This is one of those times that I think it's important to speak up on a topic that is, admittedly, somewhat controversial.
Because on one hand, I thoroughly encourage LGBTQ+ representation, even when Cannon decides that Gay is Icky (looking at you, Supernatural) and that they're not doing That. Fandom artists of all mediums can and absolutely should fix Cannon when Cannon fails to deliver, and that includes LGBTQ+ relationships.
On the other hand, and this is a very important point, men in media aren't allowed to have healthy platonic relationships with other men.
I'm not talking about 'Buddy Comedy' here, I'm talking about genuine friendships. Where are the guys who love their partner, but call their best friend when they're anxious and need someone to talk it through with? Where are the guys who trust each other and don't fall apart the moment a woman they both like walks onto the screen?
Women have that. We can call out besties about any and everything. Body issues, relationships. Parent problems. Fashion. We reach out, and our friends will answer.
But how many times have you seen a man in media tell one of his friends "Hey, you're looking sharp today!" or "look, you need to sit down and talk to Partner about this. You're not in a good place and they can help." or even "You can break down with me. You don't have to pretend you're okay" without it being sexualized by fans, or mocked by critics?
We complain about toxic masculinity, but it's rare to see healthy masculinity encouraged. That includes platonic, male/male relationships that don"t involve their sexualities.
Remember, healthy platonic male friendships can be between two gay men, two straight men, a gay and a straight man etc. It's not just Straight White Guys that are getting screwed by this. It's everyone.
I like to think that the LGBTQ+ community understands the need for healthy representation better than anyone. Representation matters for more than just our community, and that means representation for healthy platonic relationships too.
There aren't limited seats at the Equality Table. There's room to support healthy masculinity.
Men need to be allowed to have healthy, emotional, platonic relationships with each other, and I would love to see more of them modern media.
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