Do you ever see some of yourself in a character from a book, movie, or TV show? Why is that important? And why is it particularly important to feel represented with our sexuality? When have we found relatable, satisfying LGBT+ characters, if ever, and when have certain characters left us with longing? Is there any hope for a compelling, mostly satisfying “Side B” gay representation in media? Join Tom, Aaron, and Ryan for a discussion Ryan’s been wanting to have for years!

COMMENT ON THIS EPISODE

Which characters do you relate with as it pertains to your sexuality? Do you have any hope or optimism for a compelling “Side B” media representation?

About the Author

  • The night I saw the Pixar movie Luca, just last October, was the night I “came out” to myself (I’m 24). I read discourse online about the movie being very LGBT+ (as much as a movie about kids can be, of course) or it being simply about a healthy friendship between boys. Like y’all mentioned on the podcast, the relationship between Alberto and Luca is hard to categorize. It was while watching that movie that I sort of realized that what I was telling myself was a simple desire for intimate male friendship was actually the experience of many gay and side B people. I was free to admit to myself that I am gay, and that my sexuality and attractions are not only about sex, but also about relating to other people in a unique way through friendship, etc. I was free to admit that my loves are at least hard to categorize, and allowing myself to acknowledge that ambiguity and sit with it instead of deny it. I especially related to the character Alberto, particularly his jealousy of Giulia and the attention she was receiving by his best friend Luca. I have experienced that jealousy many times before I understood what those feelings were.

    I just found this podcast/community a few weeks ago and have been bingeing some older episodes. Thanks for the work you guys do and for your faithful witness to Christ!

    • Thanks for commenting, Ian! I’m glad you found our podcast and blog. Thanks also for sharing some of your Luca thoughts. I can definitely relate with Alberto’s side as well (along with much of Luca’s). Hopefully we can do a Luca podcast soon with Eugene, who recently blogged about it too.

      Enjoy the podcast binge! Hope to see you pop up again in these comments.

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