With how secretive queer existence has been, it is no wonder that they have been censored arrogantly on screen. Especially with the Hollywood Code, also known as the Hays Code, any imagery or mention of the sort in the public eye was instantly controversial and had to be removed. However, that isn't to say all queer themes have been erased from previous media. Often, a character or theme was "coded" to be gay. Such examples are men acting/looking effeminate to convey a role of a queer man.
It is clear nowadays how important queer media can be to avoid others' feelings ostracized and isolated. So many queer folks within the 1930s-1960s often felt self-hatred or alone due to how little queer media there were. Not to mention, the few times they were talked about, that they'd usually be talked about negatively. Healthy representation is a huge step for many to feel comfortable and okay for them to be who they are. Internalized homophobia runs rampant because of the sheer conflict of who someone is, versus how they see themselves due to what they have been told by others.
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