Thread by @DrSamiSchalk

Thread: I know it’s a small thing, but I just watched the new episode of @GreysABC where a patient character uses they/them #pronouns & Richard (@JamesPickensJR) struggles with it initially. While Jackson (@iJesseWilliams) doesn’t because, #WokeBae, duh.

popculture.com/tv-shows/2019/…

I know that for some viewers, this may have been their first introduction to #genderqueer & #nonbinary people or the concept of asking someone’s pronouns. It’s been happening in #queer & #feminist spaces for years. But this is mainstream. Majorly mainstream.

And for many genderqueer & non-binary folks, this may be the first time they’ve seen part of their experience represented on screen outside of smaller stage media*

*Note: The incredible @OneDayAtATime has a non-binary teen character (@Sheridanpierce) who has a large role in the latest season. @netflix slept on this amazing show & I hope some place like @hulu picks it up. I love that show. Ok, back to Grey’s...

So this episode of Grey’s feels important to me. It’s a sign of shifts in our culture. @shondarhimes & her @byshondaland crew have always aimed for diverse casts with complex characters from marginalized groups & this is a continuation. (FWIW @IamSandraOh’s Yang is the GOAT IMO)

The show has strong female (often WOC) leads, disabled characters of multiple genders & races, including those with mental disabilities & addiction, as well as one recurring but not yet major trans character (@alexbluedavis) whom I would love to see given more space & depth.

So this little inclusion of they/them pronouns in a show that has consistently brought marginalized characters & stories to a massive mainstream audience? Yea, it matters. And it made me happy. Thanks @GreysABC.

#GreysAnatomy #RepresentationMatters #TheyThem #QueerCharacters #Diversity #CulturalStudies #MediaStudies #PopCultureStudies