Blog 3: Sexual Orientation or Gender Roles

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    Media, whether it be social media apps, television, etc., "builds, organizes, and refines our understanding of the world" (Cognitive Impacts of Media, 2025). It subconsciously shapes our opinions of the world around us. For some of us, the media is our only exposure to certain ideals, cultures, and subjects, and we may develop strong opinions without understanding the biases or inaccuracies that exist. For others, the media provides a safe space for people to see their identities represented in ways they may not have exposure to in their personal relationships. An example of this is LGBTQ+/queer representation in media. When displayed positively, media has the potential to "promote cultural acceptance and inclusion" of the otherwise marginalized queer community (Yuan & Guintu, 2025).

    A 2023 study of heavy media viewers in Morocco reports that 33.3% of surveyed individuals strongly agree that homosexuality is an unacceptable sexual practice (Kandoussi, 2023). This is not surprising considering the prominent Muslim population and associated beliefs, but it left me wondering just how much positive queer representation exists in Moroccan media. Due to access to Western media, queer Moroccan citizens are able to be encouraged by representation and pride that they may not have exposure to within their communities. As a result, Moroccan social media users founded two prominent pro-LGBTQ+ hashtags around 2015: #LoveIsNotACrime and #FreeTheGirls. These digital movements gave rise in response to a troubled social climate resulting from arrests and trials related to queer relationships and displays of affection in Morocco (Vickery, 2016). This was one of the first strong queer social media movements by Moroccan media users, and it was monumental in uniting, platforming, and encouraging this minority group. I found that, while being queer is unpopular and even legally complicated in this country, positive representation and community exists across media platforms if you know where to find them.

    From a personal view, I believe that all humans should have the same rights, and marriage is one of these. Even in the history of the United States, these rights largely came about through media movements and influence. I remember the first time I saw a gay couple on a Disney Channel show and how taboo that was. I have since gotten to grow up with queer representation in the media, and I fully advocate for how important it is to see people like yourself in the world around you. For example, I follow the research of multiple female scientists because it encourages me to believe that if they could be successful, so can I. Regardless of your stance on the LGBTQ+/queer community, their media representation often degrades the shame and isolation that comes with being "different," and it gives hope to the individuals who wish to love freely and embrace their full selves. Isolation is deadly, and it is more important than ever to have identities represented and stories told across the world. In an environment where queer Moroccans face social, legal, and culture-based oppression, I believe media representation may be the most powerful tool accessible to the largest amount of people fpr this issue.



    

    

References:

Journalism & Mass Communication Hub. (2025, December 8). Cognitive impacts of media: Enhancing Knowledge and Understanding Through Media Consumption. Journalism University. https://journalism.university/media-and-communication-theories/cognitive-impacts-media-enhancement-knowledge/

Kandoussi, M. E. (2023, August 28). Moroccan Youth and Sexuality: An Empirical Assessment of Visual Media Contribution. International Journal of Arts and Humanities Studies. https://al-kindipublishers.org/index.php/ijahs/article/view/5720

Vickery, S. (2016, August 13). Queer Connections: Social Media as a Versatile Tool of the Marginalized Moroccan LGBT. OSIT Digital Connectiond. https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3544&context=isp_collection

Yuan, G., & Guintu, A. (2025, April). LGBT Representation in Film and Media: Social Impact and Future Development: A Literature Review. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390995427_LGBT_Representation_in_Film_and_Media_Social_Impact_and_Future_Development_A_Literature_Review

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