Musicals have often explored the idea that sexuality is a spectrum rather than a binary
Many people believe that sexuality is either/or - you are either gay or straight.
This is not always the case. Some individuals identify as bisexual or pansexual, meaning they can be attracted to multiple genders. Others may experience changes in their attraction throughout their lives, leading them to identify as queer or questioning. This fluidity has been represented through various musicals that feature LGBTQ+ characters.
The Color Purple
The 2015 revival of "The Color Purple" features a character named Celie who falls in love with Shug Avery, another woman, after being abused by her husband. While Celie's initial reaction is disgust, she eventually embraces her feelings for Shug, leading to an intimate relationship between the two women. This shows how one person's sexual orientation can change over time, which is reflected in real life.
Rent
In "Rent," one of the main characters, Angel, is HIV positive and dies from the disease during the show. Before his death, he expresses his desire to transition into a man and live authentically, revealing that he was assigned female at birth but felt more comfortable presenting himself as male. This highlights the fact that gender identity does not always align with biological sex.
Fun Home
Fun Home is based on the true story of Alison Bechdel and her father, Bruce Bechdel. In it, Alison comes out as lesbian while also struggling with her identity as a child and young adult. The play explores the idea that sexuality is complex and multifaceted, as well as the challenges of coming out to family members.
Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, who takes over his father's shoe factory when it faces bankruptcy. He partners with Lola, a drag queen, to create kinky boots for men, which leads to both personal and professional growth for him. The show demonstrates that love and attraction are not limited to binary genders or traditional societal roles.
Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton is depicted as bisexual in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical "Hamilton." While there is no evidence to support this claim historically, the portrayal shows how people can be attracted to multiple genders throughout their lives. It also reflects the reality that one's sexual orientation may change over time.
Les Misérables
In Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables," Eponine is a character who experiences unrequited love for Marius and later falls in love with Cosette. Her feelings for each man are presented as genuine and real, showing that sexual orientation is influenced by emotional connections rather than gender. This is reflected in the musical adaptation of the book, where Eponine is played by a woman.
How do musicals represent the fluidity of sexual orientation and identity?
Musicals have been known to depict the fluidity of sexual orientation and identity by featuring characters that are not heteronormative but instead exhibit queer identities through their actions, dialogue, costumes, songs, etc. One example is "Rent," which has several LGBTQ+ characters who express themselves freely without being stereotyped. The show's theme centers on overcoming prejudice and embracing individuality while celebrating love in all its forms.