About This Project

Abstract

This research explored gaslighting in contemporary queer media

building from inspiration from the representation of gaslighting

(as shown through power dynamics, queer-baiting, control, etc.)

within and outside queer communities, The product is a poetry

collection that explores how gaslighting affects people’s identity,

values, and ultimately their sanity and overall well-being. The

poetry collection is based on a content and case analysis on the

theme of gaslighting and the poetry it inspired upon watching

selected media works.

Research Process

For the duration of this research program, I followed my usual routine of watching LGBTQ+ shows in my free time. One of the shows was on my "To Be Watched" list, while I watched the other three for the second time. All of them portrayed female characters who are attracted to other female characters, an identity I wanted to explore. Before doing this, I researched articles about the topic of gaslighting and abuse in queer relationships and completed an annotated bibliography to refer to the criticism when watching the shows: Vida, The Sex Lives of College Girls, Atypical, and Sex Education. I focused on scenes showing signs of emotional abuse, manipulation, and other toxic behaviors classic of gaslighting. Inspired by these dynamics, I wrote two poems based on the toxic couples and their battles of self-acceptance. In the end, I curated the poems to create the "Queer Gaslit Poetry Collection" on a website portfolio, easily accessible through a QR code.

Discussion Points

Poetry can allow people struggling with finding themselves to heal by exploring and validating their feelings.
Queer representation in contemporary shows, such as the ones explored in this research, is vital to young adults discovering themselves.
Gaslighting happens in all sorts of relationships, but there needs to be more visibility of this type of abuse in queer relationships as these shows subtly point out.