A Fan Theory on Garak
FAO: @queertrekheadcanons and @tinsnip etc.
This is kind of two theories actually. Hypothesised by my wife and I while watching DS9.
I'm firmly of the opinion Garak is gay (he’s also quite camp but those two things aren’t necessarily linked). A combination of his reactions to and actions towards Doctor Bashir (who I’m convinced is bi but that’s another post, in fact I’m pretty sure Bashir and Garak have had sex before, on a lunch friends with benefits kind of way). His reaction to Ziyal, I think comes from his lack of attraction toward women (perhaps the age difference, I don’t know). Its also possible his estrangement from his father and perhaps even his exile from Cardassia. Enabran Tain was quite a traditional Cardassian. Very homophobic by 24th (and a lot of 21st) century human standards. He didn't want people in Cardassian society to find out that not only was one of the best agents in the Obsidian Order was his son, but he was gay too. So Tain arranged a situation that would lead to Garak’s exile from the Cardassia Union. It might not have been the only reason but it was a factor.
A second theory suggests Garak might be transmale (and maybe also gay). This has less (if any) evidence but I see it as an interesting narrative/perspective of the idea that he was presenting/living as female in the strict and possibly transphobic Cardassian society (given they’re kinda Space Lizard Nazis) as an agent of the Obsidian order. When he was finally exiled, again possibly simply for being trans by his father, afraid of Garak being revealed to be his son. Once free (albeit exiled) he may have used this opportunity to transition (socially and possibly medically) and “present” (For want of better way of phrasing it) as male. Taking some little solace in finally being able to do this albeit far away from his home. The one thing that I think plays into it is in “In Purgatory’s Shadow” when Tain says “You’re not my son” is because in his mind and world view Garak is still his daughter. That’s my thoughts anyway.
tl;dr My headcanon is Garak is a gay transman.
As always, feel free to correct my priveliged cis (And very recently come to terms with my own sexuality) arse on wording or terms. I may have put my foot in it while writing.
