A few weeks ago I posted an article about how important it is to represent mental illness in the media. My plan was to go from there and write a series of different articles all talking about representation in the media. The newest episode Freeform's "Shadowhunters" inspired me to write about the representation of the LGBTQ+ community in media, and how I think it should be done.
For those of you who don't watch "Shadowhunters", this show broke some boundaries on its first season by revealing that one of the main characters, Alec (Matthew Daddario), was gay and by giving him a happy relationship with Magnus (Harry Shum Jr.). This was a big deal because the show did something shows and movie don't do often with their gay characters--they put them in a happy relationship where neither one of them is a) in the closet or b) dead (at least for now). This was a pretty big milestone for LGBTQ+ representation, but the show didn't stop there. Not only did it continue to give Magnus and Alec a happy, realistic relationship (with as many ups and downs as any real relationship, no matter whose it is), but they also added another member of the LGBTQ+ community that is rarely shown in media, and in a way that I think is very important.
Minor spoilers ahead for the finale of Shadowhunters, by the way. In the latest episode, they very subtly revealed that a semi-minor character, Raphael (David Castro) is asexual. For those who may not know, someone who is asexual has no desire or need for sex, though they can be romantically attracted to people. Asexuals, from my understanding, are one of the groups of people not represented in media, and not often talked about in terms of the LGBTQ+. Which is why revealing that Raphael is asexual is huge. But the way the show did it, made it even bigger. The show made Raphael not come out in a big, "By the way, I'm asexual" way that would've drawn the focus away from the overall plot line of the episode, but in a simple explanation that he has no desire for sex and never has. I found this huge and incredibly well shown and well written into the episode.
Overall, though LGBTQ+ representation has grown hugely in the past few years of film and television, the importance of having it is still necessary. If LGBTQ+ characters are weaved seamlessly into shows that aren't about the LGBTQ+, it will not only make them feel more included but help people who may not know their own identity find some truth in who they are.
Yes, this is just the point of view of a straight, cis girl so my meanings might be limited. But as someone who tries to be a good ally to the LGBTQ+, I felt it a shame to not talk about the huge ground-breaking steps shows like Shadowhunters are making for that community.
