"Hetero-sexualization" of LGBT culture

The use of the lesbian scene in movies is something that is becoming almost a stereotype in popular culture. Not only are they being incorporated into all sorts of movies ranging from American Pie 2 to Black Swan, they seem to be placed in these films merely to attract buzz and attention from audiences, especially males. However, this is not the same for gay scenes being placed in movies. It is not a common sight to see a straight man declaring excitement in going to see a movie where two males show each other physical affection. The image of two females showing each other affection is something that men hetero-sexualize, and thus it is more acceptable to see in popular culture. Americans seem to be more comfortable and accepting towards the LGBT culture when it is approached in safely put together, familiar heterosexual imagery. We like to view LGBT rhetoric through our own hetero-filter in order to “euphemize” certain homosexual situations. It is true that we see much more of LGBT rhetoric in today’s culture, with movies like multiple Oscar award-winning Milk and songs like “Born This Way” being honored at the Grammy’s. However, these achievements are merely scraping the surface of the American tolerance of homosexual themes.