Netflix is one of the largest, if not the largest, streaming service in the world yet it has been questioned for it's commitment to queer representation. Netfllix, more like Hetflix. Wait, what is Hetflix? Hetflix stands for heterosexual Netflix of course. The vail of LGBTQ+ equality on this site seems to be slipping more and more, revealing an apparent dismissal of the community, to the point where we can't ignore it.
Let's delve into the Hetflix evidence real quick...
It was yesterday when the news broke to everyone that not only will the amazing show GLOW be cancelled, even though it was promised a final fourth season, but also the new and also amazing show Teenage Bounty Hunters.
GLOW is a comedic, drama-filled 80's themed show portraying individual stories of 12 women as they join a new women's wrestling tv show. As random as it sounds, the show delves through various difficult situations that are also very relatable, from unemployment, homelessness, identity crisis, gender stereotypes, sexual assault and, because this is a queer blog, sexual orientation. An adorable couple, Yolanda and Arthie, start their blossoming relationship in season 2 when Shakira Barrera (Yolanda) joined the cast. They bonded through their job of wrestling and thrived during a romantic, choreographed slow dance for their tv show.
The couple grew together, both emotionally and sexually but did hit a rocky path towards the end of season 3. This was due to the confusion Arthie had surrounding her identity and her perception of the severity of homophobia. However, at the end of season 3 the pair hinted at having a story after the season had ended. They were unfinished and I'm sure we would've seen a lot more of them in the "promised" final season 4.
Teenage Bounty Hunters is a very new and also comedy show on Netflix. It follows two sisters as they take up a new job as bounty hunters in order to save money while they attend a very traditional, christian school during the day. Where else can you find a show like that? No where now because it's been cancelled. This show has become very popular on Netflix and perfectly mixes the topics of modernity, youth, religion and sex. During the series you see an adorable and loving relationship between Sterling and April.
Due to their religious background, we see sexuality balanced out with that, which I believe is a huge topic that needs to be talked about. Their bond is so pure, authentic and probably very relatable to a lot of teenagers out there. So why would Netflix cancel such a needed show when we have so much more to unravel with these two? This show hits a category that has not been seen yet, in my experience at all. This needed to continue.
Hey Netflix! Yeah Hello! How could you look at these two and just say nahhhh??!
*cough* Hetflix *cough*
Even though both of the shows significantly have room for a unique take on a queer relationship they aren't the only shows Netflix has decided to axe consequently limiting the LGBTQ+ available content. Which other ones? In August it was announced that The Society would not be making a return. This came as a huge shock to a lot of people because in 2019 this show was loved by a massive audience. It mysteriously followed a group of teenagers who have ended up in a new parallel town and have to start their new society? No one even knows if it is a parallel universe or aliens or some deal with the devil sh*t because now the questions will never be answered about what is actually going on!
It did showcase a lovely couple, Sam and Grizz. It is actually one of the most adorable queer couples I've seen in a very long time. Sam being a deaf teenager struggled to communicate with his peers but Grizz went out of his way to learn sign language in order to portray his feelings.
Again, this relationship representation is unique. I keep saying that word... unique. That's because all of these stories, that are getting cancelled and taken for granted, are highly unique and have not been told enough. Someone out there may see themselves in Sam's character or Grizz's.
Or Sterling's.
Or April's.
Or Yolanda's.
Or Arthie's.
Also what about Atypical? That will be cancelled after it's fourth and final season next year. Izzie and Casey.
What about I'm Not Okay With This? Cancelled after 1 season even though a lot of people loved this. Sydney and Dina.
What about Sense 8? A majority of the characters in that show are queer, yet this was cancelled even with it's popularity.
What about Wynonna Earp being taken down and now no longer accessible for people outside of Canada and the USA? Waverly and Nicole.
What about One Day At A Time? Being cancelled after season 3 and having to be picked up by Pop TV. Syd and Elena.
What about The Get Down? Cancelled after 1 season. Dizzee and Thor.
Why are we not talking about this more?
Why is Netflix keeping shows that are very clearly sh*t like Riverdale, yet not keeping shows with diversity that are in tremendously high demand. The Kissing Booth has 3 movies for God's sake.
Anyways, if you agree let's start the conversation. Let's fight for the change.
Or maybe just switch streaming websites. Amazon Prime Video is a very diverse alternative.
I personally am sick of being let down when all I want to do is see healthy queer relationships until the end.
Goodbye Hetflix. Sort yourself out please.
Love deserves to be seen and followed through.
Rainbow Talk
Fight For Representation
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@rainbow.talk_
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