Third International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

Are Israeli LGBT characters represented as “mainstream” or “Queer” and stereotypical? Has their representation evolved into the mainstream over the years? Or has it stayed the same? This research compares different Israeli LGBT oriented films, from the 1980s to today. It explores the different LGBT stereotypes presented, the shattering of this community’s masculine versus feminine, gays and lesbians image throughout media history and the need to become mainstream opposed to Queer, and simply blend into the majority of the population. In the beginning of the millennium, just like in the rest of the modern world, cinema looked towards the future. Israeli gay filmmakers began creating films devoid of stereotypes and actually told a real honest story, which helped various audiences relate to those LGBT characters. It is very clear that the Israeli film industry has come a long way from the 1980s until today. In the past five years you can not find LGBT films that show LGBT characters in a stereotypical way, and the representation of those characters are always positive.