First Advisor
Dr. Molly Benitez
Date of Award
Fall 12-5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and University Honors
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Subjects
Black, Lesbian, LGBTQ, Television, Yellowjackets, Well-being, Identity, Identity formation
Abstract
To date, there are no studies which explore the effects that positively represented Black and lesbian characters in television have on LGBTQ viewers. Exposure to LGBTQ characters has the potential to validate LGBTQ identities and improve well-being. A comprehensive literature review and quantitative analysis using Żerebecki et. al.’s codebook reveals there are simply not enough characters depicted to provide such research. In an attempt to demonstrate the qualities possessed by positively portrayed Black, lesbian characters, this study analyses Taissa Turner from the hit series Yellowjackets available on the streaming network Paramount+.
Recommended Citation
Berry, Brittany, "The Power of Positive Lesbian Representation in Television: How it Affects the Well-Being and Identity Formation of LGBTQ+ Adults" (2025). University Honors Theses. Paper 1719.