My experience with Queer media keeps me wanting more
*This article may contain spoilers for Amazon Prime show A League Of Their Own
A couple of months back, I found myself on the edge of my seat, devouring the new Amazon Prime show, A League Of Their Own. I’ve fallen in love with the two main characters, Carson Shaw and Greta Gill, as they take the field for the Rockford Peaches during World War II. As a sports fan and history geek, I was drawn to the show (plus the movie which was the inspiration for the show is iconic). But something else made me really fall in love: the authentic queer representation.
The show focused on numerous queer topics. First, the romantic relationship between Carson and Greta, as they struggle with their own identity while enduring the contemporary implications of being gay/plurisexual in the 1940s. Second–and equally, if not more, important)–is the beloved character Maxine, a black woman, who experiences overt racism, not being able to try out for the women’s baseball league. Intersectionality of race, gender and sexuality is highlighted with Maxine, as she grapples with continuously wanting to play baseball, while also wanting to authentically express her gender and sexuality.
Watching this show brought out intense moments of joy, acceptance and pain. Creators Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson (who plays Carson) had a deep understanding of what it’s like to be queer, especially in the 1940s. They implemented community, something that I, as a queer person myself, yearn for. Friendships and family are explored. Physical spaces such as an underground bar are highlighted, and the overall connection between queer people is demonstrated time and time again. The fact that this show focused on so many outlets of what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community was something so many people needed. As the last episode ended, I felt so connected with each of the characters, and just wanted more.
Before the pivotal moment of queerness entered my life, every time I consumed media, it was difficult for me to connect with the main heterosexual couples. I was more interested in the female lead and the friendships that she had than her romantic male interest. After coming out in 2017, I began scrounging the internet for W/W representation. YouTube became my friend, as I literally just searched up “lesbians” (note: W/W representation also includes, but is not limited to, plurisexual and transgender folks), and watched compilations of LGBTQ+ couples. I turned to books and read LGBTQ+ stories on Wattpad. I wanted to see people who were like me, and the mainstream media was limited. Of course, shows like Modern Family existed, but it was still difficult for me to connect with Cam and Mitch at times. When Love Simon came out, it was an impactful moment, as I was able to relate to Simon’s coming out. Still, I felt greedy at times because there was still a form of disconnect that I felt. I wanted more than just white male, gay representation, but I also knew I had to be appreciative of what was there.
I found shows such as Wynonna Earp (or my lesbian demon show as I call it) that really connected with me and that opened the floodgates to what I yearned for. It had community, acceptance and normalization of W/W romance. Furthermore, something that Wynonna Earp and A League of Their Own both do not have is the emphasis on the male gaze. It was clearly written for and by women, and I felt seen and understood.
Queer representation is growing and I don’t have to search as hard as I did five years ago. Yet, there is still a need for more shows like A League Of Their Own that clearly is geared towards queer people, and not just putting one queer couple (or even person) in a media piece dominated by heteronormative ideals. We all want to be seen on the screen and in books no matter how we identify, and it’s important that all of these identities have the opportunity to be the main storylines that reach so many people.