This is so interesting to me because for the longest time, the only queer stories ever told in Hollywood were the tragedies - happy queer characters are relatively new, and I think space for both is so important. Hollywood can absolutely be doing more in showing some of the current issues our communities are actually facing, but there’s huge benefit in showing possibility models - especially for young people and their parents. So many parents are terrified of what their kid’s life is going to be like, because how they think of queer people has been influenced by decades of tragiqueer storytelling - those positive stories can help a lot.

[–] Shdwdrgn@mander.xyz 8 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Hmm I guess I hadn't thought about it as role models. It's certainly a good thing to show that LGBTQ's are regular people too, and acceptance is a beautiful thing, I just feel like they're over-doing it and they are just going to drive away the people who actually need to hear this message. I hear complaints about "woke being shoved in everyone's face" and this is the sort of thing that comes to mind. Fortunately I'm starting to see some shows like the new Quantum Leap where gender-nonconformity isn't the central theme but rather the character just are who they are, nobody makes a big deal out of it, and there might be some episodes that deal directly with their trauma. I feel like this is a better way to send a message without immediately scaring away those who are reacting negatively against people being themselves -- basically a Conservative tactic where you sneak things in a little at a time so people don't notice.

Regardless, I really hope we're reached a turning point where the next generation won't be so damn focused on gender roles being black&white. Hopefully we find a balance somewhere that lets everyone just start getting along with each other.

[–] jennifilm 6 points 1 year ago

Oh absolutely- I feel like the best representation we have is characters who just happen to be part of the rainbow community, rather than it being a focus of the plot. Queer-specific stories are important and useful, but it’s so important for everyone - us, allies, young people, general public - to see rainbow characters just living their lives in tv and movies without it being a huge part of their character or storyline.

[–] Snapz 1 points 1 year ago

Ask them what "woke" actually means.