This blog was written by Mark Randall for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Edited by Alisha Ostberg.
Table of Contents
What is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia?
IDAHOBIT, observed annually on 17 May, commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. Since then, the day has served as a focal point for raising awareness of the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQIA+ people across the globe.
What Is Queerbaiting? Why 2SLGBTQIA+ Audiences Are Calling It Out
Queerbaiting is a marketing technique used in entertainment where creators hint at—but avoid fully depicting—same-sex romance or 2SLGBTQIA+ representation. According to Wikipedia, the goal is to attract queer and ally audiences by teasing relationships or identities that resonate with them, while avoiding backlash from homophobic viewers or censorship bodies.
This tactic often relies on ambiguity, innuendo, and subtext rather than meaningful queer storytelling.
Where Is Queerbaiting Found?
Queerbaiting has been widely observed across various forms of media, including:
- TV shows and movies
- Books and music videos
- Advertising campaigns
- Celebrity branding and public personas
Celebrities may also engage in queerbaiting by maintaining intentionally vague or performatively fluid identities in their statements, art, or appearances—without providing any confirmation or meaningful representation.
Why Is Queerbaiting Harmful?
For many 2SLGBTQ+ people, queerbaiting is more than just a disappointment—it’s a form of exploitation. It can:
- Invalidate lived experiences
- Perpetuate stereotypes or misinformation
- Fuel false hope and emotional letdowns
- Reinforce systemic marginalization
- Undermine trust in brands or media creators
These effects are particularly damaging when the community is already underrepresented in mainstream media.
Final Thoughts: Representation or Exploitation?
Queerbaiting is increasingly being recognized as a form of performative allyship. When brands or creators use queer identity to drive profits but fail to follow through with meaningful representation or support, it becomes clear: this isn’t inclusion—it’s manipulation.
For those seeking authentic 2SLGBTQ+ representation, queerbaiting doesn’t just miss the mark—it actively harms.
#Subscribe4Change
We’re calling out queerbaiting and calling in real action.
Unsubscribe from a streaming platform that to be honest— probably queerbaites you—and subscribe to SafeLink Alberta for real queer supports.
$10/month – The Snack Matcher
You unsubscribed from a food app. We fed five people. Your gift provides nutritious snacks and basic hygiene supplies to people without homes.
$25/month – The Health Hero
You dropped a premium plan. SafeLink Alberta delivered dignity. Your donation funds HIV self-testing kits for folks in our drop-in center, offering access, privacy, and empowerment to take control of their health.
$50/month – The Changemaker
You stopped streaming shows that don’t represent you. We gave frontline workers the tools to make real change. Your donation helps provide education to our key populations that equip them with the skills to better protect their health.
About Safelink Alberta
SafeLink Alberta is a nonprofit that’s been supporting priority populations in Calgary and Southern Alberta since 1983. We reduce the harms related to sexual activity and substance use through education, health services, and non-judgmental support.
We focus on people who are underserved and most at risk for HIV, hepatitis C, and other STBBIs—because everyone deserves access to care, no matter their background or circumstances.
Our services include HIV, syphilis, and hep C testing, harm reduction supplies, safer sex education, overdose prevention, emotional support, and referrals to other healthcare providers.
We work closely with community partners to make sure our services are accessible, inclusive, and grounded in dignity. When you support SafeLink, you’re helping us continue this work—one person at a time.