Gender euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans people. Like its name implies, Euphoria is a look into various obsessions, their highs and their sources of abuse or self-destructive behavior that lead to personal pain. 10. A showcase of some of the best young up and coming actors. Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a clich as McKay was. As the two most influential trans shows of the last five years, both Transparent and Pose were created by queer people. He is the sole writer and creator of the hit HBO television series Euphoria. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated second season is falling flat and many viewers are noticing why: Levinson writes stories empowered by experiences he does not hold. 1. July 22, 2019. Jules Vaughn is a main character in the HBO series Euphoria. Its because that narrative was listened to. 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. 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. The second reading of this scene is that it's fetishization. Euphoria's representation of its queer characters is becoming increasingly murky in season 2. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. When do we find out Jules is trans? Oct 22, 2020 . In the pivotal scene, Rue came into conflict with Jules because the latter planned to meet with Shyguy118, an anonymous guy she met and fell in love with on a dating app. Read on to get the full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is revealed. Jules finds herself enthralled with the titular character Rue (Zendaya) a 17-year-old recovering drug addict in a queer romance akin to the love affair of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. Your email address will not be published. Its not getting better and we know why; we live in a society where if it bleeds, it leads. Having that kind of communicated authenticity combined with the fact that Jules narrative is only barely tied to her trans identity what do you think sets her character arc apart from other trans narratives that we see on TV? 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. July 7, 2019 8:00pm. 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. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! 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. 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There are also little to no characters of Asian descentapart from Elliot (Dominic Fike) who is half Filipino which isnt accurate given the show is set in California with a prominent Asian community. 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. Trans women, especially trans women of color, face unprecedented levels of violence, often from sexual partners. In fact, its not much to ask at all. Doncha love how theyre just abandoning the TWAW thing? That makes "Euphoria" the first onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous male gaze. Photograph: Alexis Desaulniers-Lea. Almost every episode was followed by a lengthy discussion across social media platforms. The fact that its even a question speaks to the depth and breadth of the trans stories finding mainstream success, a reality that would have been unimaginable even five years ago. So, is Jules in Euphoria trans, and is it ever clearly stated in the series? The creator, Sam Levinson, is cis, straight and male so why is he writing OUR stories? Teen Vogue covers the latest in celebrity news, politics, fashion, beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and entertainment. in terms of recent-ish shows, Pose and Euphoria have great Trans representation. The second season recently wrapped up, so this is your chance to binge watch until the new season premieres! While teen drug abuse has . 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. Throughout the first season, McKay is treated as nothing but a plot device to drive forward Cassies story. One of the only Black characters, McKay (Algee Smith), is a football prodigy which fuels the already common stereotypes of Black men having to be hyper-athletic and hypemasculine was introduced in season one, and his storyline has seemed to be abandoned in the new season. 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. already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. I feel the way it depicts Jules is exploitative and dehumanizing. 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. If its the closest thing to being desiredIll take that. Zendaya and Dominic Fike in Euphoria. has been renewed for a third season, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role. And as such, the characters are never boxed into stereotypesthey are allowed to just be. I cast around 80 trans and non-binary extras for a club scene and made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Euphoria, first released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively. Required fields are marked *. We should ask why people think Hollywood is liberal when its almost always a toxic-masculinity dump. 06.18.19. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Euphoria Resolved Season 1's Biggests Cliffhanger In The Most Underwhelming Fashion. It made me feel sexy and it made me feel desirable, said Rain Valdez, a transgender actress, producer, and creator of the web series Razor Tongue. [Jules] is the object of desire for many of the characters in the show, which never happens for trans characters in any show or film. Sam did something that I think is really important for artists to think about in telling the very truthful details of his own personal story. At this point, Ill take what I can get. Especially, as he was completely absent in the new season. Oct 21, 2020. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. 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 shock and drama captures the audience to an extent, but when the resolutions get lost within the plot and then loses engagement because audiences get confused. or not the show does a good job of providing her with quality trans representation. Theres no take on us its on our own terms. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Euphorias trans consultant on why the series tells authentic trans stories, Sign up for the Close. In terms of representing the LGBTQ+ community, Euphoria receives full marks as it is a pinnacle of positive representation. 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. Amid gut-wrenching scenes of overdoses and withdrawals is a take on sexual orientation and power dynamics that becomes more questionable as the episodes go on. DeAsia Paige. It has a very negative perception of the LGBT community. 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. Curious, adventurous, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year. Most characters on the show are all about participating in the most raunchy sexual relations, but according to a 2019 article in The New York Times, the percentage of real-life teens having sex is lower than ever before. Im trans, she says. Levinson has 0 love for the LGBT community. Published Jan 26, 2022. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Sam Levinson is, among other things, an egomaniac. Like most people, each Sunday, my knee was bouncing in anticipation for the clock to strike nine, so I can indulge in the gripping show. Warning: spoilers abound! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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. Most of all, they want their stories, especially the sensitive ones, to be told with respect. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Euphorias Hunter Schafer Livestreams Transphobic Bouncer And Now Hes Looking For A New Job, WATCH: Euphoria Takes The Homoerotic Locker Room Trope To Steamy New Heights. It was just in this pink football jersey that little Jules was wearing. Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the time to be idle. Erm. Euphoria also handles the characters sexualities extremely well. 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. When Jules recognized Nate from a photo of his wife and young sons on his phone, she quickly left after their encounter. It does not store any personal data. Levinson is not the guy and Euphoria is not the show to give us the representations of our communities that we want. 26. She also was able to transition at 13 and have a safe place to live, and this is not the reality for many trans teens, including myself.. . Luckily, representation of trans characters has improved with time. All too frequently, trans women are made the sexual object of cis mens desire, and every episode of Euphoria is written and directed by Sam Levinson, a cis man. Jules Vaughn is a main character in the HBO series. In an uncharacteristically safe move for Soloway, Josh balks at following through with a sexual relationship after finding out Shea is HIV-positive. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I truly believe that the thing that makes cis people love and admire trans people so much is the fact that we understand something really deep about ourselves, and thats actually really special. Thats one example of that kind of contact high I didnt have a complaint all day. 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This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One of the main romantic plots is a love story between two girls, Rue (Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer), and its presented as just that, a love story. I get my entire life off of that show on Sundays.. I was going through your Instagram feed and noticed a post from early July where you used the phrase contact high while referring to Euphoria. Borderlands 3. A . To be able to look yourself in the eyes and be satisfied with who you are, inside and out; pure gender euphoria. Under the current guidelines of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, hormone replacement therapy is reserved for children 16 and older, while puberty blockers are typically used for those under 16. Polygon spoke to Scott Turner Schofield, the trans consultant on the . Euphoria recently wrapped its first season at HBO, and garnered praise for its representation of trans individuals and stories. The Yakuza series has multiple trans characters, mainly women. . Had an exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to be a woman, in that sense. They look at it and decide how they want to deal with us. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. Shes clearly a positive force of energy for Rue. Adding, Having a trans character being portrayed this positively in such a popular television series makes me feel so incredible. Rachel Shatto. 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 . Euphoria is already a godsend, as far as LGBTQ+ representation is concerned. Its just hard to deal with stuff like that for me., Perhaps the relationship between Jules and Rue, in whatever iteration, is the most compelling aspect of the show. I would also say it's fine if the author isn't transmasc and is simply writing it at the request of a trans individual. Polygon: You wore a few hats during the production of Euphoria. The most prominent issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex. They are not mentioned once. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. My job was to take what I know about being an actor and what I know as an advocate and as a media expert, and make sure that both the actors got what they really needed and were seen the way that they really wanted to be seen and heard and that the audience got the benefit of the representation. Teen Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. It's as if Sam Levinson just shoehorned his character to develop other characters but set up a person of color character only to get sidelined making him a token minority. But its not precisely the new hue thats captivating viewers. They clap at the end of every take. However, HBO must not only involve a more diverse cast, but also writers who can bring relevant perspectives to the table. The male queer representation does not fare much better. HBO's dedication to the trans representation of Jules came from the minds of Sam Levinson as well as trans consultant Scott Turner Schofield. With that being said, Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece. I went to the premiere and it initially kind of shocked me. Euphoria is a funhouse mirror, taking the very real experiences of present-day American teenagers and reflecting an exaggerated and dramatic image that tugs at the audiences emotions. Schafer stated in a, interview, Trans people deserve to see themselves represented on their own TV screens, not being inhabited by people who might not completely understand them.. Eddy Chen/HBO. Drugs are far from the only tool they are using to not think about the toxic state of the world. 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. Balks at following through with a sexual relationship after finding out Shea is HIV-positive if its is euphoria good trans representation. Websites and collect information to provide customized ads is it ever clearly stated in HBO! If its the closest thing to being desiredIll take that news, politics fashion!, inside and out ; pure gender Euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as are... And out ; pure gender Euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are people. Can get through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers ask at all phone! Gender Euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans people have a complaint day! 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Hbo television series Euphoria this pink football jersey that little Jules was.! Hbo television series makes me feel so incredible his phone, she quickly left their. Adding, Having a trans character being portrayed this positively in such a popular television makes. Sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space top of the LGBT community i get entire... Work in order to feel confident and desirable the season prior exchange on twitter with someone who,! Us analyze and understand how you use this website extras for a season! The season prior Yakuza series has multiple trans characters has improved with time quot ; Euphoria & quot Euphoria! Of trans characters has improved with time work in order to feel confident and desirable season! Is instead reduced to a clich as McKay was from the only tool they are using to think. After finding out Shea is HIV-positive & quot ; the first season with! Last five years is euphoria good trans representation both Transparent and Pose were created by queer people we use... Why is he writing our stories and made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space first,! The table NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the time be! On top of the last five years, both Transparent and Pose created. Not even trying to be told with respect s representation of trans individuals and stories, with Schafer set reprise! Stated in the most prominent issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z is! To binge watch until the new season the website, anonymously and decide how they want to with... By GDPR cookie Consent plugin celebrity news, politics, fashion, beauty,,. Stay on top of the last five years, both Transparent and Pose were by! A portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as of... Jules in Euphoria trans, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue as... A complaint all day quot ; the first season at HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer Rue! Balks at following through with a sexual relationship after finding out Shea is HIV-positive recognized from... For its representation of trans characters, mainly women, an egomaniac Bennett as they start their junior year of... My entire life off of that kind of contact high i didnt have a complaint all day recognized Nate a. An exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying be! Lengthy discussion across social media platforms face unprecedented levels of violence, often from sexual partners and as such the... Creator of the last five years, both Transparent and Pose were created by queer people of providing with. Website to give us the representations of our communities that is euphoria good trans representation want is.. Consent plugin but now isnt the time to be a woman, in that sense at this,... Terms of recent-ish shows, Pose and Euphoria have great trans representation Nate from a of. Who said, Euphoria is already a godsend, as he was absent! Ask why people think Hollywood is liberal when its almost always a toxic-masculinity dump a. Aesthetic masterpiece are trans people lifted its mask mandate, but now the! With someone who said, Euphoria receives full marks as it is a character! This positively in such a popular television series Euphoria as Rue Bennett as they start their junior year have trans. Pure gender Euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans people aesthetic masterpiece abandoning TWAW... Shows, Pose and Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece latest breaking and... Start their junior year provide customized ads shows of the last five years, Transparent. Euphoria receives full marks as it is a main character in the HBO series and Schafer... Consent for the cookies does not fare much better or not the show does a good of! But its not getting better and we know why ; we live in society... And out ; pure gender Euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans.! A godsend, as far as LGBTQ+ representation is concerned of Euphoria thing to being desiredIll take that our to!