Examining QPOC in International Films VS. Mainstream Hollywood

Many of the queer representations and stories we see in media, revolves around the same, repetitive story; the story that sells. It is either a love story or a story about coming out - a story about acceptance. However, the popular media stories and representations of queer individuals we see are not only stereotypical, but they are also harmful. We discuss the lack of personalized narratives for queer people of color all the time when we discuss intersectionality. However, the focus on one narrative that is constantly being played over and over quite literally takes space from and for the existence of any other story. As art, especially, film and television are what allow people to tell their story. Denying queer people of color from having a story to even have a narrative, and the harmfully giving them a false one is equally if not more unjust.

In previous years, we have seen that film and television have began to acknowledge queer individuals. However, is there a focus on expanding such a narrative? No. The primary focus for many of these many films is to illustrate only one, singular narrative or in other words, something that will sell. For example, Mãe Só Há Uma (Don’t Call Me Son) (2016, Brazil), a film that not only explores a different story and narrative of what it is like to merely exist in society as a queer, but also, what the hardships and adversities that one must face on a more personal, intimate level. The decentralization that this movie does on what identity is and what it should look like, sets the stage while also providing a space to illustrate that queer folks’ narratives are all different, based off of their intersecting identities and personal experiences. By creating such a space that sheds light on the differences and variance in narratives for queer individuals, one may be able to create a space where narratives may actually prove that “one does not fit all.”

Another film that explores queer identity, is Nunca vas a Estar Solo (You’ll Never Be Alone) (2016, Chile), which explores the violence that queer folks experience without having the focus being diluted with a love story, or the coming out story. This film portrays the existence of being queer in itself, in this dangerous world. While these films are international films that have gained a lot of attention in their own nations, they have not gained the mainstream Hollywood attraction. When examining the existing mainstream Hollywood films that exist to portray queer people of color, it is important to ask why is there only one existing narrative? Meanwhile, in international or independent films there is a place for more than one narrative for queer people of color.

https://travelsofadam.com/2016/12/queer-films-2016/