So Are We All Just Like... Okay With This?

And why this mindset is not as progressive as you think it is. We’ll break this down into three simple points.

1. It places a double standard on gay characters. Gay characters have to justify their existence. When a male character shows interest in a woman despite never having shown any before, it’s not questioned. It’s accepted as the default – which is another form of homophobia on its own. When the same happens to a same-sex interest, it’s accused of coming out of nowhere. It’s viewed as a straight person being turned gay, never mind the existence of bisexual people. A non-straight sexuality or identity is treated as a new development that needs foreshadowing and explaining rather than a trait as inherent as eye color.

2. It’s never their entire personality. Another way this mindset is taken is that a gay character’s personality would be centered on their sexuality. We’ll ignore the fact that actual examples of this are few and far between (and usually pointed out by straight people who can’t handle seeing any kind of queer content). Similar to the previous point, this kind of complaint only exists for LGBT content. Take a look at mainstream media and count how many male characters there are that have their conflict and goals centered around getting laid. Count how many female characters there are that have their arc propelled by male attention. These instances are rarely complained about, at least not to the extent that queer ones are. For us, critics have a knee-jerk reaction.

3. Who gets to decide what a “good gay” character is? Hint: it’s not the people being represented. When you push someone to explain what the mythical Good Gay is, you get phrases like “It’s not done for pandering” and “forced” and “shoved down your throat.” So a character needs more than just their sexuality going for them, that seems reasonable, but oh wait we’re not done. When a gay character isn’t overt, their sexuality is denied. It’s explained away and called unnecessary. “Why make them gay if it’s not relevant to the plot?”

This is a double edged sword with no balance. Homophobes want good gay characters that won’t make them uncomfortable, which are none at all. Sometimes the smarter ones will have a token gay character or two they can point to and claim they like as if it absolves them of any possible bias. And many aren’t aware of their bias at all, which makes this conversation immensely tedious.

but what is to be done

Catradora & Korrasami CROSSOVER

1.10 Turning the Tides | 4.08 Remembrances

Me and my sensitive ass:

We are however significantly more likely to be victims of abuse, addiction, poverty, and suicide.

They’re more likely to be victims than perpetrators

“You have indeed felt a great loss, but love is a form of energy, and it swirls around us.  The Air Nomads’ Aang’s love for you has not left this world.  It is still inside of your heart, and is reborn in the form of new love.”