The prevalent ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope, previously known as the ‘Dead Lesbian Syndrome,’ continues to haunt the entertainment industry. Characters like Lexa from The 100, Oberyn Martell from Game of Thrones, and Villanelle from Killing Eve have met untimely deaths, often reinforcing negative stereotypes and treating their sexuality as a direct cause of their demise.
The trope emerged from a history of censorship and societal biases, with filmmakers resorting to perverse portrayals of queer characters to comply with conservative norms. Marijane Meaker, a pioneer of lesbian pulp fiction, was even instructed to kill off queer characters by the end of her books.
This trope has a detrimental impact on vulnerable LGBTQ+ audiences, particularly teenagers struggling with their own identities. Such portrayals can push them further into isolation and despair. Research has shown that depictions of romantic suicides can increase the risk of suicide among populations who identify with the characters. It is crucial for filmmakers to abandon this harmful trope, as it perpetuates the idea that queer lives are expendable and that their relationships are inherently doomed or tragic.
However, there is hope for change. With more queer individuals taking the helm in the industry, there is a growing push for authentic and positive representation. Filmmakers like Dan Levy and Mae Martin are actively working to create meaningful and joyful romantic relationships for queer characters, emphasizing their humanity and challenging the status quo.
While audiences cannot control the creative choices of filmmakers, it is essential for both creators and viewers to be aware of the historical context and negative implications of the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope, paving the way for more inclusive and affirming storytelling.
