I'm sorry, they call *Heated Rivalry*, the show that is explicitly about two dudes constantly making out, f******, and falling in love with each other **queerbaiting**?
If that's queerbaiting, what on Earth would be considered good representation? A 24 hour live feed of a gay married couple?
11
danny_healy_raygunMar 25, 2026
+5
>Queerbaiting is a controversial marketing and creative technique where creators hint at, but never explicitly depict, same-sex romance or LGBTQ+ representation in media to attract queer audiences without alienating homophobic ones.
Yeah this just doesn't apply to Heated Rivarly at all.
I find it really annoying when something gets a relevant phrase or word to describe a real issue and then lazy writers with no real understanding of what people are talking about just start throwing it around carelessly. Seems to happen all the time.
5
ChataboutgamesMar 25, 2026
+4
No full frontal no representation
4
tedsmittsMar 25, 2026
+3
It’s important. Societally.
3
helendestroyMar 25, 2026
+2
they're using as an example because people were demanding to know the actors sexualities and the creator basically said no rather than outing anyone.
2
Sonichu-Mar 25, 2026
Real people can't queerbait anyone. People can be closeted, out to just friends/family, bisexual, asexual, etc. and not have it impact their acting.
0
monsieurxanderMar 25, 2026
+6
Requiring actors to prove their queer cred is how you get Kit Connor harassed until he feels forced to come out before he's ready.
6
helendestroyMar 25, 2026
+7
queerbaiting. is. not. a. concept. you. can. put. on. real. people.
it applies to stories and characters. NOT real peple.
7
WySLatestWitMar 25, 2026
+4
It's like arguing that a real life person was found innocent in court only because "they had plot armor." What the f*** are people thinking?
4
ChataboutgamesMar 25, 2026
+3
This reminds me of when people accused law enforcement of "doxing" people during the Gamestop silliness.
11 Comments