The Beyond the Binary exhibition brings together the diverse perspectives of LGBTQ+ researchers, artists and community activists to create space for self-representation in the museum.
Rebecca Colmer (Beyond the Binary community curator) explores how pop culture figures are being claimed as queer icons.
Reclaiming representation: Queer fan art
Various laws regarding the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality have historically made it difficult for LGTBQ+ individuals to be easily depicted in the media. In 1999, the popular US tv series Buffy The Vampire Slayer used the practising of witchcraft as a metaphor for same sex love and since then, many other characters affiliated with magic have been adopted as LGTBQ+ icons. Gradually, the loosening of restrictions has resulted in an increase of LGTBQ+ characters in the media but the fight for representation (particularly of disabled characters and characters of Colour) is on-going. Fans continue to remedy this by creating content of their own.
Here are some examples to look at, if you follow the links:
@misstikaart-blog reimagines Zelda and Miranda from The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in a passionate embrace.
Image by @witchxboyx using the pentagram symbol often associated with pagan witchcraft and the text ‘Trans Witch’.
@Annie May reimagines Hecate Hardbroom and Pippa Pentangle from The Worst Witch, stylishly dressed and sharing an intimate kiss.
Rebecca Colmer (Beyond the Binary community curator)
