#i could go on for hours about plural clark/kal

[supersleepyboys]

clark kent is a trans allegory

we were discussing the new my adventures with superman show with our partner and came to the conclusion that this particular version of clark kent is a trans allegory. as opposed to the usual “there are two sides to me” storyline (incredibly plural coded, an entire post on its own), this show seems to be showing clark trying to fit in two lives that he’s uncomfortable fully expressing himself in, in either way, much like the experience of a closeted/stealth trans person.

in one part of his life, as superman, he’s more comfortable openly displaying his powers and doesn’t feel obligated to hide that part of himself, but he does have a deep fear of anyone learning that he has ever been someone else. he is afraid to make personal relationships or share too much about himself, in case someone is able to put things together about his identity. in his day to day life, he’s more able to make relationships with others because he feels less emotionally restricted, and is able to share parts of his past, but is constantly trying to hide his differences (and any evidence of them) from the others. this really reminds us of being trans and trying to present as your preferred gender out while in public, and still being in the closet in some aspect of your personal life, and the fear that can happen if the two cross over. clark essentially has one gender presentation at work, and one as superman, and is desperate to keep those separated worlds from seeing him the other way.

this raises some super interesting plot points too, seeing as lois essentially forcibly outed him this last episode. and by putting so much pressure to put spotlight on him in the newspaper, she was advocating for putting him at risk of people who want to harm him for reasons inherent to his being (that general is also definitely her father, so add a point for “your dad is transphobic so please don’t tell him i was ever a girl” type shit). she has no idea what sort of danger she would be putting him in and simply saw a sensationalized headline, the same as many news publications use queer stories for clicks and sold papers and magazines without regard for queer safety .

the show also seems to be showing some sort of coming out narrative, although a very messy one showing the reality of the situation where it may not always be clean, and those you love may not always react the way you hope. lois’s obsession with his identity and exposing his secrets runs perfectly in line with old media obsession with trying to find out if a celebrity was “secretly a man”, and her shock and betrayal at finding out someone close to her is “lying” to her about something they aren’t ready to share reminds me so deeply of people accusing their trans partners of lying to them pre-transition. jimmy is pre-disposed to an obsession with other beings just like clark, so i can see clark trying to tell him going uncomfortably too. but the entire point of the show seems to be about the characters facing the discomfort and becoming better people for it, so i’m hoping it shows things ending on an understanding note between them all.

i’m not sure if this was the angle the writers were going for here, but as someone who is really intrigued by the usual “two parts of one person” angle that they approach superman/clark from, this was really interesting change in approach from the usual take, and i’m really intrigued to see how it develops

[hitchell-mope]

(The intervention. The Conclusion)

Alex: mom says she’s taking you to Smallville?

Kara: yep. Oh. I’m glad you’re here actually. I need you sign something for me.

Alex: “Kara Zora Elise Danvers”? What’s this?

Kara: remember when I got distracted by rock cakes, put my foot in my mouth and Mon El had to learn a new backstory in half an hour because I accidentally called him “Mon El” in front of William instead of “Mike”?

Alex: yeah?

Kara: Lucy made me realise that I should have my real name in my alias like Mon El does. So I gave myself two middle names

Alex: it beats the hell out of Mavis.

Kara: yes. Yes it does.

Alex: I’m sorry. If I ever made you feel like you couldn’t talk about krypton around me. I’m sorry.

Kara: you’re not wholly to blame. I have a real problem with confrontation when I don’t have the suit on. We’re both equally culpable.

Alex: no. No we’re not. I was so caught up in protecting you that I never thought to talk to you about what you lost. I’m sorry.

Kara: it’s okay. What made you realise though?

Alex: Carter Grant.

Kara: ah. Yeah. He has those eyes like he’s scanning your conscience.

Alex: yup. So um. Why Smallville?

Kara: Winn, Lucy and Cat talked me into spending my maternity leave there. Martha Kent raised Kal El.

Alex: ohhhh. And she can help you with

Kara: yup. And I can get to know Clark’s kids

Alex: kids? Plural? I thought he only had one.

Kara: oh. Yeah. Byproduct of Crisis. He has twin teenage sons now.

Alex: holy shit. So twins really do run in your side of the family then huh?

Kara: apparently so. I better get going. Could you take my carryon down to the car? I need to go take the baby bags.

Alex: could I go....with you?

Kara: only if you’re prepared to eat so much you can’t walk until the next morning. According to Clark his mom cooks for an army.

Alex: oh you’re gonna love it there.

Kara: I hope so. And hopefully Martha can give me some pointers on how to make life easier for my boys.

Alex: yeah. Ready to go?

Kara: yeah.

Alex: c’mon then.

(End of episode)