Gender as an issue is represented positively, particularly when the website represents men. Throughout the website, mean are represented as taking back their sexuality. It could be argued that gay men are represented in a stereotypical way, with a feminine aspect. While these stereotypes to an extent are positive as they are a representation that hasn't been prevalent in recent media, it can also be said that this stereotype acts as more of a hindrance. By using this stereotype it erases any other males who don't identify in this particular way. While one article discussing 16 gloriously gay photos of 'beautiful male bodies' is a positive description, it also reduces men as objects to be looked at.
However, despite this representation there website also features positive representations of gender, most notably seen int he article named 'Move over dysphoria, its time to celebrate gender euphoria.' This article discusses what is meant by gender dysphoria and euphoria, represents gender as something that fluctuates and changes depending on the person; there is no right or wrong.
This positive representation arguably is an example of pluralism; a concept that relates to the diversity and representation of different voices, opinions, and cultures in the media.
Hall's shared conceptual road map can be seen through the specialist lexis that is apart of the LGBT discourse community. Terms such as 'gender dysphoria', 'non-binary', 'trans' 'queer' and 'gay' all create an immediate understanding that this is a website about the LGBTQ+ community. This shared conceptual road map can further be seen by the picture used for the gender dysphoria article. The use of someone holding a pride flag can be easily understood by an audience and creates meaning that this is a website that celebrates the community. Additionally, the images of gay men in the article creates a shared understanding that this is what a gay man looks like, with the stereotype of gay men presenting themselves in a feminine way being seen here.
Comments