On Shiro, LGBTQ representation and fan reactions
Warning: spoilers for Voltron season 7 below.
Photo: DreamWorks / Netflix
There has been a fair amount of controversy regarding Voltron recently. At SDCC (2018) the showâs producers revealed a main character (Shiro) to be gay. We learned he was in a relationship with a man named Adam and there was a great deal of excitement and speculation as to what we might see in the upcoming season.
Season 7 was released August 10 and I would be lying if I said I wasnât at least a little bit disappointed. I, like many others, expected there to be a reunion of sorts between these two former lovers. An interaction that would either re-ignite their feelings or provide closure for their failed relationship. What we were treated to instead was a short flashback scene where Shiro chooses his career over Adam, effectively ending their partnership, and the revelation that Adam had died in the war against the Galra.
I was hoping for more, but I also understand the writers likely did the best they could. One of the showâs frontrunners, Joachim Dos Santos, seemed to imply there were difficulties in moving forward with Shiroâs sexual orientation. Considering the show is rated Y7 and is expected to sell toys, it wouldnât be surprising if there were behind the scenes struggles holding them back.
I donât think the intent was to queerbait. It does not seem likely they would purposely seek out the kind of negative attention theyâre currently facing. I think they were genuinely excited and proud of what they had accomplished and thatâs why they were so eager to share at SDCC. By revealing Shiroâs status as a gay man, however, they implanted unrealistic expectations into the hearts of the fans. This, in my opinion, was a big mistake on their part.
Another point of contention Iâve noticed is the rough treatment of the showâs only outright gay character. Arguably, Shiro has endured more suffering, both physically and emotionally, than any other character in Voltron. However, despite all his pain, Shiro remains a steadfast beacon of hope who never gives up on his people. He is not defined by what has happened to him, but instead by his strength and by his choices.
I am reminded of another space dad, Kanan Jarrus from Star Wars Rebels. Like Shiro, he struggled with tragedy and a disability. Also like Shiro, he ended up stepping aside to allow his protege the opportunity to step up. This is a common theme, especially in programs intended for younger viewers. Shiro didnât lose the black lion because he is gay or because he is disabled, he moved on because he believes in Keith. Admittedly, I found myself missing Shiro in season 7 (much like I missed Kanan in Rebels), but I am happy he found a place for himself towards the end.
If you are disappointed, go ahead and share your opinions, but please do so in a respectful and constructive manner. It is never okay to verbally assault someone whether they be a writer, producer, director, actor, or network executive. This kind of behavior is nothing short of harassment and bullying, which goes against everything our fanbase should stand for. Weâre better than that, guys.
If you havenât already, I encourage you to read Dos Santosâ thoughtful apology letter to the fans. Him and his team made mistakes in how they handled things, but they are allies and theyâre trying. That should mean something.
Now letâs look at the bigger picture. We have a main character in a childrenâs show who is a gay Japanese man. He is an amputee, a soldier with PTSD, and a sufferer of an invisible illness. He is also incredibly brave, undeniably badass and extraordinarily kind. We may not get to see him being affectionate with another man, but that doesnât make him any less gay.
This powerhouse of a character belongs to the LGBTQ community. I for one think thatâs pretty awesome.
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