: Academic studies indicate that the "hot lesbian"—often conforming to narrow, hypersexualized beauty standards—remains the most frequent portrayal in mainstream media. This is often criticized as being designed for the male gaze rather than a queer female audience.

: Research shows that exposure to these sexualized, stereotypical portrayals can negatively impact the body area satisfaction of young lesbians.

In lesbian entertainment, physical appearance has often been a point of contention between mainstream commercialization and community reality.