Meta: Softly, Softly: The BBC's LGB Research Commission and Sherlock
Softly, Softly: The BBC’s 2009 LGB Research Commission and The Johnlock Conspiracy by loudest-subtext-in-television
This is a bit of an odd rec for me today, because in the past I have steered clear of fandom-related recs for this list. However, I feel like anyone interested in queer representation in the media might be interested in the following meta, so I'm taking a chance and giving it a rec...I found it fascinating far above and beyond any implications for the specific show it was written for: Sherlock.
Just two weeks ago, Sherlock fandom's meta-author extraordinaire, loudest-subtext-in-television, posted this fascinating meta based on a research study conducted by the BBC about LGB representation in their shows. The meta is titled Softly, Softly: The BBC’s 2009 LGB Research Commission and The Johnlock Conspiracy and is available on L-S-i-T's tumblr. She links to the original study data, so I will too if you'd rather skip all of her Sherlock/John analysis and just see what the BBC thinks, but it is really fun to read her joyous fandom thoughts along with the data and research.
Of the many elements of the study I found intriguing, one I keep thinking about is the idea that the BBC is intentionally trying to help heterosexuals who are uncomfortable with portrayals of LGB characters feel more comfortable and become more open minded by the way they introduce queer characters in their shows. It's actually a part of their research and plan. Fascinating.
I found this meta and this research study to be full of hope for positive, interesting, and complex representation of LGB characters in the media, with the BBC leading the way...fingers crossed.
NOTE: For anyone who tries this meta and is not at all involved in Sherlock fandom- TJLC is the acronym for The Johnlock Conspiracy, which is a fan theory that an on-screen romantic relationship between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson has been planned since the beginning of the series and will actually happen on the show. L-S-i-T is one of the chief meta writers in this area. If you are intrigued by the idea of TJLC, the rest of her meta list is amazing reading as well, full of detailed subtextual queer readings of the entire series that are truly impressive, thought-provoking, and fun to ponder.
This is a bit of an odd rec for me today, because in the past I have steered clear of fandom-related recs for this list. However, I feel like anyone interested in queer representation in the media might be interested in the following meta, so I'm taking a chance and giving it a rec...I found it fascinating far above and beyond any implications for the specific show it was written for: Sherlock.
Just two weeks ago, Sherlock fandom's meta-author extraordinaire, loudest-subtext-in-television, posted this fascinating meta based on a research study conducted by the BBC about LGB representation in their shows. The meta is titled Softly, Softly: The BBC’s 2009 LGB Research Commission and The Johnlock Conspiracy and is available on L-S-i-T's tumblr. She links to the original study data, so I will too if you'd rather skip all of her Sherlock/John analysis and just see what the BBC thinks, but it is really fun to read her joyous fandom thoughts along with the data and research.
Of the many elements of the study I found intriguing, one I keep thinking about is the idea that the BBC is intentionally trying to help heterosexuals who are uncomfortable with portrayals of LGB characters feel more comfortable and become more open minded by the way they introduce queer characters in their shows. It's actually a part of their research and plan. Fascinating.
I found this meta and this research study to be full of hope for positive, interesting, and complex representation of LGB characters in the media, with the BBC leading the way...fingers crossed.
NOTE: For anyone who tries this meta and is not at all involved in Sherlock fandom- TJLC is the acronym for The Johnlock Conspiracy, which is a fan theory that an on-screen romantic relationship between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson has been planned since the beginning of the series and will actually happen on the show. L-S-i-T is one of the chief meta writers in this area. If you are intrigued by the idea of TJLC, the rest of her meta list is amazing reading as well, full of detailed subtextual queer readings of the entire series that are truly impressive, thought-provoking, and fun to ponder.