I agree, Moffat's shows lack proper respectful represenations where his characters independently act out their agency. Moffat’s greatest problems is speaking through his characters rather than letting them speak for themselves. But we also shouldn’t fall into a trap of demanding proof of one’s sexuality if character has labeled themselves certain way. We can demand more representation of sexuality, we can critique lack of visibility of it, or poor portrayal of it, but not erase, or not accept it
The problem is, that the characters never label themselves (except Irene and that was to say she was gay before falling in love with Sherlock which is extremely problematic. The 'signs' she showed were signs of lust, not love, with the dilated pupils and increased heart rate. Gay women falling in love with men is a problematic trope in media and is, in and of itself, erasure). Moffat said River was bisexual, but there was no concrete proof of that in the show. Moffat said Sherlock isn't asexual nor homosexual (he said if he was, he wouldn't fall in love with John), despite the indications that he could be.
The characters never label themselves and there's no proof. No one's erasing anything because there's nothing to erase at the moment (except Irene's sexuality, which was erased by Moffat and also fans who say she's bisexual despite her saying she's gay).
There seems to be a misunderstanding between us and everyone here. We're not saying that a character has to come out and make out with someone on screen to show their sexuality. We're not saying that coming out of the closet in real life is necessary. We're saying that representation can only happen if there is concrete indications of the character's sexuality on the show. Subtext and hints are bordering on queerbaiting, and that's not representation either. It's a carrot in queer people's faces, showing them that their sexuality isn't important enough to show properly on screen. Media reflects real life, but without knowing about a character through dialogue or narrative, then we're only left with speculation, which isn't canon.
- SH
