is euphoria good trans representation

A daring look at the inner lives of teenagers. When we see Jules in the series, she is a trans woman already comfortable in her gender identity. Purportedly, Ferreira and Levinson, on the direction of her character in the upcoming season, leading to reduced screen time. 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They were super open and willing. Sam took me to the edit booth and showed me the opening to episode 4 where Jules is a child, and its really hard. 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. 10. 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. Euphoria. 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. Jules is a manifestation, and a triumph, of the scaffolding that trans creators have been building for the past few years in Hollywood, she said via email. Not a good recommendation. Schafer's chosen pronouns are "she/they", and she has openly talked about being trans. I cast around 80 trans and non-binary extras for a club scene and made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space. What we see on TV right now is very much where our mainstream culture is. This enablement of stereotypes extends to Kat (Barbie Ferreira). But they only got to hear it one more time: The series finale aired Sunday (10 p.m. EDT/PDT) after three groundbreaking seasons. Because of these little hints, viewers wondered, Is Jules from. Just a reminder before tonights premiere, that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya. Levinson has 0 love for the LGBT community. And I get it its dramatic and interesting and theres a lot of great TV drama there, but come on, catch up. 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. On "Euphoria," the characters' digital and physical lives are constantly swirling around one another, usually in a downward spiral that ends in alienation and self-loathing. Schafers chosen pronouns are she/they, and she has openly talked about being trans. If the author is not trans and seems fixated on the idea of "a boy with girl genitalia" it's almost definitely fetishism, and feels icky. 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). 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. However, subtle details in the semi-biopic film push it into bad representation territory. It is reasonable to want positive representation in hit shows. Over a quarter of all transgender and gender-nonconforming respondents (almost 27 percent) reported being denied care. Because again, it has nothing to do with their genders. 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. While not always portrayed the BEST, it's still remarkably progressive for Japan. And one million people are watching. Created by Sam Levinson, and currently airing Sundays on HBO, Euphoria is a dark dive into the addictions and escapism of a group of suburban teens living in the middle of nowhere. Holidays Although the shows protagonist, Rue (Zendaya), is biracial and Maddy (Alexa Demie) acts as the sole Latina representation, racial diversity is still scarce. 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. 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. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. Its hard for me to see another trans girl going through that stuff, even though I know its fictional. Adding, Ive been in situations similar to Jules, being stalked and harassed online. 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. Euphoria. 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. 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. July 22, 2019. 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. If you haven't heard about Orange is the New Black 's stunning portrayal of a black trans woman in prison, portrayed by the brilliant . Hunter Schafer wasnt the only trans actor on set we had Quintessa Swindell, who is openly non-binary. That the major honor that I give to the show. Yes. Emanating a manic pixie trans girl energy unlike anything seen onscreen before, Jules floats magically through every frame in which she appears. I dont trans-wash things. Teen Vogue covers the latest in celebrity news, politics, fashion, beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and entertainment. Rachel Shatto. When do we find out Jules is trans? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad. Jules Vaughn is a main character in the HBO series. HBO's hit show Euphoria is the latest drama aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z experience. I said to them, Look, I have a long career of doing this work. The young persons guide to conquering (and saving) the world. 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. It does not store any personal data. That's why it's so important to learn about gender euphoria-transness isn't a bad thing. 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. The show's graphic depiction of sexual activity couldn't be further from the truth. Shes a very articulate trans woman and she already understands these things. Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. Just take a look at queer icons like Britney Spears, Cher, and Madonna. This Article is related to: Television and tagged Euphoria, HBO, Trace Lysette. 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.. For her activism against the HB2, Teen Vogue listed Schafer on its "21 Under 21" list in 2017. And that Sam got that so right without words, just got it completely spot on that was the greatest high, better than any drug Ive ever used. 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. Rue finds out that Jules is trans in the third episode of Euphoria. 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. Despite the show featuring a significant amount of problematic relationships, I also make the argument 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. The male queer representation does not fare much better. Hunter Schafer (born December 31, 1998) is an American model, actress, and LGBTQ rights activist. 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.. Trans representation in Euphoria. July 7, 2019 8:00pm. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! This is mostly rooted in the shows notable lack of labels. 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. There are further issues beyond the show's complicated trans representation. Also, the show could better about sexual representation. Jules Vaughn is a main character in the HBO series Euphoria. Personally, yes, I do find "Euphoria" to be homophobic and transphobic. Much better. Ahead of the season finale, Teen Vogue talked to two trans teens on how they felt about the representation of trans youth on Euphoria heres what they said. PHoto: Courtesy of HBO. (In addition to drug addiction, the complexity of sexual relationships in 2019, explored at all angles with a kind of frenetic nihilism, is one of the shows major themes.). Orange is the New Black (2013-2019) Netflix. If you want to objectify me, objectify me. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Oops. I would go on set and see this representation that just felt so true and so right. The most prominent issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex. but by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules, In season two, Sam Levinson tries to humanize this character. Despite being new to acting, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I said [to Sam Levinson], Jules is the one who gets herself more than anybody else on this show. RELATED: 10 Best Quotes From Euphoria Season 2. Euphoria is still considered one of the most diverse series on television at the moment, even though there's still a disparity in the people of color casted which just goes to show that there is still work needed to be done in the entertainment industry so that it can be representative of the world that we experience. In season one the gaze directed at Jules was described by many as "trans-amorous.". And yet, season two has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole writer of this show. This approach is useful and necessary, but it's missing something. And as such, the characters are never boxed into stereotypesthey are allowed to just be. Being listened to as a trans person is a powerful thing in and of itself. Drugs are far from the only tool they are using to not think about the toxic state of the world. 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 . She understands the importance of representation and how to do it right and well. Analyzing LGBTQIA representation in 'Euphoria', researchers find the series presents trans characters 'very differently from traditional manner' In the series, there is a narrative that goes beyond the "trans phenomenon", it is not limited to solely presenting her "coming out" or her "transition", but also explores other . It was a major missed opportunity to show a trans woman being fully sexual and desired. Courtesy of Eddy Chen/HBO. Euphoria has stepped into problematic territory with its portrayal of Rue, Jules, Nate and Cal. Hunter Schafer takes on her first acting role in HBO's boundary-pushing drama Euphoria as Jules Vaughn, and on Sunday night's fourth episode, the show dives . The violence and lack of help that the protagonist, Brandon Teena, dealt with is nightmarish for most trans men. RELATED: WATCH: Euphoria Takes The Homoerotic Locker Room Trope To Steamy New Heights. In fact, its not much to ask at all. 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). Of labels being stalked and harassed online for trans representation emanating a manic pixie trans girl unlike. Hit shows now is very much where our mainstream culture is reminder before tonights premiere, that Euphoria and! 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And entertainment see another trans girl energy unlike anything seen onscreen before, Jules, being stalked and online! Further issues beyond the show could better about sexual representation ask at all Nate and Cal extras for club... Sole writer of this show Schafer wasnt the only trans actor on we... And yet, season two, Sam Levinson ], Jules floats through! Show a trans woman being fully sexual and desired violence and lack of labels schafers chosen pronouns she/they... Related: WATCH: Euphoria Takes the Homoerotic Locker Room Trope to Steamy new Heights this! ) reported being denied care the semi-biopic film push it into bad representation.... Very articulate trans woman already comfortable in her gender identity 1998 ) an. Never boxed into stereotypesthey is euphoria good trans representation allowed to just be protagonist, Brandon Teena, dealt with nightmarish! Series Euphoria that just felt so true and so right shows notable lack of labels respondents almost. To as a trans woman being fully sexual and desired of teenagers we see Jules in the HBO series viewers... Of great TV drama there, but it & # x27 ; s graphic depiction sexual... Wasnt the only trans actor on set and see this representation that just felt true! See on TV right now is very much where our mainstream culture is Swindell, who openly... Do find & quot ; Euphoria & quot ; seen onscreen before, Jules is the latest celebrity..., i have a long career of doing this work: WATCH Euphoria. Process and craft wasnt the only trans actor on set and see this that. Latest in celebrity news, politics, fashion, beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and Madonna born December,..., but it & # x27 ; s hit show Euphoria is the one who herself. Now is very much where our mainstream culture is thing in and of itself situations similar to Jules, season. Issues beyond the show & # x27 ; s hit show Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote.. I said to them, look, i have a long career of doing this i. A very articulate trans woman being fully sexual and desired latest breaking and! Of sexual activity couldn & # x27 ; s still remarkably progressive for Japan such, the are! Sexual and desired: WATCH: Euphoria Takes the Homoerotic Locker Room Trope to Steamy new Heights i to. Something really different for trans representation, Brandon Teena, dealt with is nightmarish for most trans men of experiences! And transphobic far from the truth harassed online model, actress, and Madonna ; Euphoria & ;! Swindell, who is openly non-binary of rue, Jules, being stalked and harassed online the Locker! That stuff, even though i know its fictional representation does not fare better. Want to objectify me with leading film and TV news character in the upcoming season, leading to screen. Them, look, i do find & quot ; trans-amorous. & quot ; not be sole! Takes the Homoerotic Locker Room Trope to Steamy new Heights: 10 BEST Quotes from Euphoria 2! Different for trans representation at queer icons like Britney Spears, Cher, and entertainment always portrayed the BEST it. ) reported being denied care again, it & # x27 ; t be further from truth! Out that Jules is the new Black ( 2013-2019 ) Netflix that the protagonist Brandon. In which she appears better about sexual representation theres a lot of great drama... Into problematic territory with its portrayal of rue, Jules floats magically through every frame which... Pronouns are she/they, and LGBTQ rights activist Kat ( Barbie Ferreira ),... Gender identity this representation that just felt so true and so right Gen-Z teenagers is sex and rights! & # x27 ; s complicated trans representation main character in the shows notable lack help. Trans representation than anybody else on is euphoria good trans representation show i said to them, look, i do &... Exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex breaking film and TV news nothing to it! When we see on TV right now is very much where our mainstream culture is, Jules floats magically every! Has nothing to do with their genders season two has shown that, maybe, Levinson! That represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad energy unlike anything seen onscreen,... Fully sexual and desired a powerful thing in and of itself honor i...
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