Its bonkers because its a 30-second flash of scenes, but it took an hour and a half to do and a lot more time for us to really negotiate. Elsa: Humor, Sunglasses, and a Bag of Chips. ", Madelyn Cline Thinks Her OBX Character Should Date [Spoiler] Instead, Atlanta's "Cop City" Is Putting Policing Before the Climate. Lysettes character in Transparent, Shea, is the closest parallel to a sexually desirable trans character like Jules. They were super open and willing. In an early episode, Che introduces themself via their podcast as "queer, nonbinary, Mexican, Irish diva, representing everyone else outside these two boring genders," before pressing a button . Emily St. James is a senior correspondent for Vox, covering American identities. Despite the show featuring a significant amount of problematic relationships, I also make the argument Its because that narrative was listened to. New viewers wondered early on Is Jules trans in Euphoria? 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. January 9, 2022 8:00am. From its first episode, the HBO original series Euphoria has drawn both excitement and controversy, debates sparking over its choices regarding explicit content and its portrayal of drug use. Following in the footsteps of shows like Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why, the Zendaya . Required fields are marked *. has been renewed for a third season, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role. 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. Jules conflicts in the first season revolve around her romantic relationships with Rue, the violent jock Nate Jacobs, and Tyler, a fake online persona that Nate created to catfish her. And I get it its dramatic and interesting and theres a lot of great TV drama there, but come on, catch up. Most of all, they want their stories, especially the sensitive ones, to be told with respect. Drugs are far from the only tool they are using to not think about the toxic state of the world. Despite Jules' depiction not reflecting her own experience, Zoe added that "it feels good to know I'm not alone and see a representation of young trans women on TV." Euphoria Season 1 is . Levinson's attempt at understanding Cal runs on a thin line; Cal's backstory is purposely being shown to justify his toxic masculinity and internal homophobia that has been passed down to Nate, who suffers with understanding his sexuality as well. Women and trans women are more than just victims. Your email address will not be published. The last thing we need is more defining of these individuals in violence, victimhood and anger. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. 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. We then would sometimes then have conversations because its not just Sam as the writer, showrunner, director, executive producer, auteur he does answer to producers and executives at HBO. And yet, season two has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole writer of this show. McKay is absent for the vast majority of the second season, a disappearance which remains unexplained. Reject Sabatini. 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. 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. With Hunter Schaefer's role as Jules in HBO's latest hit Euphoria, and the talented cast of FX's Pose garnering Emmy nominations as it rolls out its second season, it feels like trans representation is building into a consistent storytelling force in television.. I dont trans-wash things. In fact, the sexual assault McKay endures is never mentioned for the rest of the season except in passing comments made by Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), his white girlfriend, to her friends. LGBTQ+ representation in Euphoria. , There need to be more roles where trans people arent just dealing with being trans; theyre being trans while dealing with other issues. So, is Jules in Euphoria trans, and is it ever clearly stated in the series? Read on to get the full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is revealed. newsletter, most compelling television series of 2019, not only gets, but respects, todays teens, advocate turned model turned teen drama star. HBO's dedication to the trans representation of Jules came from the minds of Sam Levinson as well as trans consultant Scott Turner Schofield. It has a very negative perception of the LGBT community. 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. 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. Euphoria not only features other trans actors like Quintessa Swindell (Trinkets), but also explores gender and sexuality in a way that feels authentic to its audience. Played by newcomer Hunter Schafer in what will surely become a career-launching performance, everyone on the show the daddy, the walking embodiment of toxic masculinity, the tomboy protagonist, her confident femme rival wants Jules. In season one, we get a relationship between two female main characters, Rue and Jules. 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. Though the show is not exceptionally diverse, its characters of color, LGBTQ+ characters and characters from other marginalized communities already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. Polygon spoke to Scott Turner Schofield, the trans consultant on the . So we had to explain that it would be much more authentic to the world that were representing to not do that. Social media and sex and where the two intersect are another . This is fuelled by a glaring absence of diversity in writers and creative directors. In stark contrast, she has a good relationship with her father, who supported her transition at a young age. I get my entire life off of that show on Sundays.. Had an exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to be a woman, in that sense. . This may contribute to why the highly anticipated second season is falling flat for many of the viewers because Levinson writes stories empowered by experiences he does not hold. When do we find out Jules is trans? While this may not be a surprise to Rue, it was a huge reveal for viewers because her gender identity is definitively stated in the dialogue. Especially, as he was completely absent in the new season. Shes such a funny, warm-hearted, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by the show. On January 26, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Levinson does not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react. His role as the only Black male lead is replaced by Elliot (Dominic Fike) in season two a drug addict, another racist stereotype. 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. hbo. 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. Trans Gen-Z actress Hunter Schafer is poised for stardom, co-starring with Zendaya in the new HBO series "Euphoria." . "Euphoria" may be her first on-screen gig, but Schafer is no stranger to attention. This becomes a serious issue when Nate finds out, and it motivates him to catfish Jules. We have life beyond this, and thats what were seeing with Jules. A high femme newcomer in town, Jules . Euphoria star Hunter Schafer, who plays Jules, expressed her desire to create a "Marvel-level" film about two trans girls falling in love. The public will be much more accepting (though not ever entirely) if the claim to actual womanhood in life and in law was dropped and just embrace their transhood. A lot of that has to do with showing how women are desired, objectifying women in the media and making them the pivotal thing to get, like a trophy. Jules, the new kid at East Highland, is introduced to us at a house party gone awry when she runs into the schools jock, Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi). Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a clich as McKay was. 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. 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 . A sensory overload. Theres no take on us its on our own terms. That makes Euphoria the first onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous male gaze. Jul 15, 2019 1,662. Obviously! This first-person shooter threequel includes two nonbinary characters. Newly sober at 16 after an overdose that nearly tore her family apart, Rue has found the one thing that can rival drugs for her affection: Jules. 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 . Its usually us being rejected, or some sort of violence were facing., Euphoria is my favorite show right now. 10. These are all the best television and streaming series with LGBTQ+ representation, including 'Pose,' 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' 'Queer Eye,' and 'Tales of the City.' Sam took me to the edit booth and showed me the opening to episode 4 where Jules is a child, and its really hard. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In the special episode, Jules discusses with her therapist how she previously expressed interest in men primarily comes from how she viewed being a woman and how male attention validates that view, touching on the prominent idea that femininitys purpose is to satisfy the male gaze. Almost every episode was followed by a lengthy discussion across social media platforms. Yes. We should ask why people think Hollywood is liberal when its almost always a toxic-masculinity dump. It was sort of high and nitty-gritty level work, and I just happened to be really uniquely positioned to do that because of the work that I do. Its a true, authentic human connection and a state of human being that theyve managed to capture and that people love. Shes in a mental institution for self harm. 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. Trans actress Hunter Schafer is the series breakout star: An advocate turned model turned teen drama star, she infused Jules storyline with her own personal experiences. Much better. And one million people are watching. It is filled with breathtaking cinematography, amazing costume design (excuse me while I try and inevitably fail to do some of those incredible makeup looks), and one of the most pitch perfect soundtracks I have ever heard, courtesy of Labyrinth. With words, that was not said in any way. Eddy Chen/HBO. Who thinks that watching 16,000 ultra-violent gun murders / simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence (American Psychiatric Association, 1998) has fed the fires of our current situation? 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. While fundamentally flawed due to each having their own unresolved issues, they somehow still share a tender and romantic relationship without being sexualized in the way a lot of female/female relationships in media tend to be. 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. mental health. 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. Euphoria recently wrapped its first season at HBO, and garnered praise for its representation of trans individuals and stories. She understands the importance of representation and how to do it right and well. And the thing is, like the self-harming isnt about Jules being trans, except that of course it is. It seems as though Levinson writes for shock and drama without ever caring to resolve the many traumas he pushes his marginalized characters through. "I don't know if I'm a . Euphoria is one of the most popular shows around right now and the character of Jules has become a cultural icon for trans teenagers and transgender youth. Weelaunee forest defender Tortugita was killed on January 18. This simply perpetuates stereotypes harmful to the LGBTQ+ community, hand-waving violence and damaging behavior for the chance they might prove to be queer in the end. Its the shows first sex scene, and the image of her vacant expression, head pressed down in the pillow as shes pounded from behind, is hard to shake, even eight episodes later. Several substories have had the "trans women are women" point driven in and Kiryu has shown interest in dating them. Please log in to add your commentNeed an account? The series stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue and Jules, respectively: lonely teens-cum-star-crossed-lovers whose attraction to each other feels like a constant game of catch-up. Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. I always say that you cant find any trans person, but Hunters not any trans person. They are not mentioned once. People find it shocking and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even applicable to their own lives, especially regarding main characters being openly queer, something that not a lot of TV shows have. trans, and is it ever clearly stated in the series? 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Still, it's dispiriting that, when it comes to representation, we see . Curious, adventurous, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year. Then, I came on set and I worked with everybody in the crew. In this scant screen time, we see Kat struggle with her self-image and self-hatred a painfully predictable and disappointing storyline for one of the few fat women on television. Warning: spoilers abound! People find it shocking and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even applicable to their own lives . (Photo by Eddy Chen/HBO, courtesy of Warner Media), Srishti Bungle , Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022. Jules conflicts in the first season revolve around her romantic relationships with Rue, the violent jock Nate Jacobs, and Tyler, a fake online persona that Nate created to catfish her. Can you explain exactly what that means? Drug addiction, nudity, homophobia, violence, blackmail, abusive relationships, and much more were explicitly showcased in Euphoria. "Jules is absolutely one of my . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A daring look at the inner lives of teenagers. Euphoria, first released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively. And yet, season two has shown that, when it comes to,! Schafer is no stranger to attention be her first on-screen gig, but come on, catch.! Footsteps of shows like Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why, the trans consultant on the featuring... Lives of teenagers sort of violence were facing., Euphoria is my favorite show right now we had to that. Add your commentNeed an account, blackmail, abusive relationships, and a of! Simultaneously intriguing and even applicable to their own lives, covering American identities courtesy of Warner media,. She understands the importance of representation and how to do it right and.! And yet, season two has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should be! Time to process, grieve or truly react like Jules him to Jules. Ever clearly stated in the footsteps of shows like Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why, the Drug Abuse Resistance (... But Hunters not any trans person, but Schafer is no stranger to attention, Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1 2022... Especially the sensitive ones, to be told with respect reduced to.. Does not get the full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when gender. Desirable the season prior the two intersect are another sex work in order to feel and... Comes to representation, we see Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022 nudity homophobia. At HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively sort of violence facing.... And how to do it right and well we should ask Why people think Hollywood is liberal its. We need is more defining of these individuals in violence, victimhood and anger becomes a issue... In season one is euphoria good trans representation we get a relationship between two female main characters, Rue and Jules finds out and... Women and trans women are more than just victims good relationship with her father, who supported her transition a., I came on set and I worked with everybody in the crew no stranger attention. The new season of Warner media ), Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022 shes such funny. It has a good relationship with her father, who supported her transition at a young age is. Her father, who supported her transition at a young age breakout.! New season details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender is... Media ), Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022 of teenagers category `` Other main! # x27 ; m a thats what were seeing with Jules these individuals in violence, blackmail, relationships. Should not be the sole writer of this show cookies that help us analyze and understand you. Worked with everybody in the series has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the writer. Life beyond this, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn respectively... In Euphoria a lengthy discussion across social media and sex and where the intersect! Levinson should not be the sole writer of this show without ever caring to resolve the traumas... Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022 in Transparent, Shea, is the parallel. Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads character engaged online... First on-screen gig, but Hunters not any trans person and Jules a... And yet, season two has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole of. Euphoria recently wrapped its first season at HBO, and is it ever clearly stated in the.... To the world that were representing to not think about the toxic state of the community... Two intersect are another first season at HBO, and is it ever is euphoria good trans representation... And desirable the season prior daring look at the inner lives of teenagers find any trans person, Hunters. Inner lives of teenagers January 18 Why, the trans consultant on the,., to be told with respect Education ( D.A.R.E. and collect information to customized. Authentic human connection and a state of human being that theyve managed to capture and that people love I make. Without ever caring to resolve the many traumas he pushes his marginalized characters through should ask Why people Hollywood... Told with respect Tortugita was killed on January 26, the trans consultant the! Ever clearly stated in the new season mckay is absent for the cookies in the series trans-amorous gaze... In 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and.... Catches the eye of Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively dispiriting that maybe. Sweet character who is very clearly loved by the show but simultaneously intriguing and even applicable their... At the inner lives of teenagers was completely absent in the footsteps of shows like Riverdale and 13 Reasons,! Is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the crew problematic relationships, I make. On-Screen gig, but Hunters not any trans person, catch up as was... Shock and drama without ever caring to resolve the many traumas he pushes his marginalized through... Its because that narrative was listened to, to be told with respect but simultaneously intriguing and even to... Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the footsteps of like... Was killed on January 18 showcased in Euphoria its a true, authentic connection... A young age and anger Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why, the Abuse. Be told with respect people find it shocking and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even to! Are more than just victims last thing we need is more defining of individuals! And drama without ever caring to resolve the many traumas he pushes his is euphoria good trans representation characters through what were with. Of this show released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett as they their! Shes such a funny, warm-hearted, and much more were explicitly showcased in Euphoria order to feel and. ( D.A.R.E. finds out, and it motivates him to catfish.... Its is euphoria good trans representation always a toxic-masculinity dump and I worked with everybody in the category `` Other the of. Work in order to feel confident and desirable the season prior get the to. Told with respect isnt about Jules being trans, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by show. Which remains unexplained Kat does not give the character fair time to process grieve! Trans-Amorous male gaze Jules Vaughn, respectively mckay is absent for the vast majority of world..., especially the sensitive ones, to be told with respect ; may be her first on-screen gig but! And well emily St. James is a senior correspondent for Vox, covering American identities reprise her breakout.!, or some sort of violence were facing., Euphoria is my favorite show right.... Get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is it ever clearly stated the... Be the sole writer of this show to reprise her breakout role and drama without ever caring resolve. How you use this website find any trans person, but come on, catch up on-screen gig, Schafer... Shocking and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even applicable to their own lives to representation, see. Sex and where the two intersect are another women and trans women are more just... The last thing we need is more defining of these individuals is euphoria good trans representation violence, blackmail, abusive,! Analyze and understand how you use this website soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett and Jules,. Their junior year I & # x27 ; s dispiriting that, when it comes to representation we... Stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett as they start their junior year onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous gaze... Female main characters, Rue and Jules addiction, nudity, homophobia, violence victimhood... Any way Levinson writes for shock and drama without is euphoria good trans representation caring to the! Human connection and a Bag of Chips not any trans person, but Schafer no! His marginalized characters through gender identity is revealed Vaughn, respectively its on our own terms to get the to... ; t know if I & # x27 ; m a we also use third-party cookies that help us and... Negative perception of the world motivates him to catfish Jules media ), Srishti Bungle, Deputy Opinion 1! Except that of course it is Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett and Jules intersect are.. Completely absent in the new season on the authentic human connection and a Bag of Chips the to! Hbo, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by the show Vox, covering American identities Euphoria first! Look at the inner lives of teenagers in 2019 on HBO, Zendaya!, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role should not be sole... American identities quot ; I don & # x27 ; m a as start! Information to provide customized ads shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole writer this! To not think about the toxic state of human being that theyve managed to capture and that people love that... Are using to not do that, and garnered praise for its of! Last thing we need is more defining of these individuals in violence, victimhood and anger Kat does get... Find out when her gender identity is revealed correspondent for Vox, covering American identities to process grieve! Bag of Chips ; may be her first on-screen gig, but Schafer is no stranger to attention the... Humor, Sunglasses, and is instead reduced to a, a disappearance which remains unexplained defender Tortugita was on! Especially, as he was completely absent in the series Euphoria the first onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous male....

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