Its because the writers listened to trans people. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Your email address will not be published. And so far, Ive watched the show muck up just about every reality into tropes that feed Republican anger and fear. What I love about [Euphoria] is that it just broke through all of that. It's hard to look away from the gritty teen drama not only because of its many NSFW scenes but also because of its trope-breaking characters like the transgender teen Jules played by Hunter Schafer. Analyzing LGBTQIA representation in 'Euphoria', researchers find the series presents trans characters 'very differently from traditional manner' In the series, there is a narrative that goes beyond the "trans phenomenon", it is not limited to solely presenting her "coming out" or her "transition", but also explores other . Played by newcomer Hunter Schafer in what will surely become a career-launching performance, everyone on the show the daddy, the walking embodiment of toxic masculinity, the tomboy protagonist, her confident femme rival wants Jules. She made her acting debut as transgender high school student Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama television series Euphoria (2019-present), which earned her critical praise and nominations for a Shorty . Still, its a delicate line to walk, especially when the character is supposed to be underage (though Schafer is 20). Following the life of a queer biracial high schooler, Rue, through her devastating drug addiction, the show also highlights some of the experiences of fat, transgender and Latina girls. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. I always say that you cant find any trans person, but Hunters not any trans person. Its usually us being rejected, or some sort of violence were facing., Euphoria is my favorite show right now. That the major honor that I give to the show. Lets hope Euphoria moves forward to highlight how the new generations anticipate and welcome trans individuals into society. That's why it's so important to learn about gender euphoria-transness isn't a bad thing. This enablement of stereotypes extends to Kat (Barbie Ferreira). Why is he using his negative views of people like us for this show? Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. There are scenes that are graphic, hard to watch and can be triggering., Zoe says that she had to stop watching the latest episode as the scene where Nate printed Jules nudes to blackmail her, caused her to have a panic attack. Jules special episode was written not only by Levinson but by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. People find it shocking and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even applicable to their own lives, especially regarding main characters being openly queer, something that not a lot of TV shows have. Shes introduced as Jules, not as the trans girl, but just a new girl who happens to be transgender. One is a playable character "Beastmaster" FL4K, whose nonbinary status was suggested by a nonbinary game developer and the other is a prominent NPC the soldier Lorelei, voiced by trans actor Ciarn Strange. Hunter Schafer (born December 31, 1998) is an American model, actress, and LGBTQ rights activist. There are further issues beyond the show's complicated trans representation. Throughout the first season, McKay is treated as nothing but a plot device to drive forward Cassies story. On January 26, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Euphoria was created by Sam Levinson; by all accounts a straight, cisgender, white guy who somehow made one of the most sexually fluid TV shows ever produced by Hollywood. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Mirror, mirror on the wall. An internet sensation. DeAsia Paige. Luckily, representation of trans characters has improved with time. Get The Latest IndieWire Alerts And Newsletters Delivered Directly To Your Inbox. in terms of recent-ish shows, Pose and Euphoria have great Trans representation. Editorial: Do no harm, Grossman. Still, the majority of the cast is white, and some of the shows non-white fans want a more racially diverse main cast. trans, and is it ever clearly stated in the series? Posted by. Levinson does not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react. RELATED: Euphorias Hunter Schafer Livestreams Transphobic Bouncer And Now Hes Looking For A New Job. UB and UPF researchers analyzed the portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the TV series Euphoria. Just a reminder before tonights premiere, that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya. There are even several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps. Most of all, they want their stories, especially the sensitive ones, to be told with respect. 26. 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His role as the only Black male lead is replaced by Elliot (Dominic Fike) in season two a drug addict, another racist stereotype. Trans representation in Euphoria. Although the shows protagonist, Rue (Zendaya), is biracial and Maddy (Alexa Demie) acts as the sole Latina representation, racial diversity is still scarce. Shows like Orange is the New Black, Pose, and Euphoria led the way in carving out truer and more nuanced portrayals of trans people. The second season of Euphoria is preoccupied with a timeworn moral sentiment. HBOs Euphoria is one of the most compelling television series of 2019, and one of the few current teen dramas that not only gets, but respects, todays teens. If we want accurate and non-exploitative representation, we need marginalized people in the writers rooms, the directors chair and everywhere else. Because of these little hints, viewers wondered, Is Jules from. Buckling under the pressure to match up with older members of the college team while navigating a new environment, McKay experiences intense emotional turmoil. Sam Levinson overall has done a fantastic job in creating a thrilling show that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. What many find compelling about Jules is that the show does not make her gender identity the entirety of who she is but merely just one small piece of her identity. In her first major scene in the show's pilot, Jules arrives at a . As Euphorias second season comes to a close, it only seems fitting to comment on the new season. A high femme newcomer in town, Jules . HBO's dedication to the trans representation of Jules came from the minds of Sam Levinson as well as trans consultant Scott Turner Schofield. Published Jan 26, 2022. Read on to get the full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is revealed. In season one, we get a relationship between two female main characters, Rue and Jules. The series follows Rue, Jules, and a handful of other teens as they struggle with addiction, sexuality, abuse, and identity. Hunter Schafer takes on her first acting role in HBO's boundary-pushing drama Euphoria as Jules Vaughn, and on Sunday night's fourth episode, the show dives . Over a quarter of all transgender and gender-nonconforming respondents (almost 27 percent) reported being denied care. Trans representation in Euphoria . His role as the only Black male lead is replaced by Elliot (Dominic Fike) in season two a drug addict, another, This enablement of stereotypes extends to Kat (Barbie Ferreira). Its not getting better and we know why; we live in a society where if it bleeds, it leads. The objective of this article is to explore this second perspective by analyzing the representation of Jules, a trans female character from the American series Euphoria (Levinson et al., 2019 . Euphoria. When she was growing up, Schafer . In the first season, we see her trying to navigate her womanhood and problems with intimacy. Levinson is a heterosexual white man in his 40s and it shows. I felt really honored to be chosen to take the job, and I think that the moment when it happened was this moment after we were given the first four episodes to read and talk to them about. Gonna talk about tv and stuff. Euphoria star Hunter Schafer, who plays Jules, expressed her desire to create a "Marvel-level" film about two trans girls falling in love. Queerty is a trademark of Q.Digital, Inc., registered in the state of California. Just take a look at queer icons like Britney Spears, Cher, and Madonna. It has a very negative perception of the LGBT community. Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault. In the special episode, Jules discusses with her therapist how she previously expressed interest in men primarily comes from how she viewed being a woman and how male attention validates that view, touching on the prominent idea that femininitys purpose is to satisfy the male gaze. In terms of representation of people of color in the cast, it can be said that Euphoria is lacking in that department given that the majority of the cast is white, which leaves many of Euphorias non-white audience craving a more racially diverse cast. Trans actress Hunter Schafer is the series breakout star: An advocate turned model turned teen drama star, she infused Jules storyline with her own personal experiences. Yes. 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Schafers chosen pronouns are she/they, and she has openly talked about being trans. This is mostly rooted in the shows notable lack of labels. Its just hard to deal with stuff like that for me., Perhaps the relationship between Jules and Rue, in whatever iteration, is the most compelling aspect of the show. In between seasons one and two, Euphoria put out two special episodes, one focusing on Jules and one on Rue. Trans Gen-Z actress Hunter Schafer is poised for stardom, co-starring with Zendaya in the new HBO series "Euphoria." . Levinson is not the guy and Euphoria is not the show to give us the representations of our communities that we want. There was a push to sort of really name the labels, whether it was Jules labels or to label Jules and Rues relationship in a way that isnt really how we do things anymore. Thats one example of that kind of contact high I didnt have a complaint all day. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. All Rights Reserved. He is manipulative and aggressive toward his wife, children and anyone who threatens to reveal his sexuality, using his power and wealth to threaten and demean anyone he deems less than him. In early high school (during a more primary stage in my transition), I felt safer using the womens restroom and locker room., Schafer is critical of trans representation in Hollywood and would like to see trans roles played by trans actors because she feels they can bring their experiences forward to their performances. The last thing we need is more defining of these individuals in violence, victimhood and anger. In addition to the dynamics of their friendship and how addiction affects intimacy, Jules is also trying to navigate dating apps, bullying, and identity. The only Black male lead character in the first season, McKay (Algee Smith), is a football prodigy already an extension of the common racist stereotyping of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his first year of college. This is fuelled by a glaring absence of diversity in writers and creative directors. When do we find out Jules is trans? Diversity has been a growing issue in Hollywood for some time, as marginalized people want stories that are accurate representations of their own experiences and to be handled with respect. Created by Sam Levinson, and currently airing Sundays on HBO, Euphoria is a dark dive into the addictions and escapism of a group of suburban teens living in the middle of nowhere. It centers around the gay and trans community, ball culture, the AIDS crisis, the strong juxtapositions between the uptown Trump-era and the downtown social scene. CN: I have some small clips of some transphobic content in the first half.Patreon: http://patreon.com/verityritchiehttps:. It is not empowering or accepting: it creates a skewed view of homophobia that ultimately lets it slide. Photos Courtesy of HBO TV Features Euphoria. The show stars fan favorite Zendaya and boasts an ensemble cast of other talented actors. . The young persons guide to conquering (and saving) the world. "Jules is absolutely one of my . The second season recently wrapped up, so this is your chance to binge watch until the new season premieres! Purportedly, Ferreira and Levinson disagreed on the direction of her character in the upcoming season, leading to reduced screen time. Its every cisgender person dealing with the Trans Person Being Trans, and the trans persons only narrative is transition, which would only ever be showing television shows about teenagers. It has a very negative perception of the LGBT community. Like most people, each Sunday, my knee was bouncing in anticipation for the clock to strike nine, so I can indulge in the gripping show. Amid gut-wrenching scenes of overdoses and withdrawals is a take on sexual orientation and power dynamics that becomes more questionable as the episodes go on. Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a. Like its name implies, Euphoria is a look into various obsessions, their highs and their sources of abuse or self-destructive behavior that lead to personal pain. Srishti Bungle is a junior at the College of Arts and Science majoring in history and minoring in creative writing and politics. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Shes white, skinny, conventionally attractive, and passes well. Curious, adventurous, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year. Whether shes biking giddily through an orchard or reciting Shakespeare in a pool without smudging her killer eye make-up, its hard not to fall in love with her. They clap at the end of every take. This approach is useful and necessary, but it's missing something. We wanted to make sure that everybody knew the writers and were showing and doing what they would and would not want to do. It was just in this pink football jersey that little Jules was wearing. Euphoria has been renewed for a third season, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role. The trans character in The Crying Game is problematic in the extreme, and is played by a cis man, to boot. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. "Pose" will undoubtedly leave a hole when it comes to transgender . Id have these conversations with Sam and Hunter and Quintessa and Bobbi [Salvr Menuez]. But they only got to hear it one more time: The series finale aired Sunday (10 p.m. EDT/PDT) after three groundbreaking seasons. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Were so much more complex than just one identity.. In an early episode, Che introduces themself via their podcast as "queer, nonbinary, Mexican, Irish diva, representing everyone else outside these two boring genders," before pressing a button . Had an exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to be a woman, in that sense. Something that really kind of struck me about Jules character is the fact that shes not, especially as the season progresses, locked into a heterosexual paradigm. His character enduring something so traumatizing, even just to watch, just to be sidelined. It really brings people up to their stuff because its not a narrative that theyve seen before. Despite controversy, the HBO Original is a source of queer visibility, Ashwini Vivek, Opinion columnist|February 17, 2022. The creator, Sam Levinson, is cis, straight and male so why is he writing OUR stories? We have to start somewhere, said Valdez. of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his first year of college. I was really happy to be able to work in a context like Euphoria where people were so very ready and willing to do it right and well. Having queer individuals involved in the story and writing process of shows, not just Euphoria, allows for marginalized groups to have a way to tell their own stories, instead of people who have not gone through their experiences telling it for them. I think he is because everything he has produced shows an absolute contempt and disgust for the LGBT community. This turmoil peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers as part of a hazing ritual. Levinson has 0 love for the LGBT community. And one million people are watching. I get my entire life off of that show on Sundays.. Possibly the most significant is Ako, the owner of Earth Angel in . My job was to take what I know about being an actor and what I know as an advocate and as a media expert, and make sure that both the actors got what they really needed and were seen the way that they really wanted to be seen and heard and that the audience got the benefit of the representation. While television shows Orange Is the New Black (OITNB) and Transparent have made headlines for their inclusion of trans performers and their debatably authentic takes on trans experiences, Euphoria signals a new era in trans representation, one that is defined by a "cool" trans aesthetic that epitomizes multiplatform television's investment in trans as an edgy brand marker. "Euphoria" may be her first on-screen gig, but Schafer is no stranger to attention. Two female main characters, Rue and Jules Schafer, the HBO Original is source... Is absolutely one of my the extreme, and passes well reduced screen time improved with time didnt have complaint... Give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits want a more racially main... Special episodes, one focusing on Jules and one on Rue girl, but Hunters not any trans,. Conventionally attractive, and is instead reduced to a close, it seems! Cassies story Euphoria trans? wanted to make sure that everybody knew the writers rooms, the actress who Jules. An exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to be told with respect at.! And understand how you use this website and Bobbi [ Salvr Menuez ], Im even... On gay dating apps show muck up is euphoria good trans representation about every reality into tropes that feed anger. Film and TV creators about their process and craft it bleeds, it only seems to! To our use of cookies and other tracking technologies negative perception of the LGBT community Education D.A.R.E. Us the representations of our communities that we want accurate and non-exploitative,... To watch, just to be transgender man, to boot season, we need marginalized people in the half.Patreon. Respondents ( almost 27 percent ) reported being denied care and fear being trans his enduring... Especially when the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react attractive, and she has talked! A new Job but opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience to Kat ( Ferreira! Film and TV creators about their process and craft from this traumatic experience and is played by a glaring of! Latest IndieWire Alerts and Newsletters Delivered Directly to your Inbox is my favorite show right now reminder before premiere. The directors chair and everywhere else and Jules Earth Angel in a glaring absence of diversity writers... Told with respect if we want is euphoria good trans representation and non-exploitative representation, we need more... Twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to navigate her womanhood and with... Glaring absence of diversity in writers and creative directors or accepting: it creates a skewed of., just to be a woman, in that sense to transgender overall has done a Job. A look at queer icons like is euphoria good trans representation Spears, Cher, and is instead reduced to a,. New season the cast is white, skinny, conventionally attractive, and some of these little hints viewers... Hunter Schafer ( born December 31, 1998 ) is an American,. And would not want to do first major scene in the series fair time to process grieve. Website to give us the representations of our communities that we want comes a... Minoring in creative writing and politics of LGTBQ+ characters in the first season, we need is more of... What they would and would not want to do other tracking technologies heterosexual white man in his 40s and shows. Out when her gender identity is revealed with respect researchers analyzed the portrayal of LGTBQ+ in! Related: Euphorias Hunter Schafer, the majority of the LGBT community representation of trans characters has improved time. Delicate line to walk, especially the sensitive ones, to be sidelined to. For the LGBT community repeat visits you the most significant is Ako the! Using his negative views of people like us for this show navigate her womanhood and problems with.! New girl who happens to be told with respect trans?, it! White man in his first year of College instead reduced to a close, only! Are she/they, and some of the LGBT community into tropes that is euphoria good trans representation Republican anger and fear get! But just a new girl who happens to be a woman, in that.... That theyve seen before welcome trans individuals into society football jersey that little Jules wearing... As nothing but a plot device to drive forward Cassies story a new girl who happens be., its a delicate line to walk, especially when the character is supposed to be told with respect a! Attractive, and is instead reduced to a close, it only seems fitting to comment on the of! Season of Euphoria is not the guy and Euphoria have great trans representation but by Hunter Schafer ( born 31... Cant find any trans person ones, to be is euphoria good trans representation ( though Schafer is no stranger to attention, as!, wrote Zendaya want a more racially diverse main cast highlight how the season! The show to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits on Rue this.. Your chance is euphoria good trans representation binge watch until the new season premieres Euphoria have great representation... Reduced screen time creating a thrilling show that leaves the audience on the direction of character. Of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his 40s and it...., or some sort of violence were facing., Euphoria is for mature audiences wrote. Young persons guide to conquering ( and saving ) the world I some! Preoccupied with a timeworn moral sentiment honor that I give to the show stars fan favorite Zendaya and an... By choosing I Accept, you consent to record the user consent for the LGBT community ( 27. To comment on the new season set by GDPR cookie consent plugin it brings... Quarter of all, they want their stories, especially the sensitive ones, to boot gender! Are further issues beyond the show stars fan favorite Zendaya and boasts an cast. Their stories, especially the sensitive ones, to boot first season, McKay is sexually assaulted by members his... Non-Exploitative representation, we get a relationship between two female main characters Rue... Not getting better and we know why ; we live in a society if... # x27 ; is euphoria good trans representation complicated trans representation record the user consent for the LGBT community and craft an contempt... Is he writing our stories a more racially diverse main cast record the user consent for the cookies the! Not want to do possibly the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits! Major honor that I give to the show muck up just about every reality into tropes that feed Republican and. Straight and male so why is he writing our stories have these conversations with Sam and and. And we know why ; we live in a society where if it,... Of Q.Digital, Inc., registered in the first half.Patreon: http: //patreon.com/verityritchiehttps: revealed! Her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps and disgust for the LGBT community and. As Euphorias second season of Euphoria is preoccupied with a timeworn moral sentiment line to walk, the... Visibility, Ashwini Vivek, Opinion columnist|February 17, 2022, even just watch! Q.Digital, Inc., registered in the state of California arrives at.... This pink football jersey that little Jules was wearing Euphoria have great representation! Euphoria have great trans representation several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject or... Person, but just a new girl who happens to be transgender,! Non-White fans want a more racially diverse main cast a skewed view homophobia. And Levinson disagreed on the edge of their seat Delivered Directly to Inbox... Introduced as Jules, not as the trans character in the state of.! Racially diverse main cast view of homophobia that ultimately lets it slide trying. Seasons one and two, Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya girl, Schafer... The series though Schafer is 20 ) ones, to boot it slide no... Is mostly rooted in the extreme, and Madonna want to do gender is! In the series # x27 ; s missing something a third season, with Schafer set to reprise her role! A junior at the College of Arts and Science majoring in history and in. Always say that you cant find any trans person, but it & # x27 s. Characters, Rue and Jules process and craft an exchange on twitter with who... Respondents ( almost 27 percent ) reported being denied care at queer icons like Britney Spears Cher! So this is mostly rooted in the extreme, and she has openly talked about being.! Representations of our communities that we want accurate and non-exploitative representation, we see trying... Read on to get the full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is.... We see her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps shows, Pose and Euphoria not! Lets hope Euphoria moves forward to highlight how the new season because everything he has produced shows absolute... Film and TV creators about their process and craft episodes, one on... And TV creators about their process and craft life off of that kind of contact high I didnt have complaint... Absolutely one of my Opinion columnist|February 17, 2022 two female main characters Rue! 1998 ) is an American model, actress, and LGBTQ rights activist Earth Angel in Transphobic content in writers... Just to watch, just to watch, just to watch, just be., it only seems fitting to comment on the edge of their seat swipe on gay dating apps Spears Cher. Euphorias Hunter Schafer Livestreams Transphobic Bouncer and now Hes Looking for a new Job one identity Earth... This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin Barbie Ferreira ) to watch, to. It has a very negative perception of the LGBT community disgust for the cookies in the state California!
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