Let’s have a conversation (TW: mentions of transphobia):
When it comes to Sevika works in which she is AMAB (assigned male at birth) or has a penis, it’s very evident that the reasoning behind the conversation is rooted in transphobia rather than an analytical approach and an understanding of queer identities/comprehending Sevika’s own character.
Yes, when it comes to WOC; femininity/womanhood is questioned and even denied, which for Sevika is a recurring issue in the fandom; as well as mischaracterization that shows up in the form of writing her as an abuser, manipulative, etc. Some writers have a habit of coming into the process with the emphasis on her masculinity rather than to approach those traits with grace, genuinity, and educated understanding. I do not find anything wrong with headcanoning Sevika, (or really any character in Arcane) as trans due to Arcane possessing a diverse range of characters with a variety of personality/motivations/backgrounds. But I do find a problem in the way that some writers approach and apply it.
I personally love the headcanon that Sevika is trans due to the ability to add another beautiful layer to her character (how it could influence her self expression, the experience of being trans in Runeterra, family dynamics, etc.) Despite the terminology used, (ex: G!P, girl penis) which IS insensitive due to the objectification of transfem people in regards of physical intimacy and it mainly being a porn category. But it’s also insensitive, shallow, and vile to condemn writers for wanting to include it in their works; INSTEAD of creating an educated conversation about WHY they chose to make her AMAB in their works. I dislike the hypermasculinization/hypersexualization of her character (as any real fan who recognizes her character) and do not find most works that make her AMAB to be a true, authentic reflection of her character who also just happens to have a penis. To me, it’s the same thing as people who infantilize and effeminate Viktor to support the idea of Jayvik being a stereotypical mlm ship in which there’s someone that is ‘more’ feminine/masculine than the other.
As a lesbian who’s versed on queer history, queer issues, and queer life; I could not find in myself to understand why you all speak the way you do in regards to genitalia. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a preference but to go on tangents and make comments in regards on how it’s ‘gross’ and simplifying Sevika down to her private parts (‘why doesn’t she have a pussy/stop giving her a dick’) is horrendous and simple-minded. Trans women deserve respect, reciprocation, subjectification, and representation that is authentic and genuine. Not ostracization, lack of empathy, and rants about how the sexual organs they just happened to be born with are ‘disgusting’.
Despite popular belief, speech has meaning and paves the way for a line of thinking. A lot of posts that I have seen do not approach this conversation in an intelligent, appropriate, and respectful way. As someone who’s played LOL for a long time and literally has had this show change their life, I find the fandom to be very insufferable and toxic sometimes. Do better.
