America's Next Top Model and the Discourse of Homosexuality

Mr. Jay

Ms. Jay

The show depicts not only how females are meant to be in American society, but also America's Next Top Model (ANTM) reveals the role that gay men are believed to play in our culture. Gay men are held in positions dealing with fashion and beauty and this show only illuminates this stereotypical ideal. There are two very prominent gay male figures on every episode Mr. and Ms. Jay. Mr. Jay is the photo shoot director who wears tight v-neck shirts and has silver hair. Ms. Jay is the "runway, diva, coach, extraordinaire" who frequently wears women's clothing with high heels. Their personal appearance signifies homosexuality. In addition to appearance, tone of voice and gestures are also signifiers of homosexuality. Both Mr. and Ms. Jay are effeminate and showcase the misconceptions of gay males. These men fall into the culturally recognizable myth that gay men are feminine. This portrayal can be seen in a variety of mediums including ANTM.

The discourse that results from the stereotype of homosexuality helps fill the meaning that gay men are more women than men and should not be feared by the dominant, heterosexual culture. Through discourse we form the meaning that there is a correlation between homosexuality and the fashion industry even though there is no true connection between the two. The viewer believes that what they are seeing is true because of the constant depiction through the media. It is the continuous depiction of homosexuals in this light helps our culture to now associate the signifiers of clothing, voice, and gestures as being natural in our society.