Fifty years ago, being gay was unthinkable. Twenty years ago, being gay was to risk isolation from friends and family. Ten years ago, being gay still carried the weight of a heavy social stigma. Today, some may say, gay is the hot thing to be.
Over the past year, gay culture has become increasingly mainstream, compliments of the media and other pop culture outlets. Television now shows us more about gay and lesbian culture through shows like "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "The L Word."
Fashion is becoming genderless, as more men feel comfortable wearing clothes that have traditionally been viewed as feminine. Walk into any retail outlet on a busy day, and you will likely see more boys than girls digging through the women's jeans.
The traditional lines between what makes a person "straight" or "gay" have been blurred, if not entirely crossed. What remains to be seen is if this trend is just a passing fad or if gay culture is being welcomed into mainstream culture.
Last year, pop culture was introduced to a gay/straight hybrid, known as the "metrosexual." The metrosexual was simply a well-groomed, well-dressed straight man-the type who might make people ask, "Is he or isn't he?" The acceptance of the metrosexual as a social norm is one that has paved the way for the acceptance of the homosexual.
Freshman Juila Voye, a straight ally in the LGBTQ Coalition and president of the Gay, Straight, Whatever Alliance at ASU, says although she understands some people feel programs like "Queer Eye" are stereotypical, she sees the convergence of what traditionally has been considered "gay" into common culture as a positive step.
"It [the media] is bringing being gay more into the mainstream. It is way more accepted now. I mean, before, if you wore nice clothes, you were 'gay' ... the stereotype is being diluted," Voye says.
While barriers may be breaking for homosexuality, at least as far as fashion goes, there are those who worry the portrayal of more gay characters in the media is only perpetuating, rather than dismantling, stereotypes.
Gregory Shrader, a senior psychologist in the ASU Counseling and Consultation office and a facilitator for a coming out discussion group on campus, says his feelings toward the recent media and pop culture trends are mixed.
"Things like this are always a mixed blessing. The media can break down barriers in terms of helping heterosexuals see gay people as real people, but at the same time, it can also reinforce stereotypes," Shrader says.
Stereotyping is only one thing that worries observers of the new trend. There is also concern that a once receptive public will soon go into "gay culture overload" and end up as less accepting.
Luis Tamayo,
a 21-year-old student at Scottsdale Community College, says in addition to being worried about excessive stereotyping in the media, he is concerned the general public will tire of hearing about gay culture before they are given a chance to understand it.
"Gay is chic right now; gay is hot right now," he says. "It is positive, but we are on thin ice as far as overexposure. If you push something in someone's face long enough, they will get sick of it. The problem is, people who are not yet exposed to homosexuality in their everyday life could take that impression and apply it to individuals they haven't met."
In spite of the potential negative affects mainstreaming gay culture could have on the community, some foresee positive effects in the long run. Voye says her hope is that pop culture will influence major social and political change and acceptance, just as it has in past movements. "Pop culture relates to the young generation," she says. "When our generation starts growing up and gaining power, this trend could translate into more [positive] political consequences."
Shrader agrees, adding he sees today's youth as more comfortable with homosexuality than past generations. "A lot of barriers can be broken down by the youth. The youth today are more accepting of homosexuality, and increased awareness can usually fuel a movement," Shrader says.
It remains to be seen whether the increased attention being paid to gay culture is just a passing trend, but it is certain that the effects will last beyond the life of the fad. Already, Shrader says, he is noticing a trend of people "coming out a younger age as a direct influence of the media."
At the same time, gay people are becoming more comfortable in their own skins; straight people are becoming more comfortable with homosexuality. However, Tamayo worries that the extra attention garnered by the media may not be exactly the right step on the path to greater acceptance.
"Before we stuck out as a negative thing, but now we're still sticking out-only we're in the limelight," he says. "I think, ultimately, gay culture just wants to blend into regular culture-that would be the greatest acceptance of all."
Reach the reporter at megan.irwin@asu.edu.
