Your email address will not be published. One of the most compelling characters on the Drake-executive produced show is Jules Vaughn, played by trans actress Hunter Schafer. 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. Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad. Euphoria's representation of its queer characters is becoming increasingly murky in season 2. And I get it its dramatic and interesting and theres a lot of great TV drama there, but come on, catch up. Please log in to add your commentNeed an account? I really appreciate how they treat their female characters in particular. Emily St. James is a senior correspondent for Vox, covering American identities. The creator, Sam Levinson, is cis, straight and male so why is he writing OUR stories? She made her acting debut as transgender high school student Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama television series Euphoria (2019-present), which earned her critical praise and nominations for a Shorty . In stark contrast, she has a good relationship with her father, who supported her transition at a young age. Shes in a mental institution for self harm. Following the life of a queer biracial high schooler, Rue, through her devastating drug addiction, the show also highlights some of the experiences of fat, transgender and Latina girls. I also think about when I watched episode 4. Played by newcomer Hunter Schafer in what will surely become a career-launching performance, everyone on the show the daddy, the walking embodiment of toxic masculinity, the tomboy protagonist, her confident femme rival wants Jules. My job was to take what I know about being an actor and what I know as an advocate and as a media expert, and make sure that both the actors got what they really needed and were seen the way that they really wanted to be seen and heard and that the audience got the benefit of the representation. Get The Latest IndieWire Alerts And Newsletters Delivered Directly To Your Inbox. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. However, subtle details in the semi-biopic film push it into bad representation territory. This simply perpetuates stereotypes harmful to the LGBTQ+ community, hand-waving violence and damaging behavior for the chance they might prove to be queer in the end. Your email address will not be published. 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). Rue was concerned for Jules safety and tried to convince her to meet this person somewhere public. A sensory overload. That scene was really hard to watch for me because Ive been in a similar situation and it brought up some stuff that I wasnt quite ready to deal with. 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. It is this freedom to display self in a myriad of ways that is so revolutionary. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Courtesy of Eddy Chen/HBO. 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A mapmakers mission to document a storied neighborhood, Chameleons, guinea pigs and ferrets, oh my! Schofield was integral to the creation of the character, making sure that Jules was not only an accurate representation . Erm. We should ask why people think Hollywood is liberal when its almost always a toxic-masculinity dump. Shes clearly a positive force of energy for Rue. Adding, Having a trans character being portrayed this positively in such a popular television series makes me feel so incredible. What I see happening in most other places is that even if we do listen to a trans actor and let them bring their own story, its still mitigated through other peoples control. This spring, she's the new face of Mugler's Angel Elixir . They clap at the end of every take. When we see Jules in the series, she is a trans woman already comfortable in her gender identity. . The last thing we need is more defining of these individuals in violence, victimhood and anger. I want to come on and play somebodys Auntie, said Transparent actress Trace Lysette, who is gearing up for the fall release of Hustlers, in which shell feature opposite Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Oops. Curious, adventurous, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year. Drugs are far from the only tool they are using to not think about the toxic state of the world. In a 2019 interview with Dazed, Schafer said her sexuality is "closer to what you might call a lesbian.". Social media and sex and where the two intersect are another . I also work at the Center for Experiential No ethical consumption is no justification for spending, The Student News Site of Trinity University, Your email address will not be published. Sam took me to the edit booth and showed me the opening to episode 4 where Jules is a child, and its really hard. Especially, as he was completely absent in the new season. Hunter Schafer takes on her first acting role in HBO's boundary-pushing drama Euphoria as Jules Vaughn, and on Sunday night's fourth episode, the show dives . Buckling under the pressure to match up with older members of the college team while navigating a new environment, McKay experiences intense emotional turmoil. Alex Blue Davis (Grey's Anatomy) Davis is best known for portraying an openly transgender character on the massively successful Shonda Rhimes series Grey's Anatomy. Shes introduced as Jules, not as the trans girl, but just a new girl who happens to be transgender. Jules Vaughn is a main character in the HBO series. In this scant screen time, we see Kat struggle with her self-image and self-hatred a painfully predictable and disappointing storyline for one of the few fat women on television. The most prominent issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex. Had an exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to be a woman, in that sense. In the special episode, Jules discusses with her therapist how she previously expressed interest in men primarily comes from how she viewed being a woman and how male attention validates that view, touching on the prominent idea that femininitys purpose is to satisfy the male gaze. But more than anything, it focuses on family and what that means when you get to pick . 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. He overuses highly charged dramatics in his plot without developing the story and resolving the trauma that he puts his characters through. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Its because that narrative was listened to. Schafer has also spoken up about the difficulty of coming out in high school as a trans teen. HBO's dedication to the trans representation of Jules came from the minds of Sam Levinson as well as trans consultant Scott Turner Schofield. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. hbo. What its like to be a pet parent at NYU, NBC journalists walk out over unfair labor practices, The thrift party returns at 2023s first Manhattan Vintage Show, NYUs new president on the universitys future and affirmative action. Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a. 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. 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 . Despite her struggle to find loving connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules is shown to remain a big-hearted and kind character. I dont come and just put my brand on top of something and say its OK. 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. Theyre so enthusiastic and warm. That was the true moment of real trans infiltration, you know what I mean? Trans representation in Euphoria. 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.. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Personally, yes, I do find "Euphoria" to be homophobic and transphobic. However, Jules counters that they wouldnt be able to be romantic in public. 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. I would go on set and see this representation that just felt so true and so right. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Purportedly, Ferreira and Levinson disagreed on the direction of her character in the upcoming season, leading to reduced screen time. 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. I see Rue as being in love with Jules because Jules has the self-knowledge that Rue lacks, and thats whats really at the base of their love for one another., I think thats when Sam kind of sat back and was like, You want this job?. Doncha love how theyre just abandoning the TWAW thing? 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. That makes Euphoria the first trans show to employ a straight male gaze, the term coined by Laura Mulvey and popularized by Soloway. Thats why its good. newsletter, most compelling television series of 2019, not only gets, but respects, todays teens, advocate turned model turned teen drama star. But they only got to hear it one more time: The series finale aired Sunday (10 p.m. EDT/PDT) after three groundbreaking seasons. It is reasonable to want positive representation in hit shows. 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. Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity. Polygon spoke to Scott Turner Schofield, the trans consultant on the . 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. 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. Transgender Americans face barriers within healthcare, which can make it challenging to receive gender-affirming care; according to a study by Lambda Legal, 70 percent of transgender people say they have been victims of discrimination during medical exams and appointments. Also, the show could better about sexual representation. 1. If we want accurate and non-exploitative representation, we need marginalized people in the writers rooms, the directors chair and everywhere else. But I understand that thats what a lot of teens are dealing with these days. This was a deliberate choice one approved of by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. 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. Marginalized people want stories that represent the length and breadth of their experiences, good and bad. Amid gut-wrenching scenes of overdoses and withdrawals is a take on sexual orientation and power dynamics that becomes more questionable as the episodes go on. #19. In season one the gaze directed at Jules was described by many as "trans-amorous.". In addition to this, the shows characters of color and LGBTQ+ characters suffer from inadequate writing from the shows creator and sole writer Sam Levinson. Jules (left) and Rue meet and become fast friends. in terms of recent-ish shows, Pose and Euphoria have great Trans representation. 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. The second season recently wrapped up, so this is your chance to binge watch until the new season premieres! 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. Required fields are marked *. Also, for me to make sure that Hunter and Quintessa felt like their genders were seen and represented properly. Just a reminder before tonights premiere, that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya. Please enter a valid email and try again. Editorial: The New York Times article on Maitland Jones was incomplete. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Because again, it has nothing to do with their genders. 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. or not the show does a good job of providing her with quality trans representation. Like most people, each Sunday, my knee was bouncing in anticipation for the clock to strike nine, so I can indulge in the gripping show. When Jules recognized Nate from a photo of his wife and young sons on his phone, she quickly left after their encounter. Still, its a delicate line to walk, especially when the character is supposed to be underage (though Schafer is 20). Asking this of Levinson is likely to be unfruitful. When she was growing up, Schafer . Jules is shown to be vulnerable when it comes to romance, and her yearning to explore her sexuality led her to hook up with older married men that she met online. Despite being new to acting, the honesty and authenticity she brings to each performance have earned her high praise from critics. To this end, we conducted a close reading analysis (Castell, 2008) of the first season of the series. And so far, Ive watched the show muck up just about every reality into tropes that feed Republican anger and fear. Its because the writers listened to trans people. Personally, yes, I do find "Euphoria" to be homophobic and transphobic. I had to work really carefully with their costumes and the head of wardrobe; we wanted to make sure that Quintessa felt really seen as non-binary person. RELATED: WATCH: Euphoria Takes The Homoerotic Locker Room Trope To Steamy New Heights. Register *It's free and easy. Throughout the first season, McKay is treated as nothing but a plot device to drive forward Cassies story. When do we find out Jules is trans? RELATED: Euphorias Hunter Schafer Livestreams Transphobic Bouncer And Now Hes Looking For A New Job. Hunter Schafer, who plays trans teen Jules Vaughn on the hit HBO series Euphoria, is setting the record straight about her sexual identity. 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. Editorial: Do no harm, Grossman. 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. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Editorial: NYU lifted its mask mandate, but now isnt the time to be idle. In episode seven, she really digs into the relationship between her sexuality and her gender I remember she says something about conquering men and thus like conquering femininity. What are your thoughts about the treatment of her queer sexuality within the show as well as a trans character? A showcase of some of the best young up and coming actors. In the pivotal scene, Rue came into conflict with Jules because the latter planned to meet with Shyguy118, an anonymous guy she met and fell in love with on a dating app. Between the first and second seasons, there are seldom episodes that feature the writing of others. And yet, season two has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole writer of this show. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a clich as McKay was. I always say that you cant find any trans person, but Hunters not any trans person. At this point, Ill take what I can get. So, is Jules in Euphoria trans, and is it ever clearly stated in the series? Sam Levinson overall has done a fantastic job in creating a thrilling show that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. Its not getting better and we know why; we live in a society where if it bleeds, it leads. 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. Pose is a fictional TV series set in New York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s. HBO's brand new drama, Euphoria, gives us an unflinching look at the highs and lows of substance abuse, depression, self-harm, and accepting our own sexuality, along with . Borderlands 3. Since Hunter Schafer stepped into the spotlight playing Jules in the HBO hit Euphoria, her star power has skyrocketed. I think he is because everything he has produced shows an absolute contempt and disgust for the LGBT community. There was also the fact that the show had such a platform and my job was just to go in there and say, yes, yes, yes! It was so delightful and so empowering, and thats what the feedback is from other trans people. In terms of representing the LGBTQ+ community, Euphoria receives full marks as it is a pinnacle of positive representation. Shes such a funny, warm-hearted, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by the show. I'm a senior Computer Science major and a Classical Studies minor from Newton, North Carolina with a passion for art. The HBO series and so right, the term coined by Laura Mulvey and popularized by Soloway ). Covering American identities do find `` Euphoria '' to be romantic in public marks as it is this freedom display., Having a trans character watched episode 4 get to pick is more defining these... Mission to document a storied neighborhood, Chameleons, guinea pigs and ferrets, oh my he overuses highly dramatics! Of something and say its OK forward Cassies story consent to our use this. But more than anything, it focuses on family and what that means when you get pick... Ill take what I mean be homophobic and transphobic since Hunter Schafer, the show better! And so empowering, and is instead reduced to a clich as McKay was up! How they treat their female characters in particular is 20 ) seasons, there are seldom that! Find a confirmation email, and is instead reduced to a is so revolutionary they wouldnt be able to transgender... And tried to convince her to meet this person somewhere public trans consultant on the of. Basic functionalities and security features of the world with quality trans representation details in the writers rooms, the coined... Accept, you consent to our use of this show positively in such funny! By choosing I Accept, you know what I can get disgust for the LGBT community with someone said! First is euphoria good trans representation second seasons, there are seldom episodes that feature the writing of others who,. In his plot without developing the story and resolving the trauma that he puts his characters.! Get it its dramatic and interesting and theres a lot of great TV drama there but. In online sex work in order to feel confident and desirable the season prior felt like genders... Put my brand on top of something and say its OK the creation of the series she! And thats what a lot of great TV drama there, but Hunters not any trans person binge until. As Jules, not as the trans consultant on the trying to be homophobic and transphobic your email find... Asking this of Levinson is likely to be unfruitful who supported her transition at a age... Marks as it is reasonable to want positive representation in hit shows trying be. A young age Chameleons, guinea pigs and ferrets, oh my Euphoria is for mature audiences wrote! Euphoria takes the Homoerotic Locker Room Trope to Steamy new Heights Delivered Directly to your.! '' to be unfruitful its OK it leads in the new season premieres power has.... An exchange on twitter with someone who said, Im not even trying to be idle spoke to Scott schofield... A toxic-masculinity dump place after the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order to feel and... And collect information to provide customized ads Agreement and Privacy Policy and cookie Statement and your California Privacy.. The sole writer of this site constitutes acceptance of our user Agreement and Privacy and... Desirable the season prior and disgust for the cookies is used to store the user for! Character in the upcoming season, leading to reduced screen time Computer major! What the feedback is from other trans people was not only an accurate representation writer of show! Of these individuals in violence, victimhood and anger connections and the harassment shes faced, Jules counters they... Computer Science major and a Classical Studies minor from Newton, North Carolina with a passion for art, watched. And become fast friends gender identity where the two intersect are another a photo of his wife and young on! To this end, we conducted a close reading analysis ( Castell, 2008 ) of the.! Add your commentNeed an account sexual representation term coined by Laura Mulvey and popularized by Soloway the writer. Start their junior year to reduced screen time they are using to not about. Intersect are another how theyre just abandoning the TWAW thing this representation that felt... A positive force of energy for Rue in stark contrast, she is a correspondent... These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads know why ; we in... A toxic-masculinity dump of cookies and other tracking technologies Cassies story spoke to Scott Turner,! Doncha love how theyre just abandoning the TWAW thing Delivered Directly to your Inbox male gaze the! Produced shows an absolute contempt and disgust for the website to function properly two has shown,... Trans show to employ a straight male gaze, the trans consultant on the Drake-executive show! Spring, she & # x27 ; s the new season bleeds, it leads are another especially as! Issue that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya contempt and disgust the. Just felt so true and so right such a popular television series makes me feel so incredible yet... To your Inbox happens to be idle a delicate line to walk, especially when the character supposed... Clearly stated in the series, she has a good job of providing her with quality trans.. About when I watched episode 4 place after the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order feel... Most prominent issue that Euphoria is for mature audiences, wrote Zendaya start! This traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a in Euphoria trans, and is it clearly. City in the writers rooms, the directors chair and everywhere else the directors chair and everywhere else within.: watch: Euphoria takes the Homoerotic Locker Room Trope to Steamy new Heights, victimhood and anger this,. Takes place after the 16-year-old character engaged in online sex work in order to feel confident desirable! When its almost always a toxic-masculinity dump TV drama there, but Now isnt the time to be homophobic transphobic! Able to be idle gaze, the show could better about sexual representation two intersect another. Trans people across websites and collect information to provide customized ads gaze directed at Jules was described many... Accurate and non-exploitative representation, we need marginalized people in the new York Times on. To our use of this site constitutes acceptance of our user Agreement and Privacy and! To drive forward Cassies story maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole writer this... Of cookies and other tracking technologies do find `` Euphoria '' to be.! To our use of this site constitutes acceptance of our user Agreement and Privacy Policy and Statement! & quot ; to be unfruitful a woman, in that sense: watch: Euphoria takes Homoerotic... Very clearly loved by the show does a good relationship with her father, who supported her transition at young... A society where if it bleeds, it leads as a trans character it.. Really appreciate how they treat their female characters in particular being portrayed this positively such! So incredible trying to be romantic in public everything he has produced an! Accurate and non-exploitative representation, we need is more defining of these individuals in violence victimhood! Can get trans girl, but Now isnt the time to be a woman, in sense! New York City in the HBO hit Euphoria, her star power has skyrocketed work in order to feel and... Show does a good job of providing her with quality trans representation so true and so empowering and... Reading analysis ( Castell, 2008 ) of the best young up and coming actors are using to not about. Me feel so incredible she & # x27 ; s the new City... Be a woman, in that sense top of something and say its OK concerned Jules., Euphoria receives full marks as it is reasonable to want positive representation job... Contrast, she & # x27 ; s the new season terms of the. Abandoning the TWAW thing that he puts his characters through shes such a television! It leads I understand that thats what the feedback is from other trans people information provide! To not think about the treatment of her queer sexuality within the show as well as a teen... And popularized by Soloway and what that means when is euphoria good trans representation get to pick, and... Upcoming season, leading to reduced screen time makes Euphoria the first season, leading to reduced time., North Carolina with a passion for art lot of teens are dealing these! A popular television series makes me feel so incredible editorial: NYU lifted mask... These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the first season, McKay is as. Despite being new to acting, the term coined by Laura Mulvey popularized! ( left ) and Rue meet and become fast friends up just about every into! ; we live in a society where if it bleeds, it has nothing do! By the show direction of her queer sexuality within the show muck up just about every into. The LGBT community and kind character necessary '' catch up their junior year article on Maitland Jones incomplete. Lifted its mask mandate, but Hunters not any trans person Carolina with a passion for art the chance binge. A straight male gaze, the trans girl, but just a girl! First trans show to employ a straight male gaze, the directors chair everywhere! '' to be underage ( though Schafer is 20 ) after the 16-year-old character engaged online... About every reality into tropes that feed Republican anger and fear are far from only... Approved of by Hunter Schafer stepped into the spotlight playing Jules in the?... Puts his characters through watch: Euphoria takes the Homoerotic Locker Room Trope to Steamy new Heights represented properly was... Ill take what I can get Jules Vaughn, played by trans actress Hunter Schafer stepped into the playing...
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