Why Aren't More Shows and Movies Retconned to Include LGBTQ Characters?

The quest for more LGBTQ representation in television and film has been a constant battle. While conversations around representation have become more prominent, the reality is that many TV and film studios are still hesitant to fully embrace LGBTQ retconning. This article explores why these studios are seemingly unwilling to make significant changes to their existing characters and storylines, despite the increasing demands for more inclusive and diverse content.

The Business Perspective

One of the primary reasons why TV and film studios are reluctant to retcon more shows and movies to include more LGBTQ characters is their business model. These studios are, at their core, businesses in business to make money. While there is a growing market for socially relevant art, the primary goal remains to create content that is commercially viable and can attract a wide audience. The studio's success depends on this balance; making content that is both relatable and financially successful.

LGBTQ Representation and Equality

It is important to distinguish between representation and revisionism. LGBTQ individuals, like any other group, are primarily concerned with equality and fair representation. They seek to see themselves and their stories reflected in society, not just in the form of retconned characters. Simply retconning a character's sexuality without addressing broader issues of representation and equality can be viewed as tokenism, and may not satisfy the LGBTQ community's demands for genuine and meaningful diversity.

Current Examples of Representation in TV and Film

Despite the hesitation from many studios, there have been notable examples of LGBTQ representation in recent television and film adaptations. Here are a few examples:

Charmed Roswell Supergirl Star Trek

In the latest reboot of Charmed, one of the sister-witches is a lesbian. Similarly, in Roswell, Michael, one of the aliens, is bisexual and involved with an alien hunter. Supergirl features a lesbian sister and a trans alien superhero sidekick. Additionally, in the current Star Trek series, a gay couple—a doctor and an engineer—is prominently featured, along with a lesbian engineer. If Tilly, the engineer, is indeed bisexual, then the engineering department is all LGBTQ!

Addressing Concerns and Moving Forward

While these examples are a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go. Studios can take several steps to improve LGBTQ representation:

Reflect real and diverse LGBTQ experiences: Promote authentic storytelling and avoid tokenism: Consult with LGBTQ community members and experts: Ensure long-term representation, not just one-off characters:

By taking these steps, studios can create content that not only reflects the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ community but also resonates with a broader audience. This approach can help studios strike a balance between business success and social responsibility.

In conclusion, while the business model of TV and film studios may prioritize commercial success, the demand for more inclusive and diverse representation continues to grow. By making meaningful changes and embracing genuine representation, these studios can meet the needs of the LGBTQ community and create content that is both socially responsible and commercially viable.