Confronting Male Rape Myths: Masculinity and Victimhood in Netflix's Baby Reindeer

ABSTRACT This paper explores the representation of male rape and sexual victimization in Netflix's Baby Reindeer (2024), focusing on how the series challenges entrenched myths about male rape and victimhood. Traditionally, media representations of rape have centered on female victims, while male sexual assault has either been dramatized, trivialized, or ignored. Baby Reindeer addresses these gaps by depicting the complex emotional and psychological toll on a male survivor, confronting themes of masculinity, shame, and guilt. Through the protagonist Donny's journey, the series examines how societal expectations of masculinity contribute to the silence and stigma male rape victims often face. By contextualizing male sexual victimization within broader discussions of vulnerability and male identity, the series offers a more nuanced portrayal of male trauma, challenging the assumption that men are invulnerable to sexual assault. This paper argues that Baby Reindeer represents a significant step towards recognizing male victimhood, but calls for continued efforts to present more accurate and empathetic portrayals of male sexual trauma in media.