No One Thinks I’m Queer

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From the start, it’s been apparent that this series holds a modern perspective on sexuality. In the first season alone, we witnessed the enchanting romance between Bill and Frank, as well as the heart-wrenching events of Ellie’s initial date with Riley. Now, Ellie is in a new relationship with Dina, who is just beginning to explore her own sexuality.

In the episode, Dina reveals that she had confessed her bisexuality to her mother at a younger age, but her mother wasn’t supportive. Instead, she insisted, “You like boys.” This left Dina in a state of confusion, unable to fully express herself. This predicament led her to the companionship of their friend Jesse, and now she’s expecting his child. Upon hearing this news, Ellie excitedly declares, “I’m going to be a dad!

The episode was beneficial for actress Isabela Merced, who identifies as queer herself. Craig [Mazin, showrunner] may not be part of the LGBTQ+ community, but being queer himself, he could empathize with Dina’s character. “I don’t think it’s so straightforward,” Merced stated. “For Dina, it was crucial to portray her internal struggle, while Ellie is more confident about her identity. Ellie has always been certain of it. In this world where Pride and the LGBTQ+ community are non-existent, she’s navigating without a compass or guidance. She might not even know the term bisexual. There aren’t any labels here.

As they didn’t recognize the colorful banners symbolizing LGBTQ+ Pride, the two women were oblivious to their significance. Reflecting on this, Merced mused, “Without a clear understanding of what these flags represent, I can’t tell if she even considers it an option, and that’s quite intriguing.

In addition to her comments, Merced also spoke about the touching moment between Ellie and the character portrayed as “dad”. Interestingly, Ellie’s real father is Joel. However, the line was delivered in a particularly endearing manner, with the words, “It’s so sweet.” She further explained that she wanted Dina to be slightly anxious about what Ellie might reveal, but Ellie, being her usual self, quickly dispels any apprehension or uncertainty and wholeheartedly accepts this new piece of information.

In the world they inhabit, there’s no guarantee everything will be positive. As Merced puts it, “From what I’ve observed among those who reproduce, they all tend to transform into individuals who no longer live solely for themselves.” In a post-apocalyptic environment, it’s hard to fathom how much more intense this could become and how terrifying it might feel. Consequently, someone may resort to fearful actions in order to safeguard their own possessions.

Merced Is Thrilled At The Show’s Queer Representation

Merced shared her views on the episode as well. When they inquired about her feelings towards queer representation, she expressed delight. ” frankly, it’s fantastic! It’s refreshing that people don’t assume I’m queer, which is alright by me. I couldn’t care less. As an actor, I have the ability to portray any character, after all? Yet, for it to hold such personal significance is wonderful and significant.

She continued, “I often reflect on people from my small town who might not recognize this side of me as they get to know me better. They’re seeing a larger-than-life version of me, understanding me more deeply, and truly appreciating it. It makes me think about someone similar to myself: Raised Catholic, suppressing feelings, aspiring to be an actor. Believe it or not, there are many such individuals in Ohio… Yes, or simply across the Midwest. That thought, for me, is incredibly powerful and amazing.

Merced shared how her bond with Bella Ramsey noticeably influenced their filming, stating, “That day, everything seemed incredibly intimate, even during shooting. Bella and I were simply so at ease with one another. Furthermore, we both have backgrounds in queer relationships. It’s almost intuitive when someone hasn’t kissed a girl before, you can just sense it. As a result, we were already comfortable, allowing us to delve deeper. We even incorporated some kisses that weren’t originally scripted and added moments based on our comfort with each other.

Dina’s role in Ellie’s life will be a major part of the season, , going forward.

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2025-05-05 22:09