Feb 25 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

When finding LGBTQ+ references in fiction was an impossible mission: growing up before the Netflix era

The article discusses the historical lack of LGBTQ+ representation in fiction before the proliferation of streaming platforms like Netflix, highlighting the release of the series 'Más que rivales' as a significant development in this area.

The article reflects on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in finding relatable representation in fiction before the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix. It specifically notes how adolescents used to stealthily seek out shows by sharing episodes through Google Drive links, highlighting the scarcity of content that accurately reflected their experiences. The piece stresses that for many years, the absence of LGBTQ+ narratives left young people without the ability to identify with their stories in mainstream media.

With the inception of ‘Más que rivales’, a new Canadian series about two secretly in-love hockey players, significant progress seems to have been made. Released on Movistar Plus+ on February 5, the show has already become a global phenomenon since its initial launch on November 28. Although it arrived later in Spain, it has been well received and is praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, marking a shift in the accessibility of relatable content for young audiences. The article argues that this series is poised to become a new benchmark for LGBTQ+ representation in fiction.

The narrative closes by emphasizing the importance of platforms like Netflix in transforming media consumption and inclusivity. The wider availability of diverse storytelling means that today's youth may grow up with access to characters and plots that resonate more closely with their identities, contrasting with the experiences of earlier generations who often felt isolated and misrepresented in the media. This evolution underscores the critical need for ongoing representation in contemporary storytelling, particularly in light of societal changes and the demand for more nuanced characters.

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