Erasing Men from Lesbianism: Lesbian Media that Subverts and Dismisses the Male Gaze

When I ask you to think of a lesbian relationship, what do you envision? Naturally, you might think of a woman loving another woman or something adjacent to that at least. If we ask Hollywood though, they might conjure up a different conception. Ironically, they might also say two women, but also a man, because apparently, he has proved himself imperative in the narratives they craft around lesbians. 

In our seemingly expanding media landscape, there are still evident shortcomings when depicting lesbianism on screen. With their stories already few and far between, the narratives that are in the canon render themselves harmful and deceptive. With lesbians being either the butt end of a joke, the protagonists of a tragedy, or simply just hypersexualized depictions of two women (who might not even be gay), lesbians inevitably feel a certain disappointment when looking towards media to properly reflect their experiences. Blue is the Warmest Color, Wild Things, Orange is the New Black, Show Girls… These are all films that follow poor and oversexualized depictions of Lesbians that cater to the male gaze instead of accurately trying to portray the intricacies of Lesbianism. A common thread in all these narratives is that they are indeed, created by men. 

In a societal context where man is perceived as a symbol of power and essentiality, his status is reinforced by consistently emphasizing that indispensability. This portrayal presents itself in various realms such as advertising, politics, and notably, film and television. However, when it comes to Lesbianism, where the male figure is rendered useless, unnecessary, and impractical, this lack of control poses a threat to the traditional concept of man's significance and utility. In response to this, men often persist in inserting themselves into on-screen representations of lesbian relationships, albeit in a manner that serves their sexual gratification. This practice perpetuates the narrative of their perceived importance, even in contexts where their presence is theoretically irrelevant. This simultaneously takes away from the validity and visibility of Lesbian relationships, leaving society with a skewed and male-influenced view of what Lesbianism is and means. With most Hollywood directors being male, escaping male perception of the Lesbian feels inconceivable. 

Today we are going to challenge that lamentable fact and I will do my best to offer some examples of Lesbian-featuring or purely Lesbian films/television shows that are not centered around appeasing men and their strange fantasy that Lesbians are just bitter straight women who are in actuality sexually oriented towards men. Whether you need to be validated as a Lesbian, or you are just someone who wants to learn more from a male-removed perspective, keep reading. 

Bottoms

Released this year, "Bottoms," is a satirical lesbian film that skillfully navigates the complexities of the lesbian experience without sensationalism or trivialization. Centering more on the awkward dance of coming of age, the narrative touches on universal themes like unrequited love, crushes, and girl friendships. Most notably, the film portrays lesbianism as a normative aspect of life, with the majority of characters identifying as lesbians. Under the direction of a woman, the film avoids sexualization and minimizes discussion of lesbian hardships, diminishing the influence of the male gaze. Instead, "Bottoms" challenges pre-existing stereotypes by portraying lesbians as uncool and geeky, instead of familiar notions of excessive sexualization.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is one of my favorite Lesbian films, but also films in general, as it diverges excellently from the male gaze, composing a narrative that resists objectification and instead emphasizes emotional connection. Directed by Lesbian Céline Sciamma, the film centers on the intimate relationship between two women, allowing their agency and autonomy to take control of the narrative. Using a portrait of Héloïse painted by Marianne, the painting is a physical representation of the way lesbian women see each other, different from how men have seen lesbian women. The cinematography, done by Claire Mathon, prioritizes the female gaze, capturing the protagonists with depth and emotional resonance, transcending the regurgitated sexual hyper-feminine scenes we are accustomed to. The added absence of male characters cultivates an environment where the women's desires, thoughts, and emotions are explored authentically. Directed and produced by women, and a story also for women, this movie functions as a refreshing lens on lesbian relationships while simultaneously providing a fascinating plot. 

The Haunting of Bly Manor

Now that we have a comedy and a drama, let us introduce one for thriller/horror lovers, which is none other than “The Haunting of Bly Manor.” Dani Clayton and Jamie are two central characters whose love story unfolds amidst the eerie backdrop of Bly Manor. Dani, an American au pair, comes to work at Bly Manor, where she meets Jamie, the gardener. Over time, Dani and Jamie develop a deep emotional connection that goes beyond the haunting occurrences in the manor. Their love story is grounded in mutual understanding, support, and genuine affection, the story exceeds a mere sexual affair. Their relationship becomes a central, poignant, and integral part of the series, giving them control over their narrative and allowing viewers to view Lesbian relationships as wholesome and innocent, rather than deviant and salacious. Adding in Lesbian characters without the redundant use of highly invasive and graphic sex scenes that feel more so for men is uncommon, but in this show, it exists. Developing their relationship through friendship, trust, and shared experiences, we get a rejuvenating look at how Lesbian relationships are just as valid and multifaceted as straight ones.  

The media still has a long way to go in restoring Lesbian's faith in portraying them correctly on screen. Here is a starting point, and I hope with more time, these beautiful and more diverse depictions swim amongst a sea of others.