Let me start off by explaining the show "Degrassi" to those of you who are unfamiliar. "Degrassi" is a high school (and middle school in the beginning), that shows the lives of several teenagers. The teenagers deal with various issues, including: drugs, relationships, alcohol, abuse and many more. Alex is a character that was in the first few seasons, but has since left the show (or made small appearances). She can be described as the poor, "bad girl" who changes drastically throughout the years. In the first season that she appeared on the show, Alex was dating a guy who was also bad news. They drank, did drugs, stole and had a lot of sex together. Their relationship, however, ended soon after Alex discovered that he was cheating on her and he gave her gonorrhea. Alex's life at home was very shaky as well. Her mom's boyfriend was usually violent and after he ran up her mom's credit card debt he left them scrambling to find a way to pay their rent. Alex turned to stripping because it was easy money. She, eventually, turned her life around after she met Paige. Paige was a smart, popular girl who never got along with Alex. Somehow they became really good friends and Paige became a good influence to Alex. Alex then realized that she had more feelings for Paige that she had initially thought. She announced to her close friends that she was a lesbian.
Now that we have the back story to Alex's life (or at least a glimpse), I want to discuss how lesbian stereotypes might have been used to further dramatize the story. Although she had a hard life, that doesn't have to do with her sexual interests. Many people have grown up in a poor background and have suffered abuse, but are heterosexual. The same goes from stripping. I'm sure (pretty much) that there are gay and straight women working on the pole. Alex is relateable because she has suffered domestic abuse. "More than half (of the woman studied) reported experiencing an abusive relationship, with most citing emotional abuse as the main form of aggression, followed by sexual and physical abuse." (Rudra) It's devastating to learn that, whatever the reason may be, gay women are more susceptible to abuse. It's not clear if that's what makes them change their sexuality or if that is why they remain to keep their sexuality a secret.
The only stereotype that I can detect is her secretive nature. She stays with a guy for many years although she comes clean later and admits that she is only attracted to women. I think it is common for lesbians to form sexual relationships with men in the beginning of their lives because they think that is what is expected of them in this society. It doesn't mean, however, that every lesbian should date a guy just to fit in. I mean, I'm straight but I have never dated a girl. I just know that I am only attracted to men. It's sad that lesbians feel that they must hide their true sexuality to satisfy the norm.
In all, I encourage gay women (and men) to not hide from their sexuality. I'm sure it must be difficult to accept yourself and announce it to the world, but you shouldn't have to live a lie. Sometimes gay women date many men just so people will not question their sexuality. It's not safe to risk your life by having multiple sexual partners who actually mean nothing to you. So, please, don't follow the stereotype of going out with men to make it seem that you are really straight. It's not safe for your body or your happiness.
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