By Katrina Custardo
Inclusiveness is becoming very important for shows and movies to portray. In “Doctor Who,” for instance, the Doctor’s new companion, Bill, has been revealed as gay. This is a step in the right direction for this (pretty) mainstream show.However, I was kind of sad that they told us she was going to be gay rather than letting us, the fans, watch the show and realize it. It made me wonder why the show runners felt they needed to say that Bill is gay rather than just showing it during the new season.
There isn’t really a backlash to this revelation, and I would know, because I follow quite a lot of “Doctor Who” blogs and groups on social media. That could be because “Doctor Who” originates in the UK, and the UK tends to be more accepting than here in the States. But I’m really happy that the show runners created a character who will (hopefully) be funny, dynamic, brave, and a great companion to the Doctor.
Another important milestone that the “Doctor Who” news reminded me of is Beauty and the Beast. However, this movie definitely got backlash. When Lefou was revealed as gay, people refused to go see it, and a movie theater in Alabama even refused to show it. Though, it had no problem with a girl falling in love with an animal (I mean, as long as it’s straight, right?).
But all joking aside, the backlash to inclusiveness is ridiculous. We are now a society of acceptance (for the most part), and kids should have the opportunity to be exposed to the different people they will meet in their lives. Anti-LGBTQ people who want to shelter their kids from this movie are harming their kids’ future. The world is changing and growing more accepting. Catch up. Besides, Beauty and the Beast was an incredibly fun movie, and I felt like a 6-year-old again when I watched it.
I am very excited to see the new season of “Doctor Who.” After waiting for a year for a new season (thanks Moffat), Bill is exactly who “Doctor Who” needs. She is a breath of fresh air for the 12th Doctor, and I cannot wait to sit down Saturday nights and travel through time and space. I am excited to see what Bill’s actress, Pearl Mackie, brings to “Doctor Who.”
I really do hope that there will be absolutely zero backlash on Bill. Backlash over inclusiveness in movies and TV shows is tiring to see and hear about. If anti-LGBTQ people are really that upset over it, go to your “safe space” and stay there. Let the world move past your bigotry and hatred. The rest of us are ready and excited.
