Unveiling the Dynamic Impact of Queer Celebrities on School Youth’s Perceptions of Gender and Sexual Diversity

Tercia Botha; Henry Nichols

doi:10.18535/sshj.v8i08.1232

Abstract

This study explored the disruption of queer celebrities on the normalisation of heterosexuality and cisnormativity amongst school youth. Qualitative research was employed with a phenomenological research design to conduct semi-structured interviews with seven high school learners between the ages of 16 and 17 in the town of Kroonstad in the Free State Province of South Africa. The findings highlight the symbiotic relationship between queer celebrities and school youth gravitating between self-identification, challenging stereotypes, visibility, and advocacy. Bigger platforms for queer celebrities should be created in schools to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and equal rights. This will contribute to a more inclusive society, making its way to educational settings, and leading to more inclusivity of gender and sexual diversity in the school system.

Keywords

Continuing Education Programme studentsperceptionattitudereadinesswillingnesse-learning

References

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[refR-23] Kimathi, T., (2013). The role of media in creation of role models among the youth. GRIN Verlag.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-24] Linda Duits and Liesbet Van Zoonen. (2011). “Coming to Terms with Sexualization,” European Journal of Cultural Studies, 14(5).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-25] Marshall, D. (2006). The celebrity culture reader. London: Sage.Google Scholar ↗

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[refR-29] Retrieved October 2, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2017/10/02/how-lgbtq-stars-are-changing-society-through-pop-culture-evan-rachel-wood-tyler-oakley-asia-kate-dillon/?sh=1dd70a2159a1.Google Scholar ↗

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[refR-32] Victor C. Strasburger, Amy B. Jordan, and Ed Donnerstein. (2010). “Health Effects of Media on Children and Adolescents,” Paediatrics 125(4).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-33] Wiesmann, U. N., DiDonato, S., & Herschkowitz, N. N. (1975). Effect of chloroquine on cultured fibroblasts: Release of lysosomal hydrolases and inhibition of their uptake. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 66(4), 1338–1343.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-34] https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-291x(75)90506-9.DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗