The problem with this whole "they can be whatever you want them to be" mindset is that it will always do more harm than good, no matter how well-meaning the intent. For example, you see an advertisement in a store window of two women hugging and laughing in a way that makes them seem like partners. When asked whether or not it was intended for them to give off couple vibes, the question is often met with some empty phrase about how they can be whomever and whatever you want them to be and it's up for each individual person to interpret however they choose. This may seem beautiful to an allocishet individual, but to a person who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, it feels like a slap in the face.

When something is not presented as blatantly, canonically, specifically queer, non-queer people will not view them that way and instead continue on with their lives believing the look between those two women in that poster was one of friendship, not romantic love, and whether subconsciously or not they get to continue on with their lives allowing themselves to view queer relationships, different gender identities, etc. as something out of the ordinary or not normal, something to be ogled at like animals in a zoo. Meanwhile, queer people who point out obvious queer-coding are told to stop twisting things to fit their agenda, that they should not be forcing representation where it doesn't belong, that not everything needs to be gay and the world doesn't revolve around them, simply because they are excited to see something that they feel represents them and their sexual/romantic orientation or gender identity.

All because of two women in a poster. Chapters Indigo.

All because of a man telling his sister he doesn't need a girlfriend as his hand lingers on his friend's longer than necessary. Legend.

All because of a boy revealing himself to be a sea monster to save his friend from a town of bigoted people who want to k/ll him. Luca.

All because of a young woman greeting her childhood rival in a particularly flirtatious manner. Raya and the Last Dragon.

All because of a boy studying his friend's face with wonder in his eyes after that friend made up a breathtaking poem on the spot. Dead Poets Society.

All because of a boy who's spent all the time we've seen of him being referred to by multiple different homophobic slurs and commenting to his best friend about how it can be hard to tell people you're close to secrets about yourself. Stranger Things.

And, when the queer people turn out to be right, that the characters were intended to be queer all along? We're met with, "Well, it's not really an important detail," "It doesn't matter," "So what," or, "I don't care."

How is that progressive?

Make it gay, you goddamn cowards. Queerbaiting is more harmful than a few extra one-star ratings. And, for the love of whatever is holy, check your privilege and DO something about it. Please.

Sincerely,