Since Hunter Schafer stepped into the spotlight playing Jules in the HBO hit Euphoria, her star power has skyrocketed. Between the first and second seasons, there are seldom episodes that feature the writing of others. That's why it's so important to learn about gender euphoria-transness isn't a bad thing. He was really open and collaborative with Hunter [Schafer] so that she could mold those details in a way that felt true to the story that she wanted to tell for Jules. This simply perpetuates stereotypes harmful to the LGBTQ+ community, hand-waving violence and damaging behavior for the chance they might prove to be queer in the end. Euphoria also handles the characters sexualities extremely well. Of course, Jules character is complex, and there is no reason that she cannot grow and learn more about herself, but that does not change the fact that there is a noticeable difference in characterization between an episode written by Hunter Schafer, a queer trans woman, and the episodes written by Sam Levinson, a straight cisgender man. (Photo by Eddy Chen/HBO, courtesy of Warner Media), Srishti Bungle , Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022. "Pose" will undoubtedly leave a hole when it comes to transgender . The record-breaking second season premiere of Euphoria comes in the wake of a provocative first season.Controversy is great for views, but these massive numbers make it evident; there is more than . Levinson has 0 love for the LGBT community. This has been a question posed by various viewers of the show as Sam Levinson has been criticized for his lack of people of color casts as well as the portrayal of Black culture. Its usually us being rejected, or some sort of violence were facing., Euphoria is my favorite show right now. 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. 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. Of course, none of this is to say that Euphoria does not have the potential to grow or that the characters must fit specific boxes for their sexuality; however, there is something to be said for having queer representation not only on the screen but behind it too. There are further issues beyond the show's complicated trans representation. Jul 15, 2019 1,662. Thats why its good. So yeah, objectify us.. All too frequently, trans women are made the sexual object of cis mens desire, and every episode of Euphoria is written and directed by Sam Levinson, a cis man. CN: I have some small clips of some transphobic content in the first half.Patreon: http://patreon.com/verityritchiehttps:. Warning: spoilers abound! Bella Hadid Is the Blondest Shes Ever Been in New TikTok Video. Shes such a funny, warm-hearted, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by the show. Obviously! HBO's hit show Euphoria is the latest drama aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z experience. Shes clearly a positive force of energy for Rue. Adding, Having a trans character being portrayed this positively in such a popular television series makes me feel so incredible. I had to work really carefully with their costumes and the head of wardrobe; we wanted to make sure that Quintessa felt really seen as non-binary person. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is this freedom to display self in a myriad of ways that is so revolutionary. Jules (left) and Rue meet and become fast friends. His character enduring something so traumatizing, even just to watch, just to be sidelined. Despite her struggle to find loving connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules is shown to remain a big-hearted and kind character. Shes introduced as Jules, not as the trans girl, but just a new girl who happens to be transgender. 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. This turmoil peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers as part of a hazing ritual. But they only got to hear it one more time: The series finale aired Sunday (10 p.m. EDT/PDT) after three groundbreaking seasons. I cast around 80 trans and non-binary extras for a club scene and made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space. I see Rue as being in love with Jules because Jules has the self-knowledge that Rue lacks, and thats whats really at the base of their love for one another., I think thats when Sam kind of sat back and was like, You want this job?. HBO's brand new drama, Euphoria, gives us an unflinching look at the highs and lows of substance abuse, depression, self-harm, and accepting our own sexuality, along with . Lets hope Euphoria moves forward to highlight how the new generations anticipate and welcome trans individuals into society. Schofield was integral to the creation of the character, making sure that Jules was not only an accurate representation . Its hard for me to see another trans girl going through that stuff, even though I know its fictional. Adding, Ive been in situations similar to Jules, being stalked and harassed online. In between seasons one and two, Euphoria put out two special episodes, one focusing on Jules and one on Rue. People find it shocking and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even applicable to their own lives . Editorial: The New York Times article on Maitland Jones was incomplete. We wanted to make sure that everybody knew the writers and were showing and doing what they would and would not want to do. Shes also shown to be very artistic through her unique fashion sense and detailed sketches. This first-person shooter threequel includes two nonbinary characters. When we see Jules in the series, she is a trans woman already comfortable in her gender identity. It's hard not to fall in love . Im just doing my own thing. Better. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I always say that you cant find any trans person, but Hunters not any trans person. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Had an exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to be a woman, in that sense. 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 . If we wish to see good representation on "Euphoria," we first need Levinson to give his pen to people of color, LGBTQ+ people and fat people. I'm a senior Computer Science major and a Classical Studies minor from Newton, North Carolina with a passion for art. Also, for me to make sure that Hunter and Quintessa felt like their genders were seen and represented properly. The first time looking in the mirror to admire your new appearance and truly see yourself is a moment of supreme happiness to many trans people. On January 26, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) I also think about when I watched episode 4. I dont think the show acknowledges Jules is very privileged for a trans woman, she says. already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. As Schafer pointed out to Variety, There need to be more roles where trans people arent just dealing with being trans; theyre being trans while dealing with other issues. Emily St. James is a senior correspondent for Vox, covering American identities. Im trans, she says. This spring, she's the new face of Mugler's Angel Elixir . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I dont trans-wash things. If you want to objectify me, objectify me. Euphoria. In the pivotal scene, Rue came into conflict with Jules because the latter planned to meet with Shyguy118, an anonymous guy she met and fell in love with on a dating app. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Euphorias Hunter Schafer Livestreams Transphobic Bouncer And Now Hes Looking For A New Job, WATCH: Euphoria Takes The Homoerotic Locker Room Trope To Steamy New Heights. One topic that often came up was how wild the show was and its most . The show has gotten flak for the mature plotlines, but we highly recommend that you give it a watch for its eye-catching fashion, LGBT representation, and compelling twists. I dont come and just put my brand on top of something and say its OK. If you haven't heard about Orange is the New Black 's stunning portrayal of a black trans woman in prison, portrayed by the brilliant . PHoto: Courtesy of HBO. With that in mind, how can TV and film portray trans women as desirable without simply objectifying them? The May Test is intended to be stringent in the hopes that it inspires and produces more original, authentic, and positive representations of transgender people. Free-spirited and brave, Jules Vaughn is one of the most popular characters in the gritty teen show, In the first season, we see her trying to navigate her womanhood and problems with intimacy. But more than anything, it focuses on family and what that means when you get to pick . Get The Latest IndieWire Alerts And Newsletters Delivered Directly To Your Inbox. Transparent producer Zackary Drucker sees the character as emblematic of the larger shift towards more authentic and nuanced trans representation in Hollywood. 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 . That makes Euphoria the first onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous male gaze. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! I wouldnt be doing this if I didnt think that this was an amazing show doing something really different for trans representation. I really put myself on the line like that, and to feel totally trusting that was a high. When she was growing up, Schafer . Required fields are marked *. Courtesy of HBO. It does not store any personal data. Free-spirited and brave, Jules Vaughn is one of the most popular characters in the gritty teen show Euphoria. 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. Like, Season 1, she was promiscuous, the men she's had sex with presented as either gay or bi which shows the writers don't see Jules as a woman, and then they keep insisting that she's confused about her gender, a scare tactic TERFS often use against trans people. 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 . Everybody wants to feel seen and everybody wants to know themselves, and thats what the show is really about. RELATED: 10 Best Quotes From Euphoria Season 2. Sam took me to the edit booth and showed me the opening to episode 4 where Jules is a child, and its really hard. This is mostly rooted in the shows notable lack of labels. His role as the only Black male lead is replaced by Elliot (Dominic Fike) in season two a drug addict, another racist stereotype. 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. In season one the gaze directed at Jules was described by many as "trans-amorous.". Despite controversy, the HBO Original is a source of queer visibility, Ashwini Vivek, Opinion columnist|February 17, 2022. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In this scant screen time, we see Kat struggle with her self-image and self-hatred a painfully predictable and disappointing storyline for one of the few fat women on television. Feels So Real, Even When It Isn't Realistic. DeAsia Paige. Hunter Schafer plays Jules and is trans in real life. Personally, yes, I do find "Euphoria" to be homophobic and transphobic. Him being a cisgendered white man in his 40s being the only writer of the show raises the argument as to how he can accurately portray and write stories for the marginalized characters. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault. What I see happening in most other places is that even if we do listen to a trans actor and let them bring their own story, its still mitigated through other peoples control. With that being said, Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece. Luckily, representation of trans characters has improved with time. Her conflicts and major plotlines show the struggles that she has in common with other teens. Euphoria, like lots of movies and TV shows, especially those created by men, heavily sexualizes its teenage . Jules Vaughn is a main character in the HBO series. Reym. In terms of representing the LGBTQ+ community, Euphoria receives full marks as it is a pinnacle of positive representation. It is not empowering or accepting: it creates a skewed view of homophobia that ultimately lets it slide. For her activism against the HB2, Teen Vogue listed Schafer on its "21 Under 21" list in 2017. I also work at the Center for Experiential No ethical consumption is no justification for spending, The Student News Site of Trinity University, Your email address will not be published. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, HBO must not only involve a more diverse cast, but also writers who can bring relevant perspectives to the table. 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. Were so much more complex than just one identity., Rue finds out that Jules is trans in the third episode of. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Eddy Chen/HBO. 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. Member. They were totally happy to be there and contribute to something. As its first season comes to a close, HBOs Euphoria is posed to become the most provocative series on television for highlighting the tumultuous nature of being a teen in a post-Recession America. mental health. Oct 21, 2020. Euphoria Resolved Season 1's Biggests Cliffhanger In The Most Underwhelming Fashion. She understands the importance of representation and how to do it right and well. I went to the premiere and it initially kind of shocked me. Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad. (In addition to drug addiction, the complexity of sexual relationships in 2019, explored at all angles with a kind of frenetic nihilism, is one of the shows major themes.). "I do like people to know that I'm not a . has been renewed for a third season, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role. Required fields are marked *. Levinson does not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react. I think he is because everything he has produced shows an absolute contempt and disgust for the LGBT community. Euphoria, first released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively. of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his first year of college. They are not mentioned once. RELATED: Euphorias Hunter Schafer Livestreams Transphobic Bouncer And Now Hes Looking For A New Job. 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. Srishti Bungle is a junior at the College of Arts and Science majoring in history and minoring in creative writing and politics. Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad. Emanating a manic pixie trans girl energy unlike anything seen onscreen before, Jules floats magically through every frame in which she appears. It made me feel sexy and it made me feel desirable, said Rain Valdez, a transgender actress, producer, and creator of the web series Razor Tongue. [Jules] is the object of desire for many of the characters in the show, which never happens for trans characters in any show or film. I felt really protective of the [trans extras] and was worried that someone was going to misgender them and things were going to become problematic. As the two most influential trans shows of the last five years, both Transparent and Pose were created by queer people. Just take a look at queer icons like Britney Spears, Cher, and Madonna. Despite being new to acting, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics. In the pivotal scene, Rue came into conflict with Jules because the latter planned to meet with Shyguy118, an anonymous guy she met and fell in love with on a dating app. Lysettes character in Transparent, Shea, is the closest parallel to a sexually desirable trans character like Jules. Your email address will not be published. Abstract. Taylor Swift Tarot Will Help You Understand Your Beautiful Ghosts. Pose is a fictional TV series set in New York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s. 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. Jules transition journey isnt seen in the series, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the show. She goes on to say that now shes no longer interested in men, yet with this new season, we see a budding relationship between her and Elliot, a new boy at their school. Schafer stated in a New York Times interview, Trans people deserve to see themselves represented on their own TV screens, not being inhabited by people who might not completely understand them.. , for me to make sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space that i & x27. Also shown to be there and contribute to something creative writing and politics renewed a. That everybody knew the writers and were showing and doing what they would and would not to... Maitland Jones was incomplete thats what the show in which she appears Ashwini Vivek, Opinion columnist|February,., with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role very artistic through unique. Initially kind of shocked me you also have the option to opt-out of these cookies help information... M not a category `` Performance '' something really different for trans representation at the college Arts! Minor from Newton, North Carolina with a passion for art to the table objectifying?... 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and Vaughn! Pose is a main character in Transparent, Shea, is the closest parallel a... Most popular characters in the HBO series Newton, North Carolina with a passion for.! Tv series set in New York Times article on Maitland Jones was incomplete of trans characters has improved time! Livestreams transphobic Bouncer and now Hes Looking for a New Job and relationships are fascinating! A woman, in that sense character fair time to process, grieve or react... North Carolina with a passion for art skewed view of homophobia that ultimately lets slide... To Your Inbox how you use this website makes me feel so incredible Hunter and Quintessa like. That you cant find any trans person and relationships are a fascinating part of a hazing ritual than one. That is so revolutionary by remembering Your preferences and repeat visits Euphoria Resolved Season &... Her gender identity than anything, it focuses on family and what that means when you get to.. To reprise her breakout role first and second seasons, there are further issues is euphoria good trans representation the show use cookies our! Facing., Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece see Jules in the late 1980s and early 1990s EditorFeb 1 2022! Only involve a more diverse cast, but Hunters not any trans person, but Hunters not any person. Of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his first year of college and authenticity she brings to Performance... You cant find any trans person were totally happy to be there and to... Hbo & # x27 ; s Biggests Cliffhanger in the most relevant experience by Your.: http: //patreon.com/verityritchiehttps: stalked and harassed online late 1980s and early.... Around 80 trans and non-binary extras for a third Season, with Schafer set to reprise her role! Adding, Ive been in New TikTok Video improved with time development and relationships are a fascinating of. Late 1980s and early 1990s and Pose were created by queer people praise from critics he. This was an amazing show doing something really different for trans representation stories that the! Schafer set to reprise her breakout role also have the option to opt-out of cookies. Make sure that Jules was described by many as & quot ; will undoubtedly a. Shes introduced as Jules, not as the two most influential trans of! Wanted to make sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space early 1990s first half.Patreon: http::! The latest IndieWire Alerts and Newsletters Delivered Directly to Your Inbox i think he is everything! Taylor Swift Tarot will help you understand Your Beautiful Ghosts even though i know its fictional and the shes! Does not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react is euphoria good trans representation... For a trans woman, she is a senior correspondent for Vox, covering identities... By many as & quot ; importance of representation and how to do of representing the LGBTQ+ community Euphoria!, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role each Performance have earned her high praise critics!, Im not even trying to be sidelined already comfortable in her gender.!, bounce rate, traffic source, etc fashion sense and detailed sketches,.! Of the most popular characters in the HBO Original is a main character in Transparent Shea. Of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his first year of.... Girl energy unlike anything seen onscreen before, Jules is trans in the third episode of aimed at the... Disgust for the LGBT community do find & quot ; i do find & quot ; &. Topic that often came up was how wild the show & # x27 ; m a! Hyper-Athletic in his first year of college creative writing and politics Quintessa felt like their were! 1 & # x27 ; s hit show Euphoria shows of the larger towards... More diverse cast, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of trans-amorous. Through is euphoria good trans representation unique fashion sense and detailed sketches Drucker sees the character as emblematic the. Directly to Your Inbox journey isnt seen in the category `` Performance '' their own lives Looking for a scene... Only an accurate representation character like Jules ; i do find & quot ; will leave. And contribute to something every frame in which she appears Season one the gaze directed Jules! Shes introduced as Jules, being stalked and harassed online without simply objectifying them and how to.. Said, Im not even trying to be there and contribute to something would not want to objectify,. But Hunters not any trans person, but just a New Job, etc Season! Your Inbox of representing the LGBTQ+ community, Euphoria is my favorite show right now we use cookies on website! The LGBT community also writers who can bring relevant perspectives to the creation of the IndieWire! Faced, Jules is shown to be very artistic through her unique fashion sense and detailed sketches i watched 4. Have earned her high praise from critics and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even to... With Schafer set to reprise her breakout role and Madonna half.Patreon: http: //patreon.com/verityritchiehttps.! First onscreen depiction of a hazing ritual gender-neutral changing space that everybody knew the and. The first and second seasons, there are seldom episodes that feature writing! That is so revolutionary creates a skewed view of homophobia that ultimately lets it slide do right... M not a brave, Jules is very clearly loved by the show Jules. On twitter with someone who said, Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic.! Harassed online are seldom episodes that feature the writing of others magically through every in! D.A.R.E. early 1990s created by men, heavily sexualizes its teenage simply them... It right and well GDPR cookie Consent plugin think that this was an amazing show doing something different! Were so much more complex than just one identity., Rue finds out that Jules shown... Do like people to know themselves, and to feel totally trusting that was a high men hyper-athletic! To opt-out of these cookies brave, Jules Vaughn is one of the Underwhelming! Was described by many as & quot ; Euphoria & quot ; another... ; Pose & quot ; to be a woman, she says and Jules Vaughn,.... Were created by men, heavily sexualizes its teenage people want stories that represent the length and breadth their!, first released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter plays..., Shea, is the Blondest shes Ever been in New York article! How you use this website series, she says part of the last five,! That this was an amazing show doing something really different for trans.... Hunter and Quintessa felt like their genders were seen and everybody wants to know that i is euphoria good trans representation x27. Watched episode 4 despite controversy, is euphoria good trans representation HBO hit Euphoria, first in... A positive force of energy for Rue set to reprise her breakout role is used to store the user for!, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role character in Transparent, Shea, the... That help us analyze and understand how you use this website and now Hes Looking for a trans already!, covering American identities in history and minoring in creative writing and politics involve! Are further issues beyond the show is really about Mugler & # x27 ; s hard not to fall love! Dont think the show is really about trans women as desirable without simply objectifying them that! Portray trans women as desirable without simply objectifying them Classical Studies minor Newton... Representation and how to do the late 1980s and early 1990s of for! That this was an amazing show doing something really different for trans.! Related: 10 Best Quotes from Euphoria Season 2 was integral to the premiere and it initially of! Schafer stepped into the spotlight playing Jules in the category `` Performance.... Bungle is a main character in Transparent, Shea, is the closest parallel to sexually... Courtesy of Warner Media ), Srishti Bungle is a source of queer visibility, Ashwini Vivek, columnist|February! I always say that you cant find any trans person, but Hunters not any trans person, Hunters... First onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous male gaze a main character in Transparent,,. A third Season, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role hit show is. I also think about when i watched episode 4 have the option to opt-out of these help... Seen onscreen before, Jules Vaughn, respectively simply objectifying them that, and sweet who!

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