#Rowan Ellis

[rowanellis]

The Unstoppable Rise of Sapphic Pop

this video essay is a love letter to 2000 years of lesbian, bi, and queer musicians - from this chappel roan-filled summer of "lesbian renaissance" to the OG lesbian sappho's lyrical poetry!

watch here!

[tangents-within-tangents]

Local Ace overthinks headcanon and shipping culture

Happy ace week, my friends! Imma be posting some aspec hc's this week so I felt the need to overexplain my personal stance on orientation headcanons and such

To start, as with any and all fandom things: to each their own. People can do whatever they want, and (for the most part) I can choose what I do or don't engage with. I know that hc and shipping and stuff is mostly for fun, or for seeking/creating representation, no hate to anyone who does it and enjoys it.

But also sometimes things can be problematic and I can still be bothered by those things. Even things that are 'just for fun' or 'not for you' can impact and reflect our views and behaviors, so it's still worth speaking about.

Aro/ace-spec identities are really diverse and complex, and we're really underrepresented as is. We have historically and chronically been plagued by problematic misconceptions and tropes, both in canon representation (or lack thereof) and fanon mindsets. Some of the main issues to be aware of with this topic specifically:

The majority of (sometimes unintentional) representation being non-human characters (like aliens and robots) implying that sex/romance = humanity and/or a fulfilling life. (Here's some video essays that touch on this: X X)

Related stereotype issues like racist or ableist de-sexualization and infantilization of certain groups like Asian men, physically disabled people, or people with autism. (It's an intersectionality thing bc yes those people can be aro/ace as well but it's still complicated) (more video essays! X X)

Common erasure of historically aspec characters in favor of allo plotlines bc that's "more interesting/realistic". Or ignoring canonically established aspec characters in favor of allo shipping (often excused by the fact that some aro/ace people do have sex/relationships, which is true but the complexities and nuances are often ignored and there's lots of double standards) (Here's some posts that touch on this: X X X)

Amatonormativity's over emphasis on sex/romance as a fundamental and necessary part of life, which is often reflected in how media and shipping culture are generally allo-centric, and it can just get pretty pervasive at times (note: we aren't a monolith obv, some aro/ace people enjoy it and participate too, but others don't and it is hard to avoid) X X

So while I know there's lots of reasons for shipping and headcanoning, and for the most part there's nothing wrong with it and people aren't trying to do these things, there are still issues that exist. Honestly seeing posts talking about these things has been really validating for me bc it let me know like yeah this is a problem other's have noticed too and I don't have to just accept it.

So with respect and awareness of nuance, ship and headcanon however you want. The rest of this post is about my own personal preferences and such. I'm not necessarily trying to persuade anyone here, I just have some thoughts I want to put into words:

For me personally, when it comes to characters' sexualities/gender identities/etc, I prefer just to stick to whatever is established in canon (or in confirmed intentional coding), and, if nothing is specified, headcanons that are based in canon evidence (more like theories I guess, as opposed to reimaginings or straight-up projection that knowingly ignores parts of canon. Which is fine and fun if that's what you like but to me there is a distinction). This is because:

1: While fandom culture is all about freedom and creativity, I do think it's important in this day and age to recognize actual canon representation and strive towards that because that is what will reach more people and have impact (and personally I think that writers' intentions should actually be given more thought/value)

2: I think that shipping/hc/fandom culture in general tends to perpetuate amatonormativity (specifically in devaluing/erasing friendship and non-romantic love), and sometimes leads to harmful parasocial queer speculation in real life (though again, I know that's not the intention but it's still a thing).

3: Generally, unless it’s explored as a part of a reimagined fic or something, just saying a random character is aspec (or whatever identity) when they did not present that way at all in the actual media doesn't really help me feel seen.

For example, I've seen a lot of people headcanon Mabel Pines as aromantic and that really threw me off bc in the show she is obsessed with romance. Like if other's see themselves in her that is great I won't stop you (the idea is that her crushes are comphet, which is not something I personally struggled with, and maybe I could see it if I rewatched the show with that in mind) but when I watched the show, I specifically did not connect with or relate to Mabel BECAUSE of my ace identity (yeah this post was mainly about her lol) so it just doesn't do much for me to claim her as aspec, in fact it feels counterproductive.

Sometimes it can feel really tacked on too, like 'well it's not confirmed that this character has sex so they could be ace', or 'some ace people do have sex so they can still be ace.' And like sure yes they could be but often it's like a kid show or something so none of the characters' sex lives are relevant or explicitly confirmed. Just bc they aren't not ace doesn't mean that they are, or that saying they are is meaningful if the character/story doesn't actually speak to anything related to the ace identity or experience. (This can happen with canon characters too, like Sponge Bob being asexual means absolutely nothing to me, especially since I get the sense that the creator said that more in a 'sea sponges reproduce asexually' type of way :/ )

So basically, in terms of representation I prefer the theory/interpretation type of headcanons that have supporting evidence of some kind, because that evidence is what makes me see myself in a character and feel represented in some way by them. So that's the type of headcanons I'll be posting, and that's why I'll be discussing evidence and explanations, even though I know plenty of people have fun and find value in just claiming identities without any of that.

Another thing I feel the need to overexplain is kinda the reverse of that. I think it's important to recognize that a character does not have to be a certain identity for you to see yourself in them. Like that sense of relatability and representation is still valid even if they aren't, and I think it's good to leave space for that ambiguity.

This is coming mostly from the fact that I have always valued platonic relationships (between any and all genders) long before I ever knew I was ace. I've always wished that was better normalized and represented in media and real life. I think that is just as important as queer representation, and sometimes they can counteract each other.

Like yes Min and Ryan could be gay and if that's what the writers were going for despite restrictions, or if people see themselves in that, great! But I would also love for this story to give a close friendship this much narrative value for once.

Merida does not HAVE to be aro/ace (or lesbian) to not want to be forced into marriage with a stranger at the age of 16 (in fact she specially says "I'm not ready" and "not yet"). But regardless, aspects of her story are still really relatable to us and applicable to living in amatonormative society.

Mako and/or Raleigh do not NEED to be aspec for this glorious refreshing no-romo moment to happen (nor does one need to be aspec to appreciate it)

And maybe claiming them as aro/ace could even undercut the power of this platonic bond (like saying the only way they could not be interested in each other is if they are not interested in anyone (same if you said they are gay, as if that's the only possible way for a man and woman not to be attracted to each other)). But it's still a moment lots of us aspecs love because platonic relationships AND aro/ace characters do go hand in hand and BOTH are so rarely portrayed in media.

So these ideas also play into my preferences, and I want to acknowledge that my headcanons don't have to be definitive (which like I know that is normal amongst fandom culture anyway) but are more about pointing out aspects we can see ourselves in and relate to, especially in a media landscape that is so lacking in representation and understanding of our identities.

[ace-beast]

I’m sure this will be passed around and shared here in the oncoming weeks, but this is an EXCELLENT discussion/essay.

I got here after the first huge surge of “discourse” so I’m not traumatized by the discussion of it, but for others, I think she does a great job of going over it all from a factual, historical standpoint that isn’t too triggering. Worth a watch whether you were a part of that or not.

[lilfrogfella]

the hbomberguy reddit has a collection of not only other creators james might have/probably had stolen from, but a bunch of other queer creators who don't disguise their transmisogyny, biphobia, aphobia, racism and blatant sexism behind a thin veneer of activism

rowan ellis made a tiktok about being a potential victim. i'm sure there are so so many other creators who woke up to being notified their work was potentially stolen to prop up someone who made more in a month then some creators make in a year.

and what truly breaks my heart is that there are so many publications and creators who have either passed or not interact with the internet entirely who will never know their work was stolen, and i know this has been repeated over and over, but i honestly don't care if i'm the thousandth to say this. the horror and shock is overwhelming.

but seriously! go check out all these amazing creators highlighted - not just those at the end of the video but those on the reddit page as well!

[somfte]

Just a reminder that this lovely video exists. From the description:

A video essay about how Black Sails, a show about queer pirates and revolutionaries, became the most underrated series of the decade - and Game of Thrones became a mess. Let's talk LGBT representation, battling colonialism, and the problem with adaptations.

[cryptid-catnip]

Ask someone like this their opinion on trans women and they immediately start shaking

[pluggedintosaverockandroll]

favorite video essays pt 3

The Apathy of Time

the lifestyle influencer paradox ("so busy" … running errands?) | Internet Analysis

Grading is a Scam (and Motivation is a Myth) | A Professor Explains

Where Do The Quiet Gays Go? Parties, Protests, and the Queer Community

The Commodification of Cinema

on booktok, anti-intellectualism & why it's ok to criticise books

The Gruesome History of Real Life Vampire Hunting

Venom Is Queer: A Film Analysis

Watching Horror Makes You A Better Person

why women's pockets are useless

part 1 | part 2

[rubadubdub3nunsinatub]

Wake up Outlander girlies Rowan Ellis mentions Outlander specifically Black Jack Randell and his Bisexuality in her new video 'queer villains and the death of media literacy' go watch!

tldr; Randell is a pure villain, rage and violent pleasure, violates our two hetero MCs, queerness as a weapon, danger to society as a colonial figure, standing up to him = maintain the status quo of heterosexuality,

Really interesting take and I wish there was more, she doesn't mention LJG but its not all about Outlander so I cant be too mad. Add these thoughts to our collective queer reading of Outlander

[asthedeathoflight]

Quick everyone who has ever complained that The Purge is unrealistic because it assumes people are evil go watch this video. Its almost like "but people arent inherently evil, most crime is economically driven" is... The point... Of the movie...

[spiffytophat]

Woohoo! What a great video to get out just in time for the end of pride month. Amazing discussion on gatekeeping within the ace community that has given me tons of thoughts that I will likely never write down. Worth the watch if you have an hour to spare.

[rowanellis]

✨ a deep dive into the queer witch obsession ✨

From Agatha to Owl House, Willow to Wicked - the rise of the queer witch on our screens has been a long time coming... but what about this trope is resonating so much?

Watch here to find out!

[queer-literature-polls]

Have you read this queer book?

Reason: It contains informative information about Queer history, relationships, coming out, etc. Genre: Informative, non-fiction Average rating: 4.4/5 (Goodreads)

[church-of-lilith]

Have you seen Rowan Ellis' video about Ted Lasso? (Titled: "What even is "Good" queer TV") it covers so many of the talking points about the last season that I've seen you discuss on here in such a good summary!

hi anon! I saw this message when you originally sent it but I didn’t want to respond until I’d actually taken the time to watch the video.

I am so so grateful that Rowan made this video. Everything she says within it is exactly how I felt about the queer rep this entire season. It’s like she literally turned my endless rambling tumblr posts into a concise, well-organized YouTube video and it was so so satisfying for me to see my thoughts voiced on a bigger platform. I faced a lot of shit from a lot of people on here for calling out the TL writers for their treatment of queer characters/storylines. Specifically with Colin’s coming out episode centering basically COMPLETELY around Isaac and essentially serving as a way to comfort straight people. So to hear her touch on all the points I have been screaming about for months… just amazing.

Sad that Ted Lasso butchered their queer rep to the point that the video even had to be made, but I’m glad it was made. I implore all of you to watch this video which has changed titles multiple times but at one point was called ‘The Mysterious Failure of Ted Lasso’s Queer Characters’ and I thought that was the perfect name but I respect her for changing it back because it does touch on more queer rep beyond Ted Lasso.

[luminouslumity]

the subversive magic of the queer witch

[sam-moss]

BABE WAKE UP

NEW @rowanellis VIDEO DROPPED

AND ITS A NUANCED ESSAY ABOUT ALL THINGS ASEXUALITY

LET’S GOOOOOO