History of Queer Media
When a character is not outwardly stated to be, but is instead subtly depicted as queer, this term is used to describe that coded characterization.
What is "queer-coding"?
The winner of Best New Artist at the Grammy's in 2025, this popstar is colloquially known as the "Midwest Princess."
Who is "Chappell Roan"?
Released in 1975, this campy musical comedy horror is quite the time warp!
What is "Rocky Horror Picture Show"?
Created by black and brown communities in Harlem during the 1960s, this highly stylized dance was performed in New York drag competitions known as "ballrooms."
What is "voguing"?
Depicting teens Nick and Charlie navigating school and young love, this graphic novel was later turned into a Netflix series.
What is "Heartstopper"?
The first transgender character on American television was featured on "The Jeffersons" in this year.
What is 1977?
Reaching commercial fame in 2012, this non-binary artist is known for pop songs such as "Stay With Me," "I'm Not The Only One," and "Unholy."
Who is "Sam Smith"?
Highlighting homosexual heartbreak, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal star as cowboys in this 2005 Western romance.
What is "Brokeback Mountain"?
Best known for her use of slant rhyme, this American poet is thought to have been in a secret relationship with her best friend, Susan Gilbert.
Who is "Emily Dickinson"?
Written by Alex Gino and originally published under the character's birthname "George," this novel is about a young trans girl navigating fourth grade.
What is "Melissa"?
Starring James Van Der Beek, the first gay kiss on American television was featured in this late 90s TV show.
What is "Dawson's Creek"?
Co-founder of Green Day, this "Good Riddance" singer came out as bisexual in a 1995 interview.
Who is "Billie Joe Armstrong"?
Despite the winner initially being announced as "La La Land," this movie was the true winner of Best Picture at the 2017 Oscars.
What is "Moonlight"?
Discussing HIV and AIDS through his art, this 1980s New York activist used bright colors and thick black lines to create his widely recognized signature art style.
Who is "Keith Haring"?
Best known for her "test," this American cartoonist saw commercial success when her graphic novel memoir "Fun Home" was adapted into a musical in 2013.
Who is "Allison Bechdel"?
Used by large film studios from the 1920s to 1950s, this set of guidelines was used to censor language, substance use, and homosexuality.
What is "The Hays Code"?
American rapper, Montero, having held the longest running No. 1 hit in US charts in 2019, is better known by this stage name.
Who is "Lil Nas X"?
Considered a metaphor for gender identity crisis and the trans experience, this 2024 psychological horror follows a teenager struggling to uphold his view of reality.
What is "I Saw The TV Glow"?
Born in 1880s Paris and known for depicting sapphic romance, this cubist painter was friends with Picasso.
Who is "Marie Laurencin"?
Most known for her works "The Black Unicorn" and "Sister Outsider," this American writer was pivotal to the modern English definition of "intersectionality."
Who is "Audre Lorde"?
Dubbed the "Mother of Blues," this woman sings about queerness in her 1928 song "Prove It on Me."
Who is "Ma Rainey"?
Being the third black woman in history to win Best Rap Album at the Grammy's, the "Denial Is A River" rapper recently came out as a lesbian.
Who is "Doechii"?
Released in 2022, this movie features the first gay lead in a Disney animated movie.
What is "Strange World"?
Considered the world's first "female male model," this former Olympic swimmer began modeling for men's clothing companies in 2012 and identifies as "trans-butch."
Who is "Casey Legler"?
Pulling inspiration from his own experiences and hopes, Oscar Wilde authored this novel in 1891.
What is "The Picture of Dorian Gray"?