Abstract

This study discusses the social penetration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Bohemian Rhapsody film through a narrative analysis study. This film tells the story of Freddie Mercury's career journey with Queen and the dynamics of his love life as a bisexual and homosexual. This film shows Freddie Mercury as a man who loves the opposite sex and the same sex simultaneously. The problem is how the LGBT social penetration in the Bohemian Rhapsody film through a narrative analysis study. This study aims to explain the social penetration of the LGBT group inserted by the film director. The researchers analyze scenes and dialogues that describe the social penetration of LGBT actors using the Tzvetan Todorov narrative study model. Then, the analysis is strengthened through the social penetration theory of Altman & Taylor through four steps; the orientation stage, exploration of affective exchange, affective exchange, and stable exchange. The results show that the early storyline of Freddie's life runs harmoniously with his family, girlfriend, and Queen, but this stage already presents bisexual practices. The middle storyline raises a conflict when Freddie is trapped in homosexual behaviour and separates from the Queen. The final storyline is harmonious again with Freddie's good relationship with Austin, Queen, and family. Only Freddie is still in an LGBT relationship with his male boyfriend as homosexual.