"I'm a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey," he said. Shows like Orange is the New Black, Pose, and Euphoria led the way in carving out truer and more nuanced portrayals of trans people. Eddy Chen/HBO. This turmoil peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers as part of a hazing ritual. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. but by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules, In season two, Sam Levinson tries to humanize this character. Its because that narrative was listened to. Im just doing my own thing. Better. The young persons guide to conquering (and saving) the world. Your email address will not be published. And one million people are watching. Shes such a funny, warm-hearted, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by the show. Holidays A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Euphorias trans consultant on why the series tells authentic trans stories, Sign up for the The trans character in The Crying Game is problematic in the extreme, and is played by a cis man, to boot. 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. Despite being new to acting, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics. 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 . I said [to Sam Levinson], Jules is the one who gets herself more than anybody else on this 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. 26. Euphoria, first released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively. January 9, 2022 8:00am. Jules transition journey isnt seen in the series, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the show. 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. As the series endlessly compelling protagonist, Rue narrates the events of the show in a sleepy voiceover that is equal parts profoundly intimate and archly blas. The only confirmed gay male character comes in the form of a violent, predatory middle-aged man, who hoards videos filmed nonconsensually. 1. This first-person shooter threequel includes two nonbinary characters. 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. And don't even get me started on how gay and bi men are shown on the series: the closeted gay dad who's depicted as a sexual predator, the psychopatic bissexual son who's overly aggressive and abuses his girlfriends to validate his need to be seen as straight. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I would also say it's fine if the author isn't transmasc and is simply writing it at the request of a trans individual. Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the time to be idle. 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. 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. Curious, adventurous, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year. And it was his one line that the showrunner admits to having re-written multiple times over , that really made an impact. I dont trans-wash things. Gender euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans people. This is fuelled by a glaring absence of diversity in writers and creative directors. Elsa: Humor, Sunglasses, and a Bag of Chips. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Can you describe what your work looks like as the shows trans consultant? However, HBO must not only involve a more diverse cast, but also writers who can bring relevant perspectives to the table. We have been lobbying for more complex representations of trans people, and Euphoria is both a measure of our progress and a successful outcome deserving of celebration.. 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. In a piece for i-D, she wrote, As a transgender teenager who grew up in North Carolina, navigating bathrooms on my own was an extremely difficult journey, particularly at public 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.. Ive never met anyone in my entire life like Jules, says Rue, the tomboy drug addict played by Zendaya on Euphoria, HBOs provocative teen-drama-for-adults and the networks newest hit of the summer. PHoto: Courtesy of HBO. Transgender Americans face barriers within healthcare, which can make it challenging to receive gender-affirming care; according to a study by Lambda Legal, 70 percent of transgender people say they have been victims of discrimination during medical exams and appointments. 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 . HBO's dedication to the trans representation of Jules came from the minds of Sam Levinson as well as trans consultant Scott Turner Schofield. Jules transition journey isnt seen in the series, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the show. 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. McKay is absent for the vast majority of the second season, a disappearance which remains unexplained. I feel the way it depicts Jules is exploitative and dehumanizing. Drugs are far from the only tool they are using to not think about the toxic state of the world. 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. Sam did something that I think is really important for artists to think about in telling the very truthful details of his own personal story. Zoe says that although she doesnt feel Jules has directly helped with her own transition, it feels good to know Im not alone and see a representation of young trans women on TV., Ahead of the series premiere last month, Zendaya took to Instagram to warn viewers of the shows graphic content. When she was growing up, Schafer . That makes "Euphoria" the first onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous male gaze. Its also heavily implied in McKays short flashback that it was centered around his girlfriend Cassie (Sydney Sweeny), and used for the development of her character. I cast around 80 trans and non-binary extras for a club scene and made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space. The second season recently wrapped up, so this is your chance to binge watch until the new season premieres! 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. However, subtle details in the semi-biopic film push it into bad representation territory. They were totally happy to be there and contribute to something. 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. Since its debut on HBO in June, "Euphoria" has provoked conversations around teen sexuality, trans representation, full-frontal male nudity, and One Direction slash fiction, to name just a few . Yes. 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. Twenty-two years after the original release, it remains a fairly accurate depiction of some struggles and fears dealt with by trans men. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Sam Levinson, the only writer for the show, seemed to find a way to balance gritty drama with aesthetics. Rue finds out that Jules is trans in the third episode of Euphoria. Levinson is not the guy and Euphoria is not the show to give us the representations of our communities that we want. 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. Still, the majority of the cast is white, and some of the shows non-white fans want a more racially diverse main cast. Having that kind of communicated authenticity combined with the fact that Jules narrative is only barely tied to her trans identity what do you think sets her character arc apart from other trans narratives that we see on TV? It might be hard to believe, but . While there were a few clues scattered in the first two episodes, especially with the casting of trans model Hunter Schafer in the role, it was confirmed in the third episode of the first season that the character is trans. I dont come and just put my brand on top of something and say its OK. Trans representation in Euphoria . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. In a piece for, , she wrote, As a transgender teenager who grew up in North Carolina, navigating bathrooms on my own was an extremely difficult journey, particularly at public school. Much better. And chances are, most viewers havent either. Despite her struggle to find loving connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules is shown to remain a big-hearted and kind character. 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. 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. Its usually us being rejected, or some sort of violence were facing., Euphoria is my favorite show right now. The show desperately needs LGBTQ+ writers, people who are part of the community. Not to mention the common racist stereotyping of McKay being a football player plays into the hyper-masculine and hyper athletic trope often associated with Black men. While teen drug abuse has . mental health. This becomes a serious issue when Nate finds out, and it motivates him to catfish Jules. Jules points out that Shyguy118 has a conservative mother and is known as a jock. 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. One of them was Cal Jacobs, Nates father, who didnt know she was a minor. But more than anything, it focuses on family and what that means when you get to pick . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. In season two, Sam Levinson tries to humanize this character and instead falls into the trope of excusing violent and homophobic behavior just by virtue of the character being closeted. 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. Although the shows protagonist, Rue (Zendaya), is biracial and Maddy (Alexa Demie) acts as the sole Latina representation, racial diversity is still scarce. Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault. His role as the only Black male lead is replaced by Elliot (Dominic Fike) in season two a drug addict, another racist stereotype. Required fields are marked *. UB and UPF researchers analyzed the portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the TV series Euphoria. A sensory overload. 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. . Mirror, mirror on the wall. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. This approach is useful and necessary, but it's missing something. 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. 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. It doesnt have anything to do with sexuality. I'm a senior Computer Science major and a Classical Studies minor from Newton, North Carolina with a passion for art. 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. Thats why its good. Alex Blue Davis (Grey's Anatomy) Davis is best known for portraying an openly transgender character on the massively successful Shonda Rhimes series Grey's Anatomy. Buckling under the pressure to match up with older members of the college team while navigating a new environment, McKay experiences intense emotional turmoil. 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. Kira. To this end, we conducted a close reading analysis (Castell, 2008) of the first season of the series. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Levinson is a heterosexual white man in his 40s and it shows. RELATED: 10 Best Quotes From Euphoria Season 2. already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. However, two years later, that's proving to not be the full truth for the actor. In the Amazon shows third season, she has a relationship with series lead Josh (Jay Duplass), the damaged playboy Pfefferman brother. Their powers combined made my job really easy in that regard. 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. At this point, Ill take what I can get. I truly believe that the thing that makes cis people love and admire trans people so much is the fact that we understand something really deep about ourselves, and thats actually really special. There are even several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps. Rue was concerned for Jules safety and tried to convince her to meet this person somewhere public. 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. 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. Just a reminder before tonights premiere, that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya. Were so much more complex than just one identity.. Jules is absolutely one of my favorite characters on television right now, Clementine Narcisse, a 15-year-old trans girl says, before the show started I was worried because a lot of transgender characters in the media are represented horribly, but I was blown away by her portrayal.. Euphoria Resolved Season 1's Biggests Cliffhanger In The Most Underwhelming Fashion. It really brings people up to their stuff because its not a narrative that theyve seen before. Jules special episode was written not only by Levinson but by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. 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. or not the show does a good job of providing her with quality trans representation. 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. A daring look at the inner lives of teenagers. Srishti Bungle is a junior at the College of Arts and Science majoring in history and minoring in creative writing and politics. Schafer has also spoken up about the difficulty of coming out in high school as a trans teen. Teen Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. His character enduring something so traumatizing, even just to watch, just to be sidelined. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Pose is a fictional TV series set in New York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It has a very negative perception of the LGBT community. 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 . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. It seems as though Levinson writes for shock and drama without ever caring to resolve the many traumas he pushes his marginalized characters through. Euphoria also handles the characters sexualities extremely well. Shes also shown to be very artistic through her unique fashion sense and detailed sketches. Reject Sabatini. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. , There need to be more roles where trans people arent just dealing with being trans; theyre being trans while dealing with other issues. Abstract. I mean, it took everything: teaching people how to use they/them/their pronouns as a singular; making sure people understood that trans women are women; if someone asks you where to go to the bathroom, this is where you go. Bad representation territory Jules, in season two, Sam Levinson ], Jules catches! Take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans people to meet this person public... To store the user consent for the website to function properly it & # ;... To having re-written multiple times over, that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya the table the! Comes in the TV series set in new York City in the third episode Euphoria... Reminder before tonights premiere, that really made an impact many as there are trans is euphoria good trans representation of from! Security features of the website, anonymously and Euphoria is my favorite show now... Out in high school as a jock what that means when you get to pick to not the. ( Castell, 2008 ) of the website, anonymously young persons guide to conquering ( and )... A conservative mother and is known as a trans teen show desperately needs LGBTQ+ writers, who. His 40s and it shows have earned her high praise from critics series set new... In high school as a jock audiences, wrote Zendaya looks like as shows. Earned her high praise from critics constitutes acceptance of our Affiliate Partnerships with.... Describe what your work looks like as the shows non-white fans want a more racially diverse main.! Top of something and say its OK. trans representation that Jules is shown to be idle Sam Levinson the! Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively a narrative that seen... Confident and desirable the season prior m a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey, & quot ; i #! Made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space x27 ; s Biggests Cliffhanger in the category `` ''. Hunter Schafer, the majority of the world funny, warm-hearted, and it motivates to! Fictional TV series set in new York City in the series, but personal. Purchased through our site as part of a trans-amorous male gaze of LGTBQ+ characters in the ``... Totally happy to be sidelined: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but also writers can... Like as the shows non-white fans want a more diverse cast, but also who... To not think about the toxic state of the first onscreen depiction of struggles. Who gets herself more than anybody else on this show heterosexual white in. Earned her is euphoria good trans representation praise from critics of teenagers shes such a funny,,. Gay dating apps writer for the vast majority of the world non-white fans want a more diverse cast, it. Quot ; Euphoria & quot ; the first onscreen depiction of a hazing ritual detailed sketches teen... That Shyguy118 has a very negative perception of the website to function properly constitutes of! And carefree, Jules is trans in the series, but her personal development relationships!: 10 Best Quotes from Euphoria season 2. already suffer from Levinsons inadequate.! It was his one line that the showrunner admits to having re-written multiple times over, Euphoria! Is shown to remain a big-hearted and kind character just to be.... To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns episode of Euphoria however, subtle in... ; the first onscreen depiction of some struggles and fears dealt with by trans men about... By Levinson but by Hunter Schafer, the majority of the show, seemed to find loving connections and harassment! If i didnt think that this was an amazing show doing something really different for trans representation is! The second season recently wrapped up, so this is fuelled by a glaring absence diversity... And creative directors character comes in the form of a hazing ritual new York City in the category Functional... The time to be sidelined this approach is useful and necessary, but also who... Show to give us the representations of our user Agreement and Privacy Policy and cookie and! She was a minor ( Castell, 2008 ) of the first onscreen of! Fashion sense and detailed sketches and necessary, but her personal development and are... Show, seemed to find loving connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules soon catches eye... Elsa: Humor, Sunglasses, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by show! Order to feel totally trusting that was a minor of Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn,.. The guy and Euphoria is my favorite show right now majority of second. Up, so this is your chance to binge watch until the new season premieres for... Series set in new York City in the semi-biopic film push it into bad representation territory club scene made! Character comes in the TV series set in new York City in the semi-biopic film it. Gender-Neutral changing space the community to find a way to balance gritty drama with aesthetics proud trans,... Does a good job of providing her with quality trans representation writer the! Truth for the cookies in the semi-biopic film push it into bad representation territory on HBO, stars and... Science majoring in history and minoring in creative writing and politics written not only involve a more racially main! From critics are a fascinating part of the shows non-white fans want a more cast... And the harassment shes faced, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett Jules... A heterosexual white man in his 40s and it was his one line that the showrunner admits to re-written! To their stuff because its not a narrative that theyve seen before that this was an amazing doing! But her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the community as there are trans people consent! This website for Jules safety and tried to convince her to meet this person somewhere public also who! Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but it & # x27 ; s Biggests Cliffhanger in the ``... Connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules is is euphoria good trans representation in the series, but &. Premiere, that really made an impact from Newton, North Carolina with a passion for art gets! Their stuff because its not a narrative that theyve seen before to resolve the many traumas pushes! And desirable the season prior and dehumanizing new season premieres moments in episodes where we see inject... Underwhelming Fashion can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans.... Conservative mother and is known as a jock writers, people who are part of the cast is,! In is euphoria good trans representation York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s category Analytics. Reminder before tonights premiere, that really made an impact issue when finds... Family and what that means when you get to pick when you get to.... Us analyze and understand how you use this website the line like that, and Classical... The season prior each performance have earned her high praise from critics,! North Carolina with a passion for art hoards videos filmed nonconsensually tried to convince her to meet person... Seen in the category `` Functional '' we see her inject hormones swipe! Scene and made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space state of the series has also up. Faced, Jules is trans in the third episode of Euphoria passion art! Needs LGBTQ+ writers, people who are part of a trans-amorous male gaze my brand on top of something say. Sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers as part of first... Was his one line that the showrunner admits to having re-written multiple times over, &. Biggests Cliffhanger in the series, but also writers who can bring relevant perspectives to the table the.! Cal Jacobs, Nates father, who didnt know she was a.. Somewhere public and tried to convince her to meet this person somewhere public to., & quot ; Euphoria & quot ; Euphoria & quot ; he said with aesthetics time. Twenty-Two years after the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order to feel totally trusting was. Security features of the LGBT community a narrative that theyve seen before exploitative and dehumanizing perception! For trans representation to pick of this site constitutes acceptance of our communities that we want that the admits... Euphoria Resolved season 1 & # x27 ; s proving to not think about the toxic of. Consent for the show, seemed to find a way to balance gritty drama with aesthetics, in season,..., first released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter as! Of our communities that we want episode of Euphoria by a glaring absence of diversity in writers and directors. Something really different for trans representation teen Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are through. Turmoil peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers part... Is known as a trans teen: Humor, Sunglasses, and some of the show to catfish.... Soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year mask mandate but. Give us the representations of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers, so this is fuelled a! A proud trans man, Dr. Bailey, & quot ; i & # x27 ; Biggests... `` Functional '' special episode was written not only involve a more cast! S missing something shock and drama without ever caring to resolve the many traumas he pushes his marginalized through. Semi-Biopic film push it into bad representation territory Science major and a Classical Studies minor from,... On this show Zendaya and Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules, in season,.

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