Subject: I understand that. However,
Author:
Posted on: 2014-03-07 22:02:00 UTC
in terms of queer representation on TV we are constantly fed the idea that male-identifying characters who are close are just bros whereas heterosexual friendships inevitably end in romantic interest. It would be nice if a drama like this with two male leads had them get together, just like how it was nice that Holmes and Watson in Elementary, who are of different genders, do not and will not get together.
As it is, all of the indications that John and Dorian care for each other can go both into a friendship or a romance, but if the writers decide to suddenly declare that both are heterosexual, it would be considered queerbaiting, which is harmful to idea of more diversity in this predominantly heteronormative media (cough cough, John and Sherlock in BBC Sherlock).
And that's why I hope they make John/Dorian canon. I think they work both as a friendship and a relationship, but it would be a great thing for us queer viewers to see representation for us in the form of John and Dorian expressing romantic/sexual interest in one another. The setting is futuristic, so it conceivably should have more diversity in its interpersonal relationship dynamics.
Also, while we're on the topic of representation: Frequently, characters of colour in media aren't the love interest. To have Dorian be John's love interest would be another point in terms of representation, since not only would they be main characters in a queer relationship, they would also be an interracial couple and huzzah, queer people of colour who watch this show can find more to identify with in Dorian.
tl;dr: I know friendships don't have to lead to romance, but imagine the queer -- especially queer POC -- representation we'd get if it happens.