Denotatively and connotatively.

In studying queerness on television, Diane Raymond argues that there are two ways to read queer images: denotatively and connotatively. In the article assigned for this Unit Raymond focuses on a denotative read of queerness on television. She does so because with the increase of gay and lesbian characters on primetime the meaning created by the viewing audience is no longer implicit but rather explicitly created. She states that before there was an increase of lesbian and gay representation on television, the viewing audience needed to “queer” the text because it was hidden behind a culture of homophobia and heterosexism.
Her study of queerness on television revealed three tropes or patterns of queerness:
Increased appearance of lesbian and gay major and supporting characters
Gay pretender
Straight-mistaken for gay
These tropes offer potential for subverting heterosexist norms and assumptions but she cautions all too often this potential is policed, contained and heterosexism is reinscribed.
Why and How is gay and lesbian sexuality “contained” and “reinscribed” within heterosexual norms?

ANSWER

Gay and Lesbian Sexuality in Heterosexual Norms

“Containing” and “re-inscribing” gay and lesbian sexuality within heterosexual norms

The LGBT community has been continuously under attack in various societies due to the emphasis on heterosexism and homophobia. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, and other queers have been adversely affected by discrimination and sexual prejudice. Many times, people have inaccurate, untruthful, and unreliable information that results in myths and stereotypes against gays and lesbians. This often causes feelings of isolation, fear, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, and worthlessness among these individuals. They are often bullied in schools, victimized, beaten, and harassed, leading to as high as 30% of all completed suicides among the youth and higher chances of not graduating (Chinell, 2011). This has led to the importance of re-inscribing and containing gays and lesbians within heterosexual norms.

Re-inscribing and containing gay and lesbian sexuality within heterosexual norms starts from an individual level and then extends to society as a whole. When individuals attend workshops, watch films, and read books that focus on homophobia and LGBT issues, they comprehend them more than before. Society has been able to gradually adjust to the existence of gays and lesbians by reducing individual heterosexist and homophobic biases. International organizations and LGBT groups have also helped to stand up for the rights of every individual. The presence of public figures (entertainers, journalists, and politicians) who are not afraid to come out as gay is contributing to this re-inscription. Inevitably, heterosexism has been reducing day by day, especially in developed countries.

When the containment and re-inscription of gay and lesbian sexuality are successful, human integrity is upheld. Diversity is appreciated and gays and lesbians can develop and express their true self-identity (Adams et. al., 2000). It results in the more wholesome wellbeing of every individual in society by removing the idea that heterosexuals are superior to homosexuals.

References

Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, R., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zuniga, X.        (Eds.). (2000). Readings for diversity and social justice. Psychology Press.

Chinell, J. (2011). Three voices: Reflections on homophobia and heterosexism in social work education. Social Work Education, 30(7), 759-773.