Bury your gays trope

Definition

The 'bury your gays' trope refers to a storytelling device where LGBTQ+ characters, particularly queer and transgender individuals, are killed off or meet tragic endings, often as a means to further the narrative of heterosexual characters. This trope reflects and reinforces harmful stereotypes and societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, showcasing their stories as less valuable or meaningful than those of straight characters. It raises questions about representation and the importance of positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ lives in media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Bury your gays' has been recognized as a problematic trope since at least the 1990s, leading to discussions about the implications of character deaths on queer representation.
2. The trope can perpetuate the idea that LGBTQ+ lives are inherently tragic, reinforcing negative stereotypes that impact how society views these communities.
3. Critics argue that the prevalence of this trope can discourage LGBTQ+ audiences from engaging with media that features queer characters due to fear of their treatment in the narrative.
4. In response to backlash, some creators have actively worked to subvert this trope by providing more nuanced and positive endings for LGBTQ+ characters.
5. The 'bury your gays' trope has led to the creation of initiatives and movements aimed at advocating for better representation and storytelling practices in media.

Review Questions

• How does the 'bury your gays' trope reflect changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ representation in media?
  • The 'bury your gays' trope reflects both historical and contemporary attitudes towards LGBTQ+ representation, showing how media narratives have often marginalized these characters. As societal views on sexuality and gender expression have evolved, there has been increased awareness of the negative impact this trope has on LGBTQ+ communities. This awareness has prompted calls for more positive portrayals and a shift towards inclusive storytelling that values all lives equally, demonstrating a growing demand for authenticity in media.
• What are some specific examples of how the 'bury your gays' trope has been subverted in modern television shows?
  • In recent years, several television shows have actively sought to subvert the 'bury your gays' trope by providing happy endings for their LGBTQ+ characters. For example, shows like 'Schitt's Creek' and 'Heartstopper' emphasize love, acceptance, and fulfillment for queer characters without subjecting them to tragic fates. These narratives challenge traditional tropes by allowing LGBTQ+ characters to exist fully in their stories, not merely as devices for heterosexual plotlines or catalysts for emotional turmoil.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the 'bury your gays' trope on LGBTQ+ individuals' mental health and societal perceptions.
  • The long-term implications of the 'bury your gays' trope on LGBTQ+ individuals can be profound, influencing both mental health and societal perceptions. Repeated exposure to narratives that depict queer lives as tragic can contribute to feelings of hopelessness among LGBTQ+ youth, potentially leading to issues like depression or anxiety. Additionally, such portrayals can skew public perception, fostering stereotypes that suggest queer identities are inherently doomed. As awareness grows about these impacts, there is a strong push within advocacy circles for more positive representation in media, highlighting the importance of diverse narratives that affirm the value of all lives.

Related terms

Queer representation: The inclusion and portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and stories in media, aiming for authenticity and depth rather than stereotypes.

Dead Lesbian Syndrome: A specific version of the 'bury your gays' trope where lesbian characters die tragically, often to propel the growth or development of male characters.

Fridging: A narrative device where a character is killed or harmed to motivate another character, often seen as a way to show emotional stakes without giving depth to the character who suffers.