why queer representation matters

When I was 8 years old I watched Mamma Mia for the first time. Since then it is my favourite film. I fell in love with Amanda Seyfried the moment she appeared on screen. I even looked up interviews of her on my old Nintendo and wanted to know everything I could possibly find out about her. I guess you could call her my first “celebrity crush”. At first I thought I just wanted to be her, because she can sing so well and her acting fascinated me. Now I know there is definitely more to the story. Whatsoever, back then I only knew I’m a girl and she is too, so I can only wish to be her but not wish to be with her. That same year I went on vacation with my family and really wanted to be friends with that pretty girl I saw at the kids club. I was only thinking about her the whole week. But no, I wasn’t in love, she just seemed like a good friend. I was just too nervous to speak to her that whole trip that doesn’t mean anything though because how could I know? How could I know that girls can love girls and boys can love boys if I was never told.

When I came back from vacation I watched Mamma Mia again. This time I realised something. Harry is in love with another man. How did I miss that at first? I watched it so many times but never actually thought about it, until now. So does that mean it is possible? Does that mean there is nothing wrong with me? Since then Harry is my favourite character (second to Sophie of course) and I loved the film even more, it became my safe space.

Now I know Mamma Mia isn’t the most groundbreaking film when it comes to queer represantation and it is surely not the best example for this. However, it was eye-opening for me. This just shows how important it is to show queer love on TV. It doesn’t turn your child gay but it makes them feel okay. Okay about existing and loving and letting them feel somewhat “normal”. It gives them someone to look up to, someone to identify with and someone to love who is similar to them.

Queer representation showed me that love should be celebrated, no matter what sexuality or gender someone idetfies with. It made me realise that love is really just love. Everytime I feel isolated or different I can watch shows like “Heartstopper'', “Dickinson”, “Glee" and “Sex Education" or listen to Hayley Kiyoko while reading “She Gets the Girl''. I have the opportunity to see myself on TV or in books and hear songs that talk about my experience. Not everyone has that privilege and for a long time in history most people didn’t have that opportunity. But now many of us have and I feel incredibly grateful.

However, there is still so much work to do. Especially sapphic shows are often cancelled and get less attention and support than they deserve. The same goes for Queer PoC represantation, most of the time the LGBTQ+ representation is a white cis man who is gay. But the G is not the only letter in LGBTQ+ and trans, bi, asexual, lesbian, etc. shows/books deserve the same attention. 

All people should have the opportunity to feel seen. Good and diverse representation makes this possible and is therefore so important. So don’t underestimate the power of media and queer represantation, it can truly change lives.

Yours Truly, 

Dear Youth Global, 

Aurelie Lambert