Investigating Representation Through the Analysis of Character Designs from LGBTQIA+ Creatives on the Island of Ireland

Queer coding is the practice of assigning traits to a character’s appearance or performance to insinuate they are from the LGBTQIA+ community. The analysis of queer coding in animation primarily draws links to Vito Russo’s work regarding homosexuality in 20th century Hollywood film. Vito Russo’s book, ‘The Celluloid Closet’ was originally published in 1981 with an updated movie adaptation releasing in 1996. Using a sequential explanatory methodology, the aim of this research is to examine LGBTQIA+ representation across artists and designers on the island of Ireland. Relating to a theme of Pride, artists and designers will create two characters, one depicting themselves, and one depicting their community. The proposed outcome for this project is a modern exploration of queer coding. From an updated understanding it is hoped discourse surrounding queer coding will open to exploration of the differences between self-identity vs. community identity and the broadness of possibilities within representation.