I read a review of this week's Supergirl episode, titled Changing. The author wrote, "although the writers tried to handle the subject sensitively. It felt a little forced to me. Not to mention dated. Not dated insofar as not relevant, but dated insofar as they made to much of a big deal about something that just is."
As a lesbian in my 40s, I've gone from seeing no LGBTQ representation on television, to implied but not openly accepted innuendo of representation, to having the ability to see an LGBTQ character in most of my favorite shows. I tuned in when Ellen "whispered" into the hot mic that she was gay.
As a lesbian in my 40s, I've gone from seeing no LGBTQ representation on television, to implied but not openly accepted innuendo of representation, to having the ability to see an LGBTQ character in most of my favorite shows. I tuned in when Ellen "whispered" into the hot mic that she was gay.
It's amazing how television has changed since then. And in that time, I've gone from 'afraid to reveal my true self' to 'happily married in a 10-year relationship' with my wife. I might be at "just is" now, but it was a long road to get here.
There are a lot of "just is" LGBTQ characters on television, and that's really important. It's wonderful to have characters like Sarah Lance in Legends of Tomorrow who are not only comfortable with their own sexuality, but are also simply accepted for who they are. But the reality is that, at some point, there's a scary transition for most of us. And for those of us who didn't figure out until adulthood that we don't fit the hetero-normal mold, a story arc like Alex's is amazingly realistic.
Although I have been out for almost half of my life now, Alex's story touched me in a way that was deeply personal. Overachiever. Perfectionist. Do what's expected and be the absolute best. Why am I so ambivalent about the men I date?
It would have been nice for many of us to proceed instantly to "just is" instead of fumbling along trying to pick up the pieces of our shattered identities wondering who we really are now. I was engaged twice (to men) before I realized I was attracted to women. Twice! It took almost a year before I would even admit to myself that it wasn't a phase.
The writers have done an amazing job at crafting a story line that is sensitive, and resonates with many lesbians who see a little of themselves in the performance that Chyler Leigh has so brilliantly given to us. The vulnerability and the confusion Leigh brings to Alex...the inability to directly say she's gay, eye contact that only happens when she's saying something not so revealing, every pause, every tremble, so many of us have lived. We are seeing glimpses of our reality play out before us in Alex Danvers' coming out story in a way that is unique and authentic.
I've had the opportunity to work convention signing tables with a few of the actresses who have played lesbian or bisexual characters and I can tell you, the impact these women are having on the lives of the LGBTQ community is profound. I've listened as fans have poured their hearts out to these actresses in gratitude for helping them accept themselves and their sexuality. For some of these fans, their lives have been dramatically transformed.
Alex's coming out story on Supergirl IS a big deal and I'm glad it's a story that's being told in such an authentic and respectful way. The entire arc that we've seen so far portrays the vulnerable side of coming out and the power of both support and rejection. To many of us, this is more than just a story. For me, it's a reflection of what I really went through to become the person I am today.
There are a lot of "just is" LGBTQ characters on television, and that's really important. It's wonderful to have characters like Sarah Lance in Legends of Tomorrow who are not only comfortable with their own sexuality, but are also simply accepted for who they are. But the reality is that, at some point, there's a scary transition for most of us. And for those of us who didn't figure out until adulthood that we don't fit the hetero-normal mold, a story arc like Alex's is amazingly realistic.
Although I have been out for almost half of my life now, Alex's story touched me in a way that was deeply personal. Overachiever. Perfectionist. Do what's expected and be the absolute best. Why am I so ambivalent about the men I date?
It would have been nice for many of us to proceed instantly to "just is" instead of fumbling along trying to pick up the pieces of our shattered identities wondering who we really are now. I was engaged twice (to men) before I realized I was attracted to women. Twice! It took almost a year before I would even admit to myself that it wasn't a phase.
The writers have done an amazing job at crafting a story line that is sensitive, and resonates with many lesbians who see a little of themselves in the performance that Chyler Leigh has so brilliantly given to us. The vulnerability and the confusion Leigh brings to Alex...the inability to directly say she's gay, eye contact that only happens when she's saying something not so revealing, every pause, every tremble, so many of us have lived. We are seeing glimpses of our reality play out before us in Alex Danvers' coming out story in a way that is unique and authentic.
I've had the opportunity to work convention signing tables with a few of the actresses who have played lesbian or bisexual characters and I can tell you, the impact these women are having on the lives of the LGBTQ community is profound. I've listened as fans have poured their hearts out to these actresses in gratitude for helping them accept themselves and their sexuality. For some of these fans, their lives have been dramatically transformed.
Alex's coming out story on Supergirl IS a big deal and I'm glad it's a story that's being told in such an authentic and respectful way. The entire arc that we've seen so far portrays the vulnerable side of coming out and the power of both support and rejection. To many of us, this is more than just a story. For me, it's a reflection of what I really went through to become the person I am today.