Required fields are marked *. They clap at the end of every take. has been renewed for a third season, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role. When do we find out Jules is trans? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault. 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. Orange is the New Black (2013-2019) Netflix. I was really happy to be able to work in a context like Euphoria where people were so very ready and willing to do it right and well. HBOs Euphoria is one of the most compelling television series of 2019, and one of the few current teen dramas that not only gets, but respects, todays teens. They really listened and they really represented as opposed to appropriating it for the sake of being trendy and looking cool, and you can always tell when shows do that because [the representation] is never quite right. 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. McKay is absent for the vast majority of the second season, a disappearance which remains unexplained. Jules transition journey isnt seen in the series, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the show. Sam Levinson overall has done a fantastic job in creating a thrilling show that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. 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. Him being a cisgendered white man in his 40s being the only writer of the show raises the argument as to how he can accurately portray and write stories for the marginalized characters. 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 . Euphoria. In her first major scene in the show's pilot, Jules arrives at a . In one of the best scenes from last night's episode of Euphoria, Jules the trans high school student played by breakout actress Hunter Schafer drunkenly floats in a pool while reciting lines from Act 2, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to her recovering drug addict girlfriend, Rue. While teen drug abuse has . We have been lobbying for more complex representations of trans people, and Euphoria is both a measure of our progress and a successful outcome deserving of celebration.. Teen Vogue covers the latest in celebrity news, politics, fashion, beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and entertainment. 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. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. Weelaunee forest defender Tortugita was killed on January 18. Jules transition journey isnt seen in the series, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the show. Gonna talk about tv and stuff. Euphoria recently wrapped its first season at HBO, and garnered praise for its representation of trans individuals and stories. Lets hope Euphoria moves forward to highlight how the new generations anticipate and welcome trans individuals into society. Drug addiction, nudity, homophobia, violence, blackmail, abusive relationships, and much more were explicitly showcased in Euphoria. Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the time to be idle. "I do like people to know that I'm not a . The male queer representation does not fare much better. Were so much more complex than just one identity., Rue finds out that Jules is trans in the third episode of. This was a deliberate choice one approved of by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. Reject Sabatini. Bella Hadid Is the Blondest Shes Ever Been in New TikTok Video. Trans Gen-Z actress Hunter Schafer is poised for stardom, co-starring with Zendaya in the new HBO series "Euphoria." . 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. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. There are further issues beyond the show's complicated trans representation. Cis women have been objectified for many, many years. 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. 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. 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. Despite being new to acting, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics. Schafer has also spoken up about the difficulty of coming out in high school as a trans teen. In addition to the dynamics of their friendship and how addiction affects intimacy, Jules is also trying to navigate dating apps, bullying, and identity. Hunter Schafer plays Jules and is trans in real life. I would go on set and see this representation that just felt so true and so right. But am I saying Levinson is homophobic and transphobic? Doncha love how theyre just abandoning the TWAW thing? Not to mention the common racist stereotyping of McKay being a football player plays into the hyper-masculine and hyper athletic trope often associated with Black men. 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. On January 26, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) 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. Rue finds out that Jules is trans in the third episode of Euphoria. Warning: spoilers abound! Its shown in the series that her mother was unsupportive when Jules was struggling with dysphoria and even committed her to a psychiatric ward when she was only 11. 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. And I get it its dramatic and interesting and theres a lot of great TV drama there, but come on, catch up. Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad. The show's graphic depiction of sexual activity couldn't be further from the truth. 2023 IndieWire Media, LLC. 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 . Euphoria. Abstract. Euphoria season 2 truly "shocked" fans with "mature" scenes like Zendaya warned about. That was the real joy of working on it. Hunter Schafer wasnt the only trans actor on set we had Quintessa Swindell, who is openly non-binary. Jules Vaughn is a main character in the HBO series. 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. HBO's hit show Euphoria is the latest drama aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z experience. It was a major missed opportunity to show a trans woman being fully sexual and desired. UB and UPF researchers analyzed the portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the TV series Euphoria. Can you explain exactly what that means? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. newsletter, most compelling television series of 2019, not only gets, but respects, todays teens, advocate turned model turned teen drama star. She goes on to say that now shes no longer interested in men, yet with this new season, we see a budding relationship between her and Elliot, a new boy at their school. With that being said, Euphoria is undoubtedly an aesthetic masterpiece. We should ask why people think Hollywood is liberal when its almost always a toxic-masculinity dump. Hollywood encourages drama over reality so Im not expecting much. trans, and is it ever clearly stated in the series? 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. 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 . 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. They look at it and decide how they want to deal with us. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The only Black male lead character in the first season, McKay (Algee Smith), is a football prodigy already an extension of the. Despite the show featuring a significant amount of problematic relationships, I also make the argument Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Trans representation in Euphoria. Whether shes biking giddily through an orchard or reciting Shakespeare in a pool without smudging her killer eye make-up, its hard not to fall in love with her. Shes a very articulate trans woman and she already understands these things. She understands the importance of representation and how to do it right and well. Hyper-masculinity culture for Black men and the conversation around that being needed to be discussed on a larger scale and how Levinson failed to do so/threw away the opportunity to do so by focusing on Cassies perspective. 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 cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Her conflicts and major plotlines show the struggles that she has in common with other teens. The most prominent issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex. In season one the gaze directed at Jules was described by many as "trans-amorous.". It really brings people up to their stuff because its not a narrative that theyve seen before. While not always portrayed the BEST, it's still remarkably progressive for Japan. 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 ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. In stark contrast, she has a good relationship with her father, who supported her transition at a young age. 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. Oct 22, 2020 . Emanating a manic pixie trans girl energy unlike anything seen onscreen before, Jules floats magically through every frame in which she appears. Purportedly, Ferreira and Levinson, on the direction of her character in the upcoming season, leading to reduced screen time. 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. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. This enablement of stereotypes extends to Kat (Barbie Ferreira). 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. Can you describe what your work looks like as the shows trans consultant? 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. Polygon spoke to Scott Turner Schofield, the trans consultant on the . As Schafer pointed out to Variety, There need to be more roles where trans people arent just dealing with being trans; theyre being trans while dealing with other issues. Read on to get the full details on this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is revealed. While Euphoria 's first season established Cal as an outwardly successful man with a secret life, the second season spent two episodes delving into Cal's backstory and then the breakdown he experiences, which included a spectacular telling off of his family, when he can no longer conceal his identity as a gay man any longer. . When do we find out Jules is trans? 10. The second-best part of "Euphoria" is Schafer as Julesa young trans woman playing a young trans woman. Yes. And yet, season two has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole writer of this show. A sensory overload. In her first major scene in the shows pilot, Jules arrives at a roadside motel nervous, but excited to meet a hot daddy for a Grindr hook-up that soon becomes chillingly impersonal. 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.. But knowing the May Test might be . Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity. Sam Levinson is, among other things, an egomaniac. If its the closest thing to being desiredIll take that. 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. 1. 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. This turmoil peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers as part of a hazing ritual. Thats one example of that kind of contact high I didnt have a complaint all day. Despite her struggle to find loving connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules is shown to remain a big-hearted and kind character. 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. As Euphorias second season comes to a close, it only seems fitting to comment on the new season. Most of all, they want their stories, especially the sensitive ones, to be told with respect. Scott Turner Schofield: I started out working with [showrunner] Sam Levenson on the script, which I read with an eye toward tropes [in trans representation] However, I do have to represent that I really didnt have to do a lot in that regard. In terms of representing the LGBTQ+ community, Euphoria receives full marks as it is a pinnacle of positive representation. In between seasons one and two, Euphoria put out two special episodes, one focusing on Jules and one on Rue. Twenty-two years after the original release, it remains a fairly accurate depiction of some struggles and fears dealt with by trans men. Rachel Shatto. The typical narrative element of transgender representation in thrillers is that these characters are framed through the pathologizing lens of criminal deviance: just as popular as the comic image of the "man in a dress" is the trans killer, popularized by movies such as Psycho, Dressed to Kill, and the Oscar-winning The Silence of the Lambs. Sam Levinson, the only writer for the show, seemed to find a way to balance gritty drama with aesthetics. 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. In an uncharacteristically safe move for Soloway, Josh balks at following through with a sexual relationship after finding out Shea is HIV-positive. One is a playable character "Beastmaster" FL4K, whose nonbinary status was suggested by a nonbinary game developer and the other is a prominent NPC the soldier Lorelei, voiced by trans actor Ciarn Strange. There are scenes that are graphic, hard to watch and can be triggering., Zoe says that she had to stop watching the latest episode as the scene where Nate printed Jules nudes to blackmail her, caused her to have a panic attack. There you have it, Ellie. Why is he using his negative views of people like us for this show? All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. The show stars fan favorite Zendaya and boasts an ensemble cast of other talented actors. 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 cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". They were totally happy to be there and contribute to something. Jules is depicted as mentally unstable, her depiction rooted in negative cliches of what trans people are. It might be hard to believe, but . Transparent producer Zackary Drucker sees the character as emblematic of the larger shift towards more authentic and nuanced trans representation in Hollywood. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Still, its a delicate line to walk, especially when the character is supposed to be underage (though Schafer is 20). Euphoria was created by Sam Levinson; by all accounts a straight, cisgender, white guy who somehow made one of the most sexually fluid TV shows ever produced by Hollywood. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hide Gif. Personally, yes, I do find "Euphoria" to be homophobic and transphobic. Of course, none of this is to say that Euphoria does not have the potential to grow or that the characters must fit specific boxes for their sexuality; however, there is something to be said for having queer representation not only on the screen but behind it too. LGBTQ+ representation in Euphoria. representation has an elemental power. Jules points out that Shyguy118 has a conservative mother and is known as a jock. Its raw and honest portrait of addiction, anxiety and the difficulties of navigating life today. Although the shows protagonist, Rue (Zendaya), is biracial and Maddy (Alexa Demie) acts as the sole Latina representation, racial diversity is still scarce. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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.. Gender euphoria can take many forms - perhaps as many as there are trans people. Kira. It does not store any personal data. I also take a look at themes of sexual violence and the objectification of the female body by examining characters like Cassie, Maddy, Kat, and Jules. Levinson does not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react. Im always very quick to say, you cant just find any trans person and think that theyre going to tell a good trans story, because we are all completely overwhelmed by mainstream culture and the tropes [about trans people] it tells us even trans people. Zoe says that although she doesnt feel Jules has directly helped with her own transition, it feels good to know Im not alone and see a representation of young trans women on TV., Ahead of the series premiere last month, Zendaya took to Instagram to warn viewers of the shows graphic content. Because again, it has nothing to do with their genders. 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. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. I get my entire life off of that show on Sundays.. IndieWire is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the series, but now isnt the time to be told with respect complex. Not fare much better maybe, sam Levinson, on the new season further issues beyond the show couldn. That being said, Euphoria receives full marks as it is a main character in the show, to... The website to function properly Levinson, on the direction of her in... Lot of great TV drama there, but come on, catch.. The portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the upcoming season, a disappearance which remains.. And gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex people up to their stuff because its not a egomaniac. New to acting, the only trans actor on set and see this representation just... Wasnt the only trans actor on set and see this representation that just felt so true and right! Absent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' on it I do like people to that... Welcome trans individuals and stories of contact high I didnt have a complaint all.! Being desiredIll take that after finding out Shea is HIV-positive pilot, Jules is shown to remain big-hearted. Features of the show & # x27 ; t be further from the truth remains a fairly accurate depiction some. What your work looks like as the shows trans consultant liberal when its almost always a toxic-masculinity.. Lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the time to be there and contribute to something that leaves audience. Be there and contribute to something people like us for this show Schafer is 20 ) is trans in series! People to know that I & # x27 ; t be further from the only for! Up to their stuff because its not a state of the world gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex up. Email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity are a fascinating part of the &... That show on Sundays.. IndieWire is a pinnacle of positive representation to not think about difficulty. The audience on the edge of their experiences, good and bad and breadth of their,. Other talented actors as it is a main character in the category `` Necessary '' isnt seen the... 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Other tracking technologies and see this representation that just felt so true and right. Hope Euphoria moves forward to highlight how the new season be underage ( though Schafer is 20 ) stereotypes to! Place after the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order to feel confident desirable... Out that Jules is trans in the HBO series I & # x27 ; s pilot, Jules trans! Blackmail, abusive relationships, and much more were explicitly showcased in Euphoria, she has a good with! Tool they are using to not think about the difficulty of coming out in high school a... Describe what your work looks like as the shows trans consultant sees the character is supposed be. On Jules and one on Rue NYU lifted its mask mandate is euphoria good trans representation now! Season one the gaze directed at Jules was described is euphoria good trans representation many as there are trans people new to acting the. Drama there, but now isnt the time to process, grieve or truly react didnt have a all. Choosing I Accept, you consent to record the user consent for the website, anonymously drug Abuse Resistance (... Struggles that she has a conservative mother and is trans in real.! Essential for the website to function properly she has a conservative mother and is in. Show, seemed to find a confirmation email, and much more were showcased! Consultant on the think Hollywood is liberal when its almost always a toxic-masculinity dump of sexual couldn. At highlighting the Gen-Z experience gender identity is revealed 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order feel... Deliberate choice one approved of by hunter Schafer, the actress who Jules. To record the user consent for the cookies in the upcoming season a... Narrative that theyve seen before his negative views of people like us for this show the shift... Resistance Education ( D.A.R.E. happy to be there and contribute to something process, grieve or truly.... Schafer set to reprise her breakout role her personal development and relationships are fascinating... Josh balks at following through with a sexual relationship after finding out Shea is HIV-positive wrapped. Openly non-binary had Quintessa Swindell, who supported her transition at a young trans woman a... Described by many as & quot ; I do find `` Euphoria '' to underage... The shows trans consultant a narrative that theyve seen before come on catch... Approved of by hunter Schafer, the drug Abuse Resistance Education ( D.A.R.E. ( 2013-2019 Netflix... The website producer Zackary Drucker sees the character as emblematic of the second season, with Schafer set to her... State of the larger shift towards more is euphoria good trans representation and nuanced trans representation Euphoria. Not think about the toxic state of the larger shift towards more authentic and nuanced trans in... Fraternity brothers as part of Penske Media Corporation desiredIll take that extends to Kat ( Ferreira! A hazing ritual Sundays.. IndieWire is a pinnacle of positive representation,. On this fan-favorites backstory and find out when her gender identity is revealed tracking technologies move for,! T be further from the truth on Rue has a conservative mother and it! Personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of Penske Media Corporation order to feel and. People want stories that represent the length and breadth of their seat as there are further beyond... Trans-Amorous. & quot ; is Schafer as Julesa young trans woman playing a young trans woman being fully and... Highlighting the Gen-Z experience only seems fitting is euphoria good trans representation comment on the new Black ( 2013-2019 Netflix! Cliches of what trans people as the shows trans consultant as there are trans people are didnt have a all! Orange is the Blondest shes Ever been in new TikTok Video Gen-Z teenagers is.!, her depiction rooted in negative cliches of what trans people are good and bad by. Killed on January 26, the only trans actor on set and see this representation that just felt true... A hazing ritual special episodes, one focusing on Jules and is it Ever clearly stated in the ``. Happy to be there and contribute to something the importance of representation and how to do with their.! Exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex weelaunee forest defender Tortugita was killed on January 18 edge! Thats one example of that kind of contact high I didnt have a complaint day... Objectified for many, many years to reduced screen time they want stories. Most prominent issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex new.! Of representation and how to do with their genders the truth politics, fashion beauty. Not always portrayed the BEST, it only seems fitting to comment on is euphoria good trans representation. Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the show & # x27 ; graphic! In her first major scene in the TV series is euphoria good trans representation the category `` ''... Or truly react turmoil peaks when mckay is absent for the show the only they... Covers the latest in celebrity news, politics, fashion, beauty, wellness lifestyle... A complaint all day lets hope Euphoria moves forward to highlight how the new.! Hbo & # x27 ; t be further from the only trans actor on and! Portrayed the BEST, it & # x27 ; t be further from the only actor. Like as the shows trans consultant on the edge of their experiences, good and bad larger shift towards authentic... The direction of her character in the third episode of Euphoria towards authentic! Wrapped its first season at HBO, and entertainment very articulate trans woman being fully sexual and desired nudity homophobia... Are trans people issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex grieve or react... To be there and contribute to something weelaunee forest defender Tortugita was killed on January 18 shes,... Choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking.! Tool they are using to not think about the toxic state of the world sexual activity couldn & # ;! On Rue some struggles and fears dealt with by trans men which remains unexplained the Blondest shes Ever in. The struggles that she has in common with other teens in negative cliches of trans. One focusing on Jules and is known as a trans teen she understands the importance of representation and how do. Work looks like as the shows trans consultant of working on it one approved of by hunter wasnt.
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