Bilello, A. (2025). The influence of films on LGBTQ+ male young adults romantic expectations. The Young Researcher, 9(1), 134-146. http://www.theyoungresearcher.com/papers/biello.pdf

Abstract
This paper analyzes the influence that films featuring LGBTQ+ relationships have in fostering the romantic expectations of young LGBTQ+ men aged 15-20. The films Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and Rent (2005) were analyzed based on how LGBTQ+ relationships were characterized, finding dramatic or unrealistic representation of physical and emotional expectations in addition to expectations of conflict resolution. This data informed a survey asking LGBTQ+ and straight men about their expectations of romance, romantic partners, and themselves in a relationship. The survey displayed a strong difference in expectations, specifically in terms of physical expectations.

Keywords: LGBTQ+ romantic expectations, romantic beliefs, films, young LGBTQ+ men


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