Okay, I’ve been deep diving in the RotE fandom for the past couple of days, because I’ve once again started reading the books, and I’ve noticed something that leaves me a little perplexed. (Spoilers ahead)
There seems to be an implicit convergence of thought in the fandom that Beloved is a man? And as such, that Fitz and him eventually constitute a male gay couple?
I’ve never read any commentary by Robin Hobb or anything, so maybe she’s made it clear somewhere on the net, but in the books, it’s heavily insisted upon that we do not know Beloved’s gender. And they systematically refuse to answer the question.
So sure, in the books, Fitz uses the pronouns he/his/him to talk about them, because they’re King Shrewd’s Fool and they present as male. And clearly, transphobia, as much as homophobia, is a heavy subtext of the books.
I am just surprised to see so many people defending the queerness of their couple, going to bat for them, and yet no one raising that subject, and everyone assuming Beloved is a “he”.
He did spend a good deal of time as Amber, and he seemed very comfortable in that position too. Maybe even more than the Fool or Lord Golden.
So, I wonder. Have I missed something? If someone can light up my lantern for me, please.
Edit: I am not questioning whether their relationship is queer, since evidently I was not clear enough in my post. They’re queer AF, no matter Beloved’s gender, no matter Fitz’s views on the matter.