Okay, LGTBPQASetc friends, weapons down. I have NOTHING against diverse sexualities. This is a WRITING blog, not a debate forum. All opinions are from an author/writer’s point of view only.
SPOILER ALERT: Harry Potter, Agents of Shield, Captain America: Civil War. Think of some of your favorite characters: Han Solo, Samwise Gamgee, Fred and George Weasley, Agent Phil Coulson, Batman, Shadow from Homeward Bound (yes, I’m a 90’s kid). Why do you love them? Loyalty? Roguishness? Lone Wolf? Selflessness? How are these traits portrayed? Through relationships. Relationships define a story. Batman wouldn’t be much of a Lone Wolf at heart if he didn’t have Robin and Alfred to push away. Samwise wouldn’t be Samwise if he didn’t have Frodo. Fred AND George Weasley? Fred’s death wouldn’t be near as sad if he didn’t have George to mourn him. And who would Han Solo be if he couldn’t rely on Chewbacca? Not to mention how limited his show of snark would be if Leia wasn’t there to rebuff him. Shadow has always been my favorite dog because of his undying loyalty to Peter, it even got him out of that muddy pit when it seemed so impossible, just because he had to see his boy again. (No, I’m NOT crying. Just… give me a sec.) If you changed any of these relationships, the entire story changes with it. I’m pretty sure a lot of people would say their sexuality is a core part of who they are, no? You wouldn’t have anyone try to change you, would you? Me neither. Same with characters. If you try to force a core attribute to an already established character, your readers can sense it. The story grinds, the focus shifts, you lose a big chunk of your audience. It’s painful. Could you imagine Lord of the Rings where Samwise ONLY followed Frodo because he was in love with him? His motives seem a little less selfless, don’t they? If Batman was Asexual we wouldn’t have the running jokes of him and Superman or that he reveals his secret identity to every girl he comes across. What if Fred and George weren’t twins? Weren’t even brothers? It changes their dynamic quite a bit, don’t you think? If Han Solo was Bisexual? People wouldn’t ship him so hard with Leia because Luke and Chewbacca would be right there the whole time. (What? Can't he be attracted to Chewbacca? That’s a little speciesist, don’t you think?) What if Shadow only wanted to get to Peter because Peter had a steak waiting for him? That reunion becomes comical instead of such an emotional part of our childhoods. So what does this have to do with Steve Rogers? Everything. Captain America’s sexuality has already been established. He took Bucky’s side because they’re best friends. You give him romantic motives and it seems a little more selfish. You ship him with Falcon and everyone focuses on that relationship (celebratory or otherwise) instead of the story the writers are trying to tell. Not to mention poor Sharon, who’s a blip on an already male-heavy franchise and has a chance to become a sweet reconciliation to Steve losing Peggy, wouldn’t have a chance against the Steve x Bucky shippers. That hilarious kissing scene in Civil War? Not nearly as funny if Bucky or Falcon was actually jealous. It becomes sad and forlorn or just plain awkward. You also create the DREADED LOVE TRIANGLE. To the LGBTQPA community, my heart goes out to you. I hope Hollywood does represent you properly. There are several talented writers among you or you wouldn’t be reading this blog. Go out and create the perfect A Team of Rainbow Pride Superheroes and be sure to give us straights some love, too, because heaven knows we’re trying. What a great opportunity to Forge Your Legend. How about you? What are your thoughts from a writer’s perspective? How could Hollywood handle this situation that would be a win-win-win for everyone? (Note: Please keep comments to a writer's POV. Incendiary remarks by either side will not be posted.)
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