Bury your gays trope

Definition

The bury your gays trope refers to a common narrative device in film, television, and literature where LGBTQ+ characters, particularly gay men and women, are killed off or face tragic endings, often as a way to create drama or emotional impact. This trope reinforces negative stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals and contributes to the notion that their stories can only end in despair, further marginalizing these characters in mainstream media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bury your gays trope has been criticized for perpetuating harmful narratives around LGBTQ+ characters and their representation in media.
2. Many fans and advocacy groups have called for more positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters, arguing that they deserve happy endings just like heterosexual characters.
3. This trope can lead to viewer desensitization to violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to broader societal issues of discrimination and prejudice.
4. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of this trope in media critique, leading to discussions about the importance of diverse and meaningful storytelling for LGBTQ+ characters.
5. Examples of popular shows that have utilized this trope include 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'The 100,' sparking significant backlash from fans.

Review Questions

• What impact does the bury your gays trope have on the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media?
  • The bury your gays trope negatively impacts the representation of LGBTQ+ characters by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and suggesting that their lives are inherently tragic. This narrative device can create a sense of hopelessness among viewers who identify with these characters, discouraging them from seeing themselves reflected in positive and fulfilling stories. It ultimately perpetuates a culture that marginalizes LGBTQ+ individuals and limits the scope of their narratives.
• How do variations of the bury your gays trope, such as dead lesbian syndrome, highlight issues within LGBTQ+ representation?
  • Variations like dead lesbian syndrome specifically showcase how certain groups within the LGBTQ+ community face disproportionate negative outcomes in storytelling. This highlights broader issues in representation where not only are LGBTQ+ characters often marginalized, but their deaths are also used as plot devices to advance heterosexual character arcs or create emotional tension. Such portrayals reinforce the idea that queer lives are expendable and raise questions about who gets to tell these stories and how they choose to depict queer identities.
• Evaluate the significance of audience reactions to the bury your gays trope in shaping future media portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters.
  • Audience reactions to the bury your gays trope play a crucial role in shaping future portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters by holding creators accountable for their storytelling choices. The backlash against shows that utilize this trope has led to increased calls for more nuanced and positive representations of queer identities. As audiences demand diversity and complexity in narratives, media creators are beginning to recognize the importance of depicting LGBTQ+ lives with dignity and hope, potentially leading to a shift away from tragic endings towards more empowering narratives.

Related terms

Queer coding: The practice of suggesting a character's sexual orientation or gender identity through subtle hints or stereotypes without explicitly stating it.

Dead lesbian syndrome: A specific variation of the bury your gays trope where lesbian characters are often killed off or written out of stories, emphasizing their tragic fates.

Tragic queer narrative: Storylines that center on LGBTQ+ characters facing adversity, trauma, or death, often reinforcing harmful stereotypes about their lives.