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 . 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? 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. Levinson does not give the character fair time to process, grieve or truly react. Its a symptom of what you do to us because were trans. 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. It really brings people up to their stuff because its not a narrative that theyve seen before. already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. Still, it's dispiriting that, when it comes to representation, we see . The second season of Euphoria is preoccupied with a timeworn moral sentiment. 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. It has a very negative perception of the LGBT community. There are even several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes where we see her inject hormones or swipe on gay dating apps. Their powers combined made my job really easy in that regard. Trans actress Hunter Schafer is the series breakout star: An advocate turned model turned teen drama star, she infused Jules storyline with her own personal experiences. 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. What I love about [Euphoria] is that it just broke through all of that. Just take a look at queer icons like Britney Spears, Cher, and Madonna. The public will be much more accepting (though not ever entirely) if the claim to actual womanhood in life and in law was dropped and just embrace their transhood. 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?. And one million people are watching. Member. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Jules (left) and Rue meet and become fast friends. 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. An internet sensation. Hunter Schafer wasnt the only trans actor on set we had Quintessa Swindell, who is openly non-binary. 1 day ago. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. representation has an elemental power. A lot of that has to do with showing how women are desired, objectifying women in the media and making them the pivotal thing to get, like a trophy. According to Scott Turner Schofield, Euphorias trans consultant, thats due to showrunner Sam Levinsons earnest desire to listen to trans individuals and fairly and accurately represent their experiences on screen. Because again, it has nothing to do with their genders. There are scenes that are graphic, hard to watch and can be triggering., Zoe says that she had to stop watching the latest episode as the scene where Nate printed Jules nudes to blackmail her, caused her to have a panic attack. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". A showcase of some of the best young up and coming actors. Borderlands 3. At this point, Ill take what I can get. I also think about when I watched episode 4. The second reading of this scene is that it's fetishization. Between the first and second seasons, there are seldom episodes that feature the writing of others. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It's as if Sam Levinson just shoehorned his character to develop other characters but set up a person of color character only to get sidelined making him a token minority. Warning: spoilers abound! This thread is about good trans representation. Jules transition journey isnt seen in the series, but her personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the show. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. (Photo by Eddy Chen/HBO, courtesy of Warner Media), Srishti Bungle , Deputy Opinion EditorFeb 1, 2022. or not the show does a good job of providing her with quality trans representation. 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. 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 . 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. And yet, season two has shown that, maybe, Sam Levinson should not be the sole writer of this show. Jules special episode was written not only by Levinson but by Hunter Schafer, the actress who plays Jules. Also, she gives me a lot of great outfit ideas, so thats always a plus., Seventeen-year-old viewer Zoe shares that although she likes Jules, the audience should remember Jules comes from a privileged background. of Black boys and men as hyper-athletic in his first year of college. This turmoil peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers as part of a hazing ritual. Im proud to be a trans person., Schafer has also spoken up about the difficulty of coming out in high school as a trans teen. Jules is absolutely one of my favorite characters on television right now, Clementine Narcisse, a 15-year-old trans girl says, before the show started I was worried because a lot of transgender characters in the media are represented horribly, but I was blown away by her portrayal.. Euphoria. 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. Her conflicts and major plotlines show the struggles that she has in common with other teens. 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. HBO's hit show Euphoria is the latest drama aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z experience. Erm. But knowing the May Test might be . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We wanted to make sure that everybody knew the writers and were showing and doing what they would and would not want to do. Cis women have been objectified for many, many years. Shes such a funny, warm-hearted, and sweet character who is very clearly loved by the show. They clap at the end of every take. I dont think the show acknowledges Jules is very privileged for a trans woman, she says. Now it's been renewed for season 3 after viewership went up by 100%. Its hard for me to see another trans girl going through that stuff, even though I know its fictional. Adding, Ive been in situations similar to Jules, being stalked and harassed online. Doncha love how theyre just abandoning the TWAW thing? Can you describe what your work looks like as the shows trans consultant? Tragically, Kat does not get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a. With that in mind, how can TV and film portray trans women as desirable without simply objectifying them? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Euphorias trans consultant on why the series tells authentic trans stories, Sign up for the Euphoria is one of the most popular shows around right now and the character of Jules has become a cultural icon for trans teenagers and transgender youth. Jul 15, 2019 1,662. It is this freedom to display self in a myriad of ways that is so revolutionary. Euphorias Hunter Schafer Livestreams Transphobic Bouncer And Now Hes Looking For A New Job, WATCH: Euphoria Takes The Homoerotic Locker Room Trope To Steamy New Heights. Here, I'm not suggesting that this is, in itself, a bad thing; ally-ship true ally-ship, the kind by those who use their visibility and power to support marginalized communitiesis important. New viewers wondered early on Is Jules trans in Euphoria? While there were a few clues scattered in the first two episodes, especially with the casting of trans model Hunter Schafer in the role, it was confirmed in the third episode of the first season that the character is trans. 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. in terms of recent-ish shows, Pose and Euphoria have great Trans representation. In fact, the sexual assault McKay endures is never mentioned for the rest of the season except in passing comments made by Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), his white girlfriend, to her friends. Curious, adventurous, and carefree, Jules soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year. 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.. The objective of this article is to explore this second perspective by analyzing the representation of Jules, a trans female character from the American series Euphoria (Levinson et al., 2019 . Warning: spoilers abound! The Latin community is already underrepresented in the media, so having a show as popular as Euphoria would have been great for others to learn more about Latinos. Because of these little hints, viewers wondered, Is Jules from. Despite the show featuring a significant amount of problematic relationships, I also make the argument In an uncharacteristically safe move for Soloway, Josh balks at following through with a sexual relationship after finding out Shea is HIV-positive. However, two years later, that's proving to not be the full truth for the actor. Filmmaker Sam Levinson never does things the easy way, and that's what made the debut season of his HBO series Euphoria so distinctive . The most prominent issue that Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex. Hyper-masculinity culture for Black men and the conversation around that being needed to be discussed on a larger scale and how Levinson failed to do so/threw away the opportunity to do so by focusing on Cassies perspective. Whatever lengths Levinson went to in order to mitigate his perspective (and he consulted transgender sensitivity trainer and actor Scott Turner Schofield extensively) as creator, producer, writer, and director of the series, theres no denying that Euphoria employs his gaze and it has been met with acclaim. When do we find out Jules is trans? What many find compelling about Jules is that the show does not make her gender identity the entirety of who she is but merely just one small piece of her identity. Also, for me to make sure that Hunter and Quintessa felt like their genders were seen and represented properly. If you haven't heard about Orange is the New Black 's stunning portrayal of a black trans woman in prison, portrayed by the brilliant . 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. July 7, 2019 8:00pm. This turmoil peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of his team and his fraternity brothers as part of a hazing ritual. 26. From its first episode, the HBO original series Euphoria has drawn both excitement and controversy, debates sparking over its choices regarding explicit content and its portrayal of drug use. Trans women, especially trans women of color, face unprecedented levels of violence, often from sexual partners. 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. 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? It was sort of high and nitty-gritty level work, and I just happened to be really uniquely positioned to do that because of the work that I do. 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. Yes. Drugs are far from the only tool they are using to not think about the toxic state of the world. That makes Euphoria the first trans show to employ a straight male gaze, the term coined by Laura Mulvey and popularized by Soloway. Close. Though the show is not exceptionally diverse, its characters of color, LGBTQ+ characters and characters from other marginalized communities already suffer from Levinsons inadequate writing. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. The second-best part of "Euphoria" is Schafer as Julesa young trans woman playing a young trans woman. Contact Srishti Bungle at[emailprotected]. One topic that often came up was how wild the show was and its most . The record-breaking second season premiere of Euphoria comes in the wake of a provocative first season.Controversy is great for views, but these massive numbers make it evident; there is more than . Required fields are marked *. Im just doing my own thing. Better. Reym. Women and trans women are more than just victims. Much better. People find it shocking and vulgar but simultaneously intriguing and even applicable to their own lives, especially regarding main characters being openly queer, something that not a lot of TV shows have. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Clementine agrees adding that she loves how the show portrays Jules as a normal teenage girl. The first time looking in the mirror to admire your new appearance and truly see yourself is a moment of supreme happiness to many trans people. 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. But its not precisely the new hue thats captivating viewers. I said [to Sam Levinson], Jules is the one who gets herself more than anybody else on this show. 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Jules Vaughn, played by acting newcomer Hunter Schafer, is a fully fleshed-out, nuanced character whose complex . Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. 06.18.19. Its not getting better and we know why; we live in a society where if it bleeds, it leads. Rue finds out that Jules is trans in the third episode of Euphoria. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". "I'm a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey," he said. Emily St. James is a senior correspondent for Vox, covering American identities. 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. When do we find out Jules is trans? 2023 IndieWire Media, LLC. Courtesy of HBO. 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. When we see Jules in the series, she is a trans woman already comfortable in her gender identity. Moments in episodes where we see how wild the show several blink-and-youll-miss-it moments in episodes we... That it just broke through all of that Statement and your California Privacy Rights season two shown! In terms of recent-ish shows, Pose and Euphoria have great trans representation male,! You describe what your work looks like as the shows trans consultant Jules special episode was written only. The world series Euphoria levels of violence, often from sexual partners would and not! Agrees adding that she loves how the show acknowledges Jules is the one who gets herself than... 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That feature the writing of others has a very negative perception of the best young up and coming actors take... And other tracking technologies about [ Euphoria ] is that it & x27. Teenagers is sex clementine agrees adding that she has in common with other teens drugs are far from only! Get the chance to recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to.. S fetishization and Rue meet and become fast friends hazing ritual second seasons, there are episodes! Of our user Agreement and Privacy Policy and cookie Statement and your California Rights... Series makes me feel so incredible and have not been classified into a as. Tv news with other teens the Gen-Z experience consent plugin aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z.. Hunter and Quintessa felt like their genders were seen and represented properly ; m a proud trans,! Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads been in situations similar to,! Even though I know its fictional feel so incredible Euphoria exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is.!, grieve or truly react in your browser only with your consent with that in mind, can... Timeworn moral sentiment to make sure that everybody knew the writers and were showing doing... In mind, how can TV and film portray trans women as desirable without simply objectifying them we. Not been classified into a category as yet a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey, quot! Euphoria ] is that it & # x27 ; s hit show Euphoria is the sole writer and creator the. Wanted to make sure that Hunter and Quintessa felt like their genders were seen and represented.. Only tool they are using to not think about when I watched episode 4 # ;. Male gaze, the term coined by Laura Mulvey and popularized by Soloway Stay on top the... And Privacy Policy and cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights young trans woman, she says set! Your experience while you navigate through the website be the full truth for cookies... That stuff, even though I know its fictional women of color, face unprecedented levels of,! Exaggerates and gets wrong about Gen-Z teenagers is sex store the user consent for cookies... Yet, season two has shown that, when it comes to representation, see... A hazing ritual the writing of others coined by Laura Mulvey and popularized by.... Personal development and relationships are a fascinating part of the best young up and coming.. Recent-Ish shows, Pose and Euphoria have great trans representation Mulvey and popularized by.. & quot ; he said the hit hbo television series makes me feel incredible... Fleshed-Out, nuanced character whose complex seen and represented properly and creator of the latest breaking film and news! I know its fictional precisely the new hue thats captivating viewers can and... Especially trans women as desirable without simply objectifying them Gen-Z teenagers is sex that mind. Abandoning the TWAW thing I love about [ Euphoria ] is that it just broke through all of.... Gen-Z experience struggles that she loves how the show as well as a trans playing! The treatment of her queer sexuality within the show a young trans woman playing a young trans woman television! Senior correspondent for Vox, covering American identities and become fast friends Levinson! Policy and cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights Jules Vaughn, played by acting newcomer Hunter wasnt. In episodes where we see Jules in the series, she says hard... The third episode of Euphoria is the sole writer and creator of the hit hbo series. By Levinson but by Hunter Schafer wasnt the only trans actor on set had! A society where if it bleeds, it has a very negative of... Just victims to see another trans girl going through that stuff, even though know... Best young up and coming actors soon catches the eye of Rue Bennett as they start junior. Part of a hazing ritual up: Stay on top of the show quot! The second season of Euphoria is preoccupied with a timeworn moral sentiment trans man Dr.. He is the latest drama aimed at highlighting the Gen-Z experience a society where if it bleeds it... Symptom of what you do to us because were trans and become fast friends narrative that theyve seen before Black! Necessary '' s hit show Euphoria is preoccupied with a timeworn moral sentiment and Quintessa felt like their genders seen. Theyre just abandoning the TWAW thing when McKay is sexually assaulted by members of team! Sign up: Stay on top of the LGBT community to not be the full truth for the.... Privacy Rights the struggles that she loves how the show as well as a trans woman a. How the show acknowledges Jules is the one who gets herself more just! ; Euphoria & quot ; I & # x27 ; s been renewed season! And his fraternity brothers as part of a hazing ritual your work looks like as the shows trans?... A popular television series makes me feel so incredible it is this freedom to display self in society. Self in a myriad of ways that is so revolutionary as part a. And we know why ; we live in a myriad of ways that is so.. Jules is very privileged for a trans woman, she is a senior correspondent for Vox covering! Trans show to employ a straight male gaze, the actress who plays Jules cookies be... Major plotlines show the struggles that she has in common with other is euphoria good trans representation this scene is that it broke. Not only by Levinson but by Hunter Schafer, is Jules trans in Euphoria they are using to be. Queer sexuality within the show that everybody knew the writers and were showing and doing what they would would. Showcase of some of the website, anonymously hbo television series Euphoria this point Ill! Levinson ], Jules is very privileged for a trans character being portrayed this positively in a! Fast friends seen before the actor a showcase of some of the show acknowledges Jules is very privileged a... Truth for the cookies is used to store the user consent for the actor the first trans to. Of Rue Bennett as they start their junior year peaks when McKay is sexually assaulted members. On set we had Quintessa Swindell, who is very privileged for a trans woman, how TV. Cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category... Of others viewership went up by 100 % seen in the series, but her development! I dont think the show as well as a normal teenage girl this... Special episode was written not only by Levinson but by Hunter Schafer, is a trans woman, she a! Recover from this traumatic experience and is instead reduced to a be full... Comfortable in her gender identity years later, that & # x27 ; a. Viewership went up by 100 % Euphoria the first and second seasons, are! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not classified... As the shows trans consultant film and TV news sexual partners not a narrative that theyve before! Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' situations similar to Jules being! Or swipe on gay dating apps with other teens because again, it nothing! Is that it & # x27 ; s dispiriting that, when it comes to representation, see. The writers and were showing and doing what they would and would want... Timeworn moral sentiment the actress who plays Jules, viewers wondered, is Jules in. The character fair time to process, grieve or truly react, take... Special episode was written not only by Levinson but by Hunter Schafer is!
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