FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Michael Williams: What’s the first spec fic book, film, or TV show where you saw yourself and your own experience represented? Or has it not happened yet? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat: FB: http://bit.ly/1MvPABVMeWe: http://bit.ly/2mjg8lf
Gay Marvel exec Victoria Alonso has spoken about the lack of LGBT+ representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Across the 20 films in the Marvel universe that have debuted since 2008, zero have featured visible LGBT+ characters. Victoria Alonso, the executive vice president of production at Marvel Studios, addressed the lack of diverse representation in an interview with the BBC. The Argentina-born Alonso said: “I think we haven’t represented the Latin community, in general. I think that’s something we have to do better. I’m Latin, I can tell you that I’m longing for that. The gay community has not … Read more
FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Brian Cherry: Who are your favorite queer characters in sci fi media spin offs (films, TV etc), such as Star Wars, Star Trek, DC and Marvel universes, etc? And which queer characters haven’t been featured that you’d like to see? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat
FOR WRITERS & READERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Denise Dechene: My question is why don’t we see more representation of people with disabilities esp in SciFi or shifter books? I’m not talking blind or deaf I’m speaking more towards loss of limbs, Down’s syndrome, MD, stroke etc? Join the chat
FOR READERS & WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Freddy MacKay: Let’s discuss trans, enby and gender fluid characters in speculative fiction. How they are handled. How the world/tech/magic/nature works for them or against them. SF could be interesting because technology could be developed enough you wouldn’t ever know the difference unless a trans*/enby person wanted you to. What kind of society would that be? How would trans, enby and gender fluid people identify themselves and why? A parallel (though not the same) would be looking at the deaf community and how they feel about cochlear implants. Some are … Read more
Fans of Black Mirror have shared their outrage online over the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in the new season. The Netflix original was acclaimed in past seasons for including LGBTQ characters. Most notably, the Emmy award-winning episode San Junipero was celebrated for it’s heartbreaking lesbian storyline. However, fans are disappointed in the release of season five as it fails to include any LGBT storylines. It was hinted that episode four, Hang The DJ, would include some representation but a fleeting five seconds of lesbian action disappointed viewers. By Meka Beresford – Full Story at Pink News
QSFer Angelia Sparrow has an essay in a new book about representation in science fiction and fantasy: In addition to 19 personal and powerful essays about representation in science fiction and fantasy, this also includes an introduction by award-winning author Aliette de Bodard, as well as a list of all the suggested books and stories from the comments and conversations online. Plus cover art by Mark Ferrari. Among other things, the authors talk about the portrayal of asexuality, the intersection of different aspects of identity, the treatment of Native Americans in fiction, myths and assumptions about military life, Princess Leia … Read more