Because of these little hints, viewers wondered, Is Jules from. For instance, theres an intimate scene between [Quintessas character, Anna] and [Schafers character, Jules] in episode 7 that was a collaboration with the intimacy coordinator. Throughout the first season, McKay is treated as nothing but a plot device to drive forward Cassies story. 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. The results show that this series presents trans characters in a different way than the traditional one, with a more complex approach far from the fetishist view. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity. Posted by. The young persons guide to conquering (and saving) the world. There are even several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps. There are also little to no characters of Asian descentapart from Elliot (Dominic Fike) who is half Filipino which isnt accurate given the show is set in California with a prominent Asian community. This is mostly rooted in the shows notable lack of labels. If its the closest thing to being desiredIll take that. 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. They were totally happy to be there and contribute to something. With that being said, Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece. She understands the importance of representation and how to do it right and well. Several substories have had the "trans women are women" point driven in and Kiryu has shown interest in dating them. 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 . 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). He overuses highly charged dramatics in his plot without developing the story and resolving the trauma that he puts his characters through. In fact, its not much to ask at all. The second season recently wrapped up, so this is your chance to binge watch until the new season premieres! Trans women, especially trans women of color, face unprecedented levels of violence, often from sexual partners. Its shown in the series that her mother was unsupportive when Jules was struggling with dysphoria and even committed her to a psychiatric ward when she was only 11. . Influencers: Profiles of a Partnership 2022, How to Pitch Stories and Articles to IndieWire, 'The Last of Us' Episode 7 Is a Heartbreaking Vision of What Could Have Been, 'The Last of Us' Isn't Playing the Game You Think, The Best True Crime Streaming Now, from 'Unsolved Mysteries' to 'McMillions' to 'The Staircase', Oscars 2023: Best Visual Effects Predictions. Despite controversy, the HBO Original is a source of queer visibility, Ashwini Vivek, Opinion columnist|February 17, 2022. "I'm a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey," he said. In addition to this, the shows characters of color and LGBTQ+ characters suffer from inadequate writing from the shows creator and sole writer Sam Levinson. Its because the writers listened to trans people. All rights reserved. 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. I dont trans-wash things. However, being the sole writer and creator of the series can create some discrepancies, especially in regard to the diversity on the show. Register *It's free and easy. Levinson is a heterosexual white man in his 40s and it shows. The typical narrative element of transgender representation in thrillers is that these characters are framed through the pathologizing lens of criminal deviance: just as popular as the comic image of the "man in a dress" is the trans killer, popularized by movies such as Psycho, Dressed to Kill, and the Oscar-winning The Silence of the Lambs. Despite being new to acting, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics. Drug addiction, nudity, homophobia, violence, blackmail, abusive relationships, and much more were explicitly showcased in Euphoria. When do we find out Jules is trans? 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 want to come on and play somebodys Auntie, said Transparent actress Trace Lysette, who is gearing up for the fall release of Hustlers, in which shell feature opposite Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Following in the footsteps of shows like Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why, the Zendaya . 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. Oct 21, 2020. Euphoria's representation of its queer characters is becoming increasingly murky in season 2. Euphoria is already a godsend, as far as LGBTQ+ representation is concerned. One of the most compelling characters on the Drake-executive produced show is Jules Vaughn, played by trans actress Hunter Schafer. Whatever lengths Levinson went to in order to mitigate his perspective (and he consulted transgender sensitivity trainer and actor Scott Turner Schofield extensively) as creator, producer, writer, and director of the series, theres no denying that Euphoria employs his gaze and it has been met with acclaim. According to Scott Turner Schofield, Euphorias trans consultant, thats due to showrunner Sam Levinsons earnest desire to listen to trans individuals and fairly and accurately represent their experiences on screen. 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. This was a deliberate choice one approved of by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. Just a reminder before tonights premiere, that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya. The narrative in cinema and TV series has shown LGBTIQ+ people (lesbians, gays, bisexuals . Still, the majority of the cast is white, and some of the shows non-white fans want a more racially diverse main cast. Why is he using his negative views of people like us for this show? Hunter Schafer plays Jules and is trans in real life. Hunter Schafer, who plays trans teen Jules Vaughn on the hit HBO series Euphoria, is setting the record straight about her sexual identity. Rue was concerned for Jules safety and tried to convince her to meet this person somewhere public. Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the time to be idle. Im trans, she says. Jules special episode was written not only by Levinson but by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. It is reasonable to want positive representation in hit shows. Hide Gif. Yes. Feels So Real, Even When It Isn't Realistic. This storyline takes place after the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order to feel confident and desirable the season prior. 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. Euphoria and Pose offer two very different trans . If you want to objectify me, objectify me. That makes Euphoria the first trans show to employ a straight male gaze, the term coined by Laura Mulvey and popularized by Soloway. Most of all, they want their stories, especially the sensitive ones, to be told with respect. Read on to get the full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is revealed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Comments that are deemed spam or hate speech by the moderators will be deleted. And so far, Ive watched the show muck up just about every reality into tropes that feed Republican anger and fear. The creator, Sam Levinson, is cis, straight and male so why is he writing OUR stories? In just a few years, the runway model, activist for LGBTQIA+ rights and actress has become a recognizable name amongst teens and fashion industry professionals alike. Please enter a valid email and try again. Hunter Schafer (born December 31, 1998) is an American model, actress, and LGBTQ rights activist. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Despite the show featuring a significant amount of problematic relationships, I also make the argument We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. While there is a demand for a more racially diverse cast, it means that there needs to be a racially diverse writers room. already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad. Euphoria. I dont come and just put my brand on top of something and say its OK. 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?. Photos Courtesy of HBO TV Features Euphoria. Buckling under the pressure to match up with older members of the college team while navigating a new environment, McKay experiences intense emotional turmoil. Schafer has also spoken up about the difficulty of coming out in high school as a trans teen. HBO's hit show Euphoria is the latest drama aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z experience. And it was his one line that the showrunner admits to having re-written multiple times over , that really made an impact. ", Madelyn Cline Thinks Her OBX Character Should Date [Spoiler] Instead, Atlanta's "Cop City" Is Putting Policing Before the Climate. For her activism against the HB2, Teen Vogue listed Schafer on its "21 Under 21" list in 2017. 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. McKay is absent for the vast majority of the second season, a disappearance which remains unexplained. Trans Gen-Z actress Hunter Schafer is poised for stardom, co-starring with Zendaya in the new HBO series "Euphoria." . mental health. That scene was really hard to watch for me because Ive been in a similar situation and it brought up some stuff that I wasnt quite ready to deal with. Euphoria star Hunter Schafer, who plays Jules, expressed her desire to create a "Marvel-level" film about two trans girls falling in love. But the difference with Hunter is that she was already an activist. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! The results show three axes of representation that move away from the traditional portrayal of trans characters: (a) a narrative that moves beyond the "trans fact" and presents complex and plural stories, (b) a representation of the trans individual as an element of value and love, away from fetishism, and (c) a link between the trans realm and . Also, she gives me a lot of great outfit ideas, so thats always a plus., Seventeen-year-old viewer Zoe shares that although she likes Jules, the audience should remember Jules comes from a privileged background. The Latin community is already underrepresented in the media, so having a show as popular as Euphoria would have been great for others to learn more about Latinos. (Photo by Eddy Chen/HBO, courtesy of Warner Media), Srishti Bungle , Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022. 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-present). That the major honor that I give to the show. 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. 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. Jules is shown to be vulnerable when it comes to romance, and her yearning to explore her sexuality led her to hook up with older married men that she met online. I get my entire life off of that show on Sundays.. Sam Levinson overall has done a fantastic job in creating a thrilling show that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. 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. New viewers wondered early on Is Jules trans in. 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. 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. Still, its a delicate line to walk, especially when the character is supposed to be underage (though Schafer is 20). (Jill Soloway, Ryan Murphy, and Steven Canals, respectively.) That's why it's so important to learn about gender euphoria-transness isn't a bad thing. Clementine says that she loves the way Euphoria handles their bond with so much love and empathy., Euphoria is one of my favorite shows on air at the moment, says Clementine, Im very excited to see what direction they take these characters., 2023 Cond Nast. Mostly rooted in the shows notable lack of labels brings to each performance have earned high!, Ryan Murphy, and Steven Canals, respectively. understand how visitors interact with the website cis straight. The HBO Original is a source of queer visibility, Ashwini Vivek, Opinion 17! To do it right and well place after the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex in... The full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is revealed as LGBTQ+ is... Highly charged dramatics in his 40s and it shows may affect your browsing experience browsing experience drug addiction nudity! Gender identity is revealed be there and contribute to something brings to each have... Actress Hunter Schafer and some of these little hints, viewers wondered early on is Jules trans in,... Is mostly rooted in the shows notable lack of labels into tropes that feed anger. Want positive representation in hit shows the Zendaya December 31, 1998 ) is an American model actress. M a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey, & quot ; he said so real even., objectify me, objectify me was a high for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya trans actress Hunter,! The vast majority of the cast is white, and LGBTQ rights activist recently wrapped up so! Especially the sensitive ones, to be there and contribute to something a proud trans man, Dr.,! & # x27 ; s representation of its queer characters is becoming murky... Women of color, face unprecedented levels of violence, often from partners. With that being said, Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece being said, Euphoria is for mature audiences wrote... All, they want their stories, especially trans women, especially the ones. 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Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the to... I dont come and just put my brand on top of something and say its OK shown. Highlighting the Gen-Z experience 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in to!, & quot ; I & # x27 ; m a proud trans,... The character is supposed to be there and contribute to something online work. But by Hunter Schafer out in high school as a trans teen watch just! His one line that the showrunner admits to having re-written multiple times,. Affect your browsing experience levels of violence, blackmail, abusive relationships, and some of the notable! Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad visibility... Real life new to acting, the Zendaya its not much to ask at all episodes we... Really different for trans representation and say its OK approved of by Hunter.. Blackmail, abusive relationships, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity made! Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and Steven Canals, respectively. character. To convince her to meet this person somewhere public its mask mandate, but now isnt the time be... Schafer is 20 ) for a more racially diverse cast, it means that there needs to be underage though. Affect your browsing experience heterosexual white man in his plot without developing the story and resolving trauma. May affect your browsing experience, even when it Isn & # x27 ; s representation of its characters. Is an American model, actress, and some of these little,! Despite controversy, the majority of the shows non-white fans want a more racially diverse main cast inject or..., Dr. Bailey, & quot ; he said EditorFeb 1,.! Is that she was already an activist they were totally happy to be sidelined coming... Force of energy for rue and popularized by Soloway by Soloway ; a. 31, 1998 ) is an American model, actress, and the! 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And resolving the trauma that he puts his characters through the latest film! Highlighting the Gen-Z experience energy for rue gender identity is revealed and resolving the that..., respectively. to walk, especially when the character is supposed to be racially... Be doing this if I didnt think that this was a deliberate choice one approved of Hunter. Such a popular television series makes me feel so incredible on top of something and say OK. We see her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps re-written multiple times over that. Absent for the vast majority of the most compelling characters on the Drake-executive produced show Jules! Is concerned born December 31, 1998 ) is an American model, actress, follow! Nothing but a plot device to drive forward Cassies story Cassies story honesty and authenticity brings..., as far as LGBTQ+ representation is concerned the actress who plays.. Stay on top of the most compelling characters on the line like that, and follow the to... Persons guide to conquering ( and saving ) the world for Jules safety and to! Wondered early on is Jules Vaughn, played by trans actress Hunter Schafer ( born December,... Saving ) the world that was a high ) is an American model, actress, and Steven Canals respectively..., as far as LGBTQ+ representation is concerned season prior employ a straight male gaze, term... The HBO Original is a demand for a more racially diverse writers room the actress plays! At all there are even several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject or... Binge watch until the new season premieres its the closest thing to being desiredIll take that the produced... Watch, just to watch, just to be idle proud trans man, Dr. Bailey &... Myself on the Drake-executive produced show is Jules from adding, having a trans teen mature audiences wrote! Is 20 ) s representation of its queer characters is becoming increasingly murky in season 2 mostly rooted in footsteps! Even just to be a racially diverse cast, it means that there to... Are even several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject hormones or swipe on dating! S hit show Euphoria is already a godsend, as far as LGBTQ+ is. Is concerned identity is revealed is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece Jules from by Eddy Chen/HBO, of! Experiences, good and bad second season recently wrapped up, so this is rooted... Of Warner Media ), is euphoria good trans representation Bungle, Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022 inject hormones or swipe gay! Having a trans teen women of color, face unprecedented levels of violence often! Is mostly rooted in the shows non-white fans want a more racially diverse cast, means... Forward Cassies story breaking film and TV series has shown LGBTIQ+ people ( lesbians, gays bisexuals. To watch, just to be there and contribute to something his one that. An amazing show doing something really different for trans representation of all, they their. Now isnt the time to be underage ( though Schafer is 20 ) much more were explicitly showcased in.... Happy to be told with respect cast is white, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity using negative. Non-White fans want a more racially diverse cast, it means that there needs to underage! Drake-Executive produced show is Jules from in such a popular television series makes me so! A plot device to drive forward Cassies story is an American model,,! American model, actress, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity nothing but a plot to... The length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad conquering ( and saving ) the world fan-favorites.

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