LGBTQIA representation in The Walking Dead Universe at large

LGBTQIA representation in The Walking Dead, Fear TWD and World Beyond

The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead both have fairly good representation, but our panelists were divided on which shows have better overall representation. However, most of our panelists are excited to see how The Walking Dead will continue to include LGBTQIA narratives in the universe with the premiere of The Walking Dead: World Beyond later this year.

When it comes to comparing LGBTQIA coverage in genre TV it’s difficult to rate one show over another because deciding what makes for good representation isn’t something that can be done based just on data like the number of LGBTQIA characters. The diversity of the characters, their story development, and their longevity on the shows all play roles in the overall perception of the representation on that show.

Since World Beyond hasn’t premiered yet our panel’s comparison of LGBTQIA representation has to be solely between The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead. In the upcoming season 6 of Fear The Walking Dead the survivors’ world is going to get a lot bigger as they get a look at the network that Ginny has been building, so it’s highly likely that there will be more LGBTQIA characters joining the show as the narrative expands.

Which show has better representation? Here’s what our panelists thought:

Part Two Of Our Panel On LGBTQIA Representation In The Walking Dead

Which of TWD universe shows do you think has the best LGBTQIA representation?

Sonya says:

"I think that Fear The Walking Dead has the best LGBTQIA representation so far. While there have been more LGBTQIA characters on The Walking Dead than on Fear I think that the LGBTQIA characters on Fear have stories that are better integrated into the overall story. I also feel like there’s a larger representation of diversity in general on FearTWD.The way that LGBTQIA stories are presented is just as important as the number of and diversity of LGBTQIA characters and I think it’s a shame that on The Walking Dead Tara never had a girlfriend for more than one or two episodes, Jesus never had a boyfriend in his entire journey on the show although it was implied that he and Aaron possibly were together, and Magna and Yumiko have now broken up. It would be nice to see one of the core relationships on the show be a lasting same-sex relationship between characters that aren’t two white CIS men."

Joe says:

"As someone who only really focuses on the main show, by default I would have to say The Walking Dead handles LGBTQ+ representation the best. That is not to say, however, that they handle it perfectly because there is certainly still work to be done. With that being said, I look forward to seeing how World Beyond handles LGBTQ+ representation. Given the big push for inclusion behind the scenes, it seems likely that the show will do a great job providing LGTBQ+ representation when it launches later this year."

Sara says:

"I want to start by saying they all do an amazing job. Even though we haven’t had to opportunity to see The Walking Dead: World Beyond yet, they’ve told fans about Felix who was kicked out of his home for being gay. Fear has also done an amazing job, Strand is one of my favorite characters in this entire universe. However, The Walking Dead pioneered this for the other two so to me it’s the winner in this category. I remember when Aaron first kissed Eric and the total outrage that happened where I lived, as it is a very close-minded area. People dropped the show over that and said disgusting things about it. Yet The Walking Dead not only didn’t care about those people but gave us, even more, LGBTQIA+ content."

Dawn says:

"I would say Fear, as they feel like they are exploring a greater scope of sexuality issues than TWD at this point. It also feels as though their romantic relationships are more forefront than in TWD, although that may be because Fear seems to focus more on those relationships than TWD in general."

Which show do you think has the best representation TWDFamily? Join the conversation and follow us on Twitter: @SonyaIryna, @Labrosse_Joe, @MamaDeadHead,  @DawnGlen2 and @UndeadWalkingFS