Yet the characters holding these obsessions are humanized by being shown through a sympathetic and honest lens. Register *It's free and easy. If you want to objectify me, objectify me. Its the shows first sex scene, and the image of her vacant expression, head pressed down in the pillow as shes pounded from behind, is hard to shake, even eight episodes later. 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. already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. 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. 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. I felt really protective of the [trans extras] and was worried that someone was going to misgender them and things were going to become problematic. Euphoria. . 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. Jules points out that Shyguy118 has a conservative mother and is known as a jock. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Schafer has also spoken up about the difficulty of coming out in high school as a trans teen. Created by Sam Levinson, and currently airing Sundays on HBO, Euphoria is a dark dive into the addictions and escapism of a group of suburban teens living in the middle of nowhere. Newly sober at 16 after an overdose that nearly tore her family apart, Rue has found the one thing that can rival drugs for her affection: Jules. 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. Not a good recommendation. And one million people are watching. 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? Sam Levinson overall has done a fantastic job in creating a thrilling show that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. Shes also shown to be very artistic through her unique fashion sense and detailed sketches. The show stars fan favorite Zendaya and boasts an ensemble cast of other talented actors. 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. Jules started transitioning when she was 13 years old. Her narrative is complicated. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. But more than anything, it focuses on family and what that means when you get to pick . Srishti Bungle is a junior at the College of Arts and Science majoring in history and minoring in creative writing and politics. Shes a very articulate trans woman and she already understands these things. 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. Despite controversy, the HBO Original is a source of queer visibility, Ashwini Vivek, Opinion columnist|February 17, 2022. Zendaya and Dominic Fike in Euphoria. Obviously! And chances are, most viewers havent either. This spring, she's the new face of Mugler's Angel Elixir . 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. Levinson has 0 love for the LGBT community. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I dont think the show acknowledges Jules is very privileged for a trans woman, she says. Emily St. James is a senior correspondent for Vox, covering American identities. Despite the show featuring a significant amount of problematic relationships, I also make the argument mental health. UB and UPF researchers analyzed the portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the TV series Euphoria. If we want accurate and non-exploitative representation, we need marginalized people in the writers rooms, the directors chair and everywhere else. Raised in Raleigh, N.C., she was a plaintiff in the American Civil Liberties Union's 2016 lawsuit against . 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. Because of these little hints, viewers wondered, Is Jules from. Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a. 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. 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. Trans excellence is finally holding water on mainstream television. 1 day ago. When she was growing up, Schafer . However, Jules counters that they wouldnt be able to be romantic in public. This has been a question posed by various viewers of the show as Sam Levinson has been criticized for his lack of people of color casts as well as the portrayal of Black culture. New viewers wondered early on Is Jules trans in. Jules, the new kid at East Highland, is introduced to us at a house party gone awry when she runs into the schools jock, Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi). 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 not only features other trans actors like Quintessa Swindell (Trinkets), but also explores gender and sexuality in a way that feels authentic to its audience. 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.. Holidays This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Kira. Theres no take on us its on our own terms. There are even several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps. 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. Free-spirited and brave, Jules Vaughn is one of the most popular characters in the gritty teen show Euphoria. 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. I cast around 80 trans and non-binary extras for a club scene and made sure that they had a gender-neutral changing space. For her activism against the HB2, Teen Vogue listed Schafer on its "21 Under 21" list in 2017. Because again, it has nothing to do with their genders. Before she joined Vox in 2014, she was the first TV editor of . has been renewed for a third season, with Schafer set to reprise her breakout role. Photos Courtesy of HBO TV Features Euphoria. Euphoria also handles the characters sexualities extremely well. HBO's hit show Euphoria is the latest drama aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z experience. 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. The results show three axes of representation that move away from the traditional portrayal of trans characters: (a) a narrative that moves beyond the "trans fact" and presents complex and plural stories, (b) a representation of the trans individual as an element of value and love, away from fetishism, and (c) a link between the trans realm and . At this point, Ill take what I can get. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Teen Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Lets hope Euphoria moves forward to highlight how the new generations anticipate and welcome trans individuals into society. Oct 22, 2020 . It's hard to look away from the gritty teen drama not only because of its many NSFW scenes but also because of its trope-breaking characters like the transgender teen Jules played by Hunter Schafer. Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. Required fields are marked *. Schafer, like Jules, is a trans and queer woman with acute insight into Jules character and what she might be feeling throughout the show by virtue of experience. 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. Polygon spoke to Scott Turner Schofield, the trans consultant on the . "I'm a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey," he said. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Polygon spoke with Schofield about his consulting work on the series and the contact high of working on Euphoria. Euphoria has stepped into problematic territory with its portrayal of Rue, Jules, Nate and Cal. 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. With words, that was not said in any way. Trans representation in Euphoria. Her conflicts and major plotlines show the struggles that she has in common with other teens. 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. Euphoria season 2 truly "shocked" fans with "mature" scenes like Zendaya warned about. Because of these little hints, viewers wondered, Is Jules from Euphoria trans?. As Euphorias second season comes to a close, it only seems fitting to comment on the new season. Its every cisgender person dealing with the Trans Person Being Trans, and the trans persons only narrative is transition, which would only ever be showing television shows about teenagers. If we wish to see good representation on Euphoria, we first need Levinson to give his pen to people of color, LGBTQ+ people and fat people. The Yakuza series has multiple trans characters, mainly women. HBO's dedication to the trans representation of Jules came from the minds of Sam Levinson as well as trans consultant Scott Turner Schofield. Of course, Jules character is complex, and there is no reason that she cannot grow and learn more about herself, but that does not change the fact that there is a noticeable difference in characterization between an episode written by Hunter Schafer, a queer trans woman, and the episodes written by Sam Levinson, a straight cisgender man. The show has gotten flak for the mature plotlines, but we highly recommend that you give it a watch for its eye-catching fashion, LGBT representation, and compelling twists. This enablement of stereotypes extends to Kat (Barbie Ferreira). Rue finds out that Jules is trans in the third episode of Euphoria. 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. "I do like people to know that I'm not a . The Best Picture Race Got a Lot More Confusing This Week, Tom Cruise Made the Rounds This Week, but Other Oscar Nominees Got More Applause Than Top Gun: Maverick, These Oscar Categories Are the Hardest to Predict, Translating the Unconscious Into Images: The Cinematography of Bardo, Poker Face Takes Viewers on a Cross-Country Road Trip Without Leaving New York, Why TR Looks Different from Every Other Movie of 2022, The 50 Best Movies of 2022, According to 165 Critics from Around the World, All 81 Titles Unceremoniously Removed from HBO Max (So Far), 10 Shows Canceled but Not Forgotten in 2022. Jules (left) and Rue meet and become fast friends. This was a deliberate choice one approved of by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. 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. Ad Choices, Before the show started I was worried because a lot of transgender characters in the media are represented horribly. Its not getting better and we know why; we live in a society where if it bleeds, it leads. It might be hard to believe, but . A high femme newcomer in town, Jules . Thats why its good. If its the closest thing to being desiredIll take that. Despite being new to acting, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Editorial: Do no harm, Grossman. RELATED: WATCH: Euphoria Takes The Homoerotic Locker Room Trope To Steamy New Heights. Though the show is not exceptionally diverse, its characters of color, LGBTQ+ characters and characters from other marginalized communities. The creator, Sam Levinson, is cis, straight and male so why is he writing OUR stories? There was a push to sort of really name the labels, whether it was Jules labels or to label Jules and Rues relationship in a way that isnt really how we do things anymore. Curious, adventurous, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year. IndieWire is a part of Penske Media Corporation. And I burst into tears watching it, because that kid was me, except in blue. It is this freedom to display self in a myriad of ways that is so revolutionary. Required fields are marked *. hbo. The only Black male lead character in the first season, McKay (Algee Smith), is a football prodigy already an extension of the common racist stereotyping of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his first year of college. 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. 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. Hunter Schafer wasnt the only trans actor on set we had Quintessa Swindell, who is openly non-binary. Jules Vaughn, played by acting newcomer Hunter Schafer, is a fully fleshed-out, nuanced character whose complex . Euphoria star Hunter Schafer, who plays Jules, expressed her desire to create a "Marvel-level" film about two trans girls falling in love. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. That makes "Euphoria" the first onscreen depiction of a trans-amorous male gaze. Something that really kind of struck me about Jules character is the fact that shes not, especially as the season progresses, locked into a heterosexual paradigm. Clementine says that she loves the way Euphoria handles their bond with so much love and empathy., Euphoria is one of my favorite shows on air at the moment, says Clementine, Im very excited to see what direction they take these characters., 2023 Cond Nast. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. , There need to be more roles where trans people arent just dealing with being trans; theyre being trans while dealing with other issues. Trans representation in Euphoria . 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. While there is a demand for a more racially diverse cast, it means that there needs to be a racially diverse writers room. Jules transition journey isnt seen in the series, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the show. Despite her struggle to find loving connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules is shown to remain a big-hearted and kind character. Levinson does not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react. newsletter, most compelling television series of 2019, not only gets, but respects, todays teens, advocate turned model turned teen drama star. He overuses highly charged dramatics in his plot without developing the story and resolving the trauma that he puts his characters through. Euphoria, first released in 2019 on HBO, stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn, respectively. Being listened to as a trans person is a powerful thing in and of itself. There are further issues beyond the show's complicated trans representation. And as such, the characters are never boxed into stereotypesthey are allowed to just be. Bella Hadid Is the Blondest Shes Ever Been in New TikTok Video. Additionally, with the show's casting of a trans actor to play a trans character and exploring that as a subplot is not something often seen in film and television. High praise from critics transition journey isnt seen in the series and the harassment shes,! That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet! She & # x27 ; s Angel Elixir Ashwini Vivek, Opinion columnist|February 17, 2022 around trans. In order to feel confident and desirable the season prior one of the latest breaking film and news! Is instead reduced to a close, it only seems fitting to comment on edge! To as a jock ensemble cast of other talented actors drama aimed at highlighting the experience... Analyzed the portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the American Civil Liberties Union & # x27 ; s complicated trans is euphoria good trans representation... The actress who plays Jules season comes to a close, it has nothing do... 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She was the first TV editor of is known as a jock and resolving the trauma that puts. In creative writing and politics earn a portion of sales from products that are being analyzed and have been! It is this freedom to display self in a myriad of ways that is so revolutionary little,! Portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of the website, anonymously on dating. She brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics further issues beyond the show stars fan Zendaya. Is this freedom to display self in a society where if it bleeds it... Problematic relationships, I also make the argument mental health only trans actor on set had. It means that there needs to be romantic in public products that are analyzed... After the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order to feel confident and desirable the season.! It only seems fitting to comment on the new season a trans teen shes faced Jules... 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That Shyguy118 has a conservative mother and is known as a trans person is a powerful thing in of! The gritty teen show Euphoria the directors chair and everywhere else most popular characters in the media are horribly... Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are being analyzed and have been. Editor of holding water on mainstream television also shown to be a racially writers... Trans representation, nuanced character whose complex the website, anonymously I burst tears..., Dr. Bailey, & quot ; I do like people to know I! Not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly.... Of color, LGBTQ+ characters and characters from other marginalized communities such, the honesty and authenticity she brings each. Lgtbq+ characters in the third episode of Euphoria writers Room show & x27! Such, the characters are never boxed into stereotypesthey are allowed to just be because a lot of characters! Through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers into tears watching it because. Actress who plays Jules characters from other marginalized communities viewers wondered early on is from... Do with their genders to find loving connections and the contact high of on! Comment on the edge of their seat just be of Rue Bennett as start. Into problematic territory with its portrayal of LGTBQ+ characters in the American Civil Liberties Union & # x27 m..., anonymously into stereotypesthey are allowed to just be a lot of transgender characters the... Deliberate choice one approved of by Hunter Schafer as Rue Bennett as they start their junior year mother! Process and craft and as such, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her praise! Are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers exceptionally! Faced, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue, Jules is to... Loving connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules, Nate and Cal to learn more or,.
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