Tom welcomes YOBBER Alex to bask in the Hulu show Love, Victor, which follows the events of the movie Love, Simon. Alex shares why he loves this show so much, including the racial dynamic with Victor as a half-Puerto Rican, half-Columbian guy and himself as half-Thai. They also discuss one particular episode of the show that features Simon’s LGBT+ community in New York. Couldn’t churches learn from how this community values family, showing love to a so-called “stranger” in Victor? And could there ever be a “Side B” show like this one where Victor finds a community like YOB??
COMMENT ON THIS EPISODE
Have you seen Love, Victor? What do you love about the show, or what causes you any conflict? Who’s your favorite character?
About the Author
We are Your Other Brothers: a storytelling tribe navigating issues of faith, homosexuality, and masculinity. Together.
Calling in from Los Angeles, the City of Angels! Originally from a quiet town in Georgia, I answered God’s call to leave the green forests of my youth. I am a bi, Thai-American Christian with an itch for adventure, a knack for writing, a forever gamer, and a love of all things 80’s (primarily music and movies). After coming to terms with my sexuality in 2014, I wanted to share the story of how God walked through this journey with me. Following His lead to be an active member of the Side B Christian community, I want to create a bridge between the LGBTQ+ community and the Church, where queer people can learn about the God who loves them.
I’m YOB’s cofounder and editor, and I also host our two podcasts. I’ve written a couple books as Thomas Mark Zuniga, including a 2013 memoir in which I first came out. Once upon another universe I anonymously blogged about my faith and sexuality under the Xanga username, twoBeckonings. I’m an INFJ, Enneagram 4w5, and my spirit animal is the buffalo. I love to travel, and my favorite place in the world is the one where coffee and vulnerability meet. When I’m not wandering, I live in Asheville, North Carolina – the Jewel of the Blue Ridge.
I relate best with Victor. He is in a tough spot trying to decide what to do with his life and understand himself. I also appreciate the friendships he is able to form with the other straight guys. I think we need to see more of that! I also like that Victor is not portrayed as being overly feminine and that he doesn’t talk or dress like a lot of other gay characters. Family wounds are definitely a common trend we see with the LGBTQ community.
I’d relate with Victor more if he’d had a harder time fitting in at his new school! Haha just one of my minor gripes with this show. I remember moving across the country as a kid and it taking years for me to develop a sense of social normalcy, along with processing my sexuality. Meanwhile he has a slew of new friends within the first episode. Eager to explore season 2 soon and see how the family/religious dynamic is explored more as Alex teased.