“But you do not look like a lesbian!?” The role of LGBT stereotypes and representation of the LGBT community in the Dutch web series Anne+ and how they affect the development of a queer identity

Abstract

For this thesis I analysed the Dutch (web) series Anne+ to find out what stereotypes were being used, why they were being used and what effects these stereotypes have. Being represented is of utmost importance for minority groups, as this makes them visible in society and gives them social as well as political power. I will also analyse how the usage of stereotypes in Anne+ is linked to the formation of one’s individual identity as well as their queer group identity. Establishing a group identity can engender positive and negative effects. Being inside a group with people who have shared experiences strengthens the political position, yet the group identity will often still be based on some sort of norm, excluding the people who do not fit in all the boxes. The makers of Anne+ tried to create representative queer role models, however they still ended up using certain stereotypes. Even though stereotypes might appear in a humorous way, they still reinforce the negative imagery of the sexual minorities that they are representing.