Janelle Monáe vs. Katy Perry: Depiction of Bi + Identities and Relationship to Depression and Stigma

Abstract

Abstract The present study examined whether positive media representation of bi + attraction would relate to reduced internalized stigma for bi + participants. In the pilot phase, bi + participants (N = 12) assessed four music videos, ranking the degree to which they perpetuated positive or negative stereotypes about bi + identities. Survey responses indicated that Janelle Monáe’s music video “Make Me Feel” was perceived to be the most positive representation, and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” was perceived to be the most negative representation. Next, in an online survey, participants (N = 96) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Participants completed the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Internalized Stigma (LGBIS) measure, an instrument that assesses internalized stigma among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, and an assessment of depression before and after watching one of two videos. Those who watched the Janelle Monáe video reported greater reduction in identity uncertainty than those who watched the Katy Perry video. Changes were not found for the negative identity and identity superiority subscales. Path analyses were then utilized to discern the relationship between depression and identity uncertainty. Controlling for depression, those with higher identity uncertainty reported a greater reduction in identity uncertainty posttest after watching the Janelle Monáe video. Results also indicated that those with higher depression tended to report higher identity uncertainty. When identity uncertainty was high, in combination with low rates of depression, participants reported greater change in identity uncertainty. Implications of media representation in reducing bi + identity uncertainty and minority stress were discussed.