include diversified and inclusive storytelling. However, the assimilationist venture of minimizing the 'otherness' of non-heterosexual characters has led to a rather homogenous and normative portrayal of these characters. More stereotypical representations like frivolous singing hairdressers have now been replaced by rather heteronormative and gender-conforming characters. Not confining representations to either end of the spectrum are a necessity if Flemish children's television wants its audience to understand the diversified range of sexual and gender identities.
- Subjects
GAY people on television; HAIRDRESSERS; MINORITIES; CHILDREN'S television programs; STORYTELLING
- Publication
Communications: The European Journal of Communication Research, 2023, Vol 48, Issue 1, p112
- ISSN
0341-2059
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1515/commun-2021-0013