As Pride Month comes to an end, we must commemorate queer voices in media. In the past, positive representation has been effective in breaking down stereotypes and stigmas associated with minority groups. The Front Page Initiative acknowledges the dangers of heteronormativity in media and wants to shed light on queer identities. We hope that mainstream networks and platforms will continue to strive for social inclusion without exacerbating harmful stereotypes and beliefs. We must criticize the “forced diversity” or unrealistic portrayals of queer individuals while celebrating the progress which has brought us closer to LGBTQ2S+ acceptance.
They Both Die at the End
They Both Die at the End is a young adult novel that describes the experience of two gay and bisexual protagonists on their final day alive. This speculative fiction describes a world where people receive phone calls in their last 24 hours before demise. The novel classifies under LGBTQ literature but also focuses on the correlations between love, life, and death. They Both Die at the End is also known for its heart-felt sentiments: “You may be born into a family, but you walk into friendships. Some you’ll discover you should put behind you. Others are worth every risk.”
Steven Universe
Steven Universe is an animated television show that depicts a young boy who lives with magical Crystal Gems. Throughout the show, Steven and his friends save the world with the help of his Gems. Within this universe, the “humanoid alien” Gems were confirmed to be nonbinary women. In addition, the show included a lesbian marriage—something uncommon in mainstream media—that elevated the romantic relationship of the Ruby and Sapphire Gems.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
In the book, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, a prominent main character is Alex Fierro, a genderfluid transgender teenager. Although the novel does not explicitly focus on Alex’s genderfluidity, it does incorporate positive LGBTQ2S+ themes into children’s fantasy.
Loki
Within the same realm of Norse Mythology, Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is depicted to be genderfluid. In the movies, Loki commonly takes on both male and female forms to “blend in” with society. Whether he is genderfluid or bisexual, we can confirm that Loki currently has no specific gender or orientation.
Rosa Diaz
In the popular television show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Rosa Diaz is known to be a bisexual character. Rosa's bisexuality was confirmed in the 99th episode, where she officially announces that she is bisexual and is dating a woman. In addition, Stephanie Beatriz—Rosa Diaz’s actor—is bisexual, which enforced authenticity in LGBTQ inclusion on-screen and off-screen.
American Gods
In the second season of the television show, American Gods, we saw representation with Samantha Black Crow. Sam is two-spirit and Indigenous, an identity rarely depicted in media. Sam’s character was also properly represented by Canadian actress, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs, who identifies as a queer Native American from the Mohawk Nation.
Published June 29, 2021
Written by Elwin Fu ~ Graphics created by Elwin Fu
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