I wish more actors discussed how culturally ideas around gender impact how they perform and how they’re are perceived, not just by audiences but the people who call the shots in the industry. It would serve them as performers and the rest of us as an audience.

He succeeds because he respects the women he works with, not just as people and performers, but in the case of Erivo and Grande, as the leads.

He exudes a level of confidence and comfort wherever he is in the scene, even if it’s not standing center of attention.

He’s a partner not a competitor.

Bailey’s response revealed how he is able to be masculinity in certain roles and scenes (costar in a Romance and secondary character love interest in a fantasy) where other actors would struggle. Because of their own limited notions of masculinity and the cultural expectations of men in general.

I don’t think people give actors, especially ones like Corenswet, who have studied the art on a technical level, credit that they are very aware that gender is in fact a performance and one they have to do effectively as part of their job.

😘😘😘

The sexual tension and angst of a forbidden relationship are very old and popular dynamics in the Romance genre.

Heated Rivalry is expanding and humanizing what that means for a queer relationship. Showing that who we love can be an integral part of who we are, not just a sexy source of conflict.

I especially loved that we got to see that Kip, who is out, has close relationship with his dad and a circle of friends.

It’s a huge contrast to not only Scott, but Ilya and Shane who social circles are intertwined with Hockey thus preventing them any true close, intimate relationships beyond sex.

I’m just doing my part. 🫡