In an effort to build a space for queer people like myself, every Tuesday I’ll be posting interviews, opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community (and occasionally about the Latinx community since I am Latinx.) Welcome to Queerly Not Straight! Enjoy and leave a comment below if you have a suggestion for what I should cover next.
There’s been something missing when it comes to season 2 of Batwoman. Something that has kept me from fully investing in Ryan Wilder and the journey that she’s on. And Batwoman‘s “Do Not Resuscitate” gave it to me (before cruelly pulling it away.) What had I been missing? The LGBTQ of it all when it comes to this queer icon.
Kate Kane was blatantly queer in a way that was unapologetic AF. The difference between her and Ryan is that Kate was a white woman who benefited from her privilege. That’s why opening an LGBTQ bar came so easily or why she blatantly flaunted her relationships with women without a worry.
Maybe that’s the reason it took so long for us to really see a queer Ryan. Her experiences are grounded in different things in comparison to Kate. And she met the love of her life during dire circumstances and not an elite academy. That relationship between Ryan and Angelique further soured when Ryan went to jail for her.
Ryan’s experiences also made me think of Sophie’s. As a woman of color she had difficulties that I as a white Latina wouldn’t totally understand but respect because her journey is a valid one. Maybe Ryan experienced that on some level until her adoptive mother found her and showed her how wanted and loved she truly was.
Watching Ryan fight for Angelique in “Do Not Resuscitate” was exactly what was needed and wonderful to watch despite the way that it ended abruptly. The way they held each other, backed each other, and took care of each other was and is grounded in love. And I really hope that we see more of them because the bond they share is true.
Do I like that Ryan bugged Angelique’s phone? No. But she was trying to look out for the woman she loves because she was under the assumption that Angelique wanted to leave her drug dealing business behind. And do I like Angelique’s reaction to Ryan’s betrayal? No. Ryan was truly trying to help the one person she loves most in this world.
Ultimately I hope to see more of Ryan and Angelique. They have a bond forged in facing the world at each others side and I can’t see them letting each other go so easily. Hopefully The CW’s Batwoman sees how invested fans are in seeing a queer Ryan going through the woes of love and finding someone she can share her all with and gives us more.
Queerly Not Straight posts every Tuesday with opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community (and occasionally about the Latinx community since I am Latinx.)
I like them! They’re a twist on the usual CW romance and while their start was rocky, I think they could make it if Angelique eventually sees the light.
One thing though, is I don’t get why they barely kiss. Reminds me a bit of watching older moves where the lesbians would only get to hold hands or touch for heads lol. Thought it might be because of COVID protocol but Alice and Ocean kiss so I don’t know.
The writing and acting sells that they are into each other for sure, but I’d like the see a bit more physical intimacy.
Thank you for leaving a comment! Yeah, you’re totally right on the kissing thing. Now I can’t stop thinking about it. Especially with how well these two characters mesh. The chemistry is real!