filmboy85

This user has not updated recently.

2 0 18 0
Forum Posts Wiki Points Following Followers

filmboy85's forum posts

Avatar image for filmboy85
filmboy85

2

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Although this specific instance in Batgirl wasn't handled as well as it could have been, it should be noted that big personal moments in real life can happen awkwardly and without much grace. Furthermore, Alysia's a character who's been in the series throughout Simone's run, and this is simply another aspect of her life being revealed to the reader. I think it's somewhat indicative of the fact that, as a society, we remain concerned about categorising sexual orientation and gender identity and don't simply accept diversity that we see there as having to be a justification for a character to differ from the 'norm' at all. Characters are imagined people, and can thus vary in all the ways that human beings vary. It still feels as if people expect characters to start out white (although we're finally seeing less hysteria about racial diversity) and hetero and, if a character differs from that, there has to be a tactful reason for it. Alysia's been in the series as a notable supporting character for awhile now, and considering the events of the last issue, will most likely become a more important character as Barbara ends up necessarily distanced from the other people in her life. Simone's an avid supporter of diversity and LGBTQ rights, but when interviewed about this she talked about being at a convention and looking into the audience and seeing people she knew who were LGBTQ and loved comics, and thinking that the casts of comics should reflect the diversity of their readerships. As with any LGBTQ person, Alysia's gender identity is only a small part of her character. This aspect should just reflect that, when it comes to gender identity, there are many personal variations. It would be problematic if Alysia was introduced right off the bat as transgendered and that was the only element of her character ever expressed, but that's not what happened here. A page of awkward writing shouldn't lead to a condemnation of Simone's intentions, and the fact that this is enough to stir up 'controversy' (not saying this applies to anyone here) probably says more about our society than the actual content of the book.

Avatar image for filmboy85
filmboy85

2

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I honestly didn't even really consider that the cliffhanger would be permanent... if it is in some way that would be a cool way to kick off a new run.