Entertainment

The Regency era, often depicted as a time of rigid social constraints, was surprisingly home to a vibrant, if hidden, queer subculture. As Netflix’s Bridgerton continues to captivate audiences with its lavish costumes and romantic entanglements, a growing question lingers: is the series finally poised to meaningfully represent LGBTQ+ stories, moving beyond hints and allusions?

Even as Bridgerton has garnered praise for its color-conscious casting, its exploration of queer identities has, until recently, felt limited. The second Bridgerton son, Benedict, has been subtly portrayed as bisexual, with his attraction extending to both men and women. However, this aspect of his character has largely remained unexplored. The show’s potential for queer representation is now a focal point as it navigates the complexities of its source material and evolving audience expectations.

The Regency Era: More Queer Than History Books Suggest

The historical context surrounding LGBTQ+ lives during the Regency period (roughly 1811-1820) was fraught with legal and social challenges. Homosexual acts between men were criminalized under the Buggery Act of 1533, carrying a potential death sentence – a law that wasn’t repealed until 1861. However, despite these legal risks, queer lives flourished. Landowner and diarist Anne Lister, often described as “the first modern lesbian,” documented her relationships and experiences in coded journals during this very era. In 1813, the year the first season of Bridgerton is set, Lister was in her 20s and concluding a relationship with Eliza Raine.

Beyond individual stories, queer communities existed in spaces like the “Molly Houses” of London, offering safe havens for LGBTQ+ individuals to socialize and challenge societal norms. Even within the aristocracy, examples of unconventional relationships existed. Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, known as the ‘Ladies of Llangollen,’ lived together in Wales, and were even granted a royal pension by Queen Charlotte, demonstrating a degree of acceptance, or at least tolerance, at the highest levels of society.

Benedict’s Bisexuality and the Fandom’s Desire for Representation

In season one, Benedict’s encounter with gay artist Sir Henry Granville, who advises him that “It takes courage to live outside the traditional expectations of the society,” sparked initial interest in his sexuality. This was further fueled by his later exploration of sexual freedom in season three. However, many fans believe the show has been slow to fully develop this storyline.

The desire for greater queer representation extends to other characters as well. Eloise Bridgerton, known for her independent spirit and rejection of conventional expectations, has become a focal point for fan speculation. Many viewers “ship” (a fandom term for supporting a romantic pairing) Eloise with her best friend Penelope Featherington (“Peneloise”) or Cressida Cowper (“Creloise”), hoping to see a queer romance unfold. This phenomenon highlights the power of fandom to reimagine narratives and fill gaps in representation, often through fan fiction and artwork.

A Shift in Showrunning and a Gender-Swapped Love Interest

With Jess Brownlow taking over as showrunner for seasons three and four, there’s a sense of cautious optimism among fans. Brownlow has stated her commitment to “foreground queer love and to share queer stories,” signaling a potential shift in the show’s approach to LGBTQ+ representation.

Season three introduced Francesca Bridgerton’s marriage to John Stirling, and with it, John’s cousin Michaela. This introduction has been met with both intrigue and criticism, as the character was originally male (Michael) in the novels and is destined to marry Francesca after John’s death. The gender swap has left audiences questioning the direction of the storyline and whether it will lead to genuine queer representation or fall into the trap of “queerbaiting” – hinting at LGBTQ+ storylines without delivering on them.

Brownlow has confirmed that Benedict is bisexual, noting that “just because someone might end up in a heterosexual-presenting relationship, that does not negate their queerness.” She added that Benedict’s queerness “will always be a piece of his identity.”

What’s Next for Bridgerton and its Queer Characters?

While a definitive queer romance remains elusive, the show’s willingness to explore these themes, even tentatively, is a step in the right direction. Whether Bridgerton will fully embrace its potential for queer storytelling remains to be seen, but the groundwork has been laid for a more inclusive and representative future. The upcoming episodes of season four will be crucial in determining whether the show can deliver on its promises and provide the LGBTQ+ representation that fans have been eagerly awaiting.

What are your thoughts on the potential for queer romance in Bridgerton? Share your opinions in the comments below!