What is straightwashing? Here are some prominent examples in the media

[Behind the Aegis]

Though LGBTQ people have existed since time immemorial, they’ve only recently begun to receive a fair amount of representation on film and TV. Still, Hollywood has a knack for straightwashing LGBTQ characters and historical figures, reinforcing heteronormativity when it can.

Below, we highlight some recent examples of straightwashing in film and TV.

What Is Straightwashing?
Straightwashing is when LGBTQ people are portrayed as or made to appear straight (and/or cisgender). Essentially, straightwashing involves erasing someone’s LGBTQ identity to make them fit into heterosexual expectations and norms.

Hollywood isn’t the only one guilty of straightwashing – history also has a long, well, history of straightwashing important figures and icons who have experienced same-sex relationships or love in their lifetimes.

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This is in the same vein as "Queer bating" in my opinion.

[jmbar2]

1. But wouldn't it limit their opportunities if they could only play gay roles?

Not sure if that's what you're suggesting, but good actors take on many roles.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. No.

The issue is str8 people playing gay roles with the characters sexuality is pivotal to the plot or character. It is not being suggested gay people only play gay people or that non-gay people can't play gay characters but define the limit and place openly gay actors in said roles.

And I am going to also add, that is but one issue, and not even the most egregious one, but almost always seems to stick in the craw of certain members of the left.

[jmbar2]

3. Thanks for sharing your perspective

Gotta admit that when I see notably straight actors playing gay, or vice versa, that it kind of interferes with the believability.

[Martin68]

4. I'm not sure it is gay baiting to fail to fully flesh out Dumbledore as a gay character. I don't

remember sex scenes of any kind in the series. Does every character have to publicly express affection for a romantic partner in every book or movie? Can't a gay or str8 character be portrayed as fairly asexual, just like real people in the real world who are not in a relationship and not looking for one?