When it comes to the media representation of gay people, we seem to prefer the non-limp wristed type. Whether it’s the normal everyday gay who’s not a screaming queen or the “straight-acting” gay. But we seem to forget that some gay people are actually gay. Like really girly and feminine. Are we just going to ignore this every time a James Corden jumps on-screen to portray a flamboyant gay?

Don’t get me wrong, that wasn’t James’ best performance, but do we really need to brand him as a homophobe for his supposedly stereotypical portrayal?

Indeed, the biggest issue here is how much we want to perpetuate the stereotype. We fear that if people portray gay men like that, it’s going to lead ignorant people to believe that all gay men are outrageously feminine. And yes, this can be a problem if the wrong kind of ignorant people believe it. Like employers and federal politicians. But I think we could afford a few outrageously gay representations, since media representations of any minority can boost our personal mental health. We feel we belong when we’re portrayed on-screen.

Also, we must remember how far we have come. The rainbow alphabet is growing and ordinary people are coming to terms with them all. Western society is, by far, a live-and-let-live world. Most people don’t really give a shit about what you do anymore. So who cares if some ignorant people think all gays are girly. That’s their problem, not yours. Stop letting masculinity commandeer your ego. Even girly gays are taking over the world. Take Lil Nas X, for instance. He embraces his feminine side, and look where he’s at now. An international superstar.

The fact is, some gays are really gay. And that’s okay. It’s also okay for straight actors to portray this, provided they do it well and without mockery.

And if you’re getting torn up about it, I’d say it’s because you don’t love yourself. Because if you truly accept who you are, you wouldn’t give a fuck what other people think about you.

Feature image: Quino Al via Unsplash