In an effort to build a space for queer people like myself, every Sunday (or when I’m feeling spicy) I’ll be posting interviews, opinion pieces, listicles, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community from a Latina perspective. Welcome to Queerly Not Straight! Enjoy and leave a comment below if you have a suggestion for what I should cover next.
P.S. I, Lyra Hale, do not give any site permission to copy or repost my work in any form. If you are reading this on any site besides Fangirlish, it has been stolen.
The latest episode of Ted Lasso finally revealed that Colin Hughes (Billy Harris) is gay and the internet is living for it. Sure there are some who think it’s a shocker. But for the rest of us, oh we knew from the very start. Even more so, we’re excited to see where this storyline goes next, what it means for the representation of LGBTQ+ in sports, and how Richmond comes together as a community to support Colin. So let’s break down that “reveal” and squash some fears for what’s to come!
1. It comes as no surprise.
For some on social media, Colin coming out has been…a surprise. Was it supposed to be a secret? I thought everyone knew that he was closeted from the very start. From day one there have been gentle nods to Colin keeping something close to his chest or that he knows gay culture. Even fashion wise I was like, “Oh yes, leopard print shirt for a night out. I know you.” Also, “Good for you.” And then I just went about my day.
So it’s utterly fascinating to see people on the internet acting like this is Ted Lasso suddenly giving us LGBTQ+ representation. No. It’s been there from the start. And yes, I do wish that it happened sooner and that we didn’t have to wait til season 3 for it all to go down. But I do understand that there are no out fútbol players in the Premier League and that entering this territory takes time, love, and a build-up that is treated with the respect it deserves.
2. Love how casual the intro was.
Too often, LGBTQ+ coming-out storylines are told with a heavy dose of shock value. And it’s super frustrating because we aren’t a surprise anymore. We haven’t been for a while. We’re normal people who want to just live our lives. And that’s how they treated Colin’s big “reveal.” Ted Lasso just made it super normal. He woke up, had a conversation with his boyfriend, went off to work, and hit a couple of trash cans. Pure Colin and I loved it.
And for those that don’t get it, this is what normalization looks like. Because yes, coming out stories are important for those that are questioning their sexualities. But what about the rest of us? The ones who have known we’re part of the LGBTQ+ community for ages? We deserve to see people that look like us just living their lives. And we need to continue to show scenes like this until it no longer shocks our community to see us doing something so casual like getting ready in the morning.
3. No, Trent isn’t going to rat Colin out.
So far, season 3 has shown a Trent Crimm that understands the consequences of his actions. Not only that, he got fired from his job for giving up his own source. He’s a changed man and he’s not out there looking to make a name for himself. And he understands the power of his words and how they can shape a life. Just look at Roy. He still carried around that article that Trent wrote ages ago.
When Colin Hughes being gay does come out to the public, because it will, I think Trent will use his words and his connections to support Colin. Because this show is about realizing your mistakes, learning from them, and trying better the next time. And if his words could hurt someone like Roy, imagine how many young men who are closeted will feel empowered by someone like him uplifting Colin and his truth?
4. Yes, his team will support him.
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that everyone part of Richmond will support Colin. Maybe not Zava because I don’t think he’ll last for more than a couple more episodes. But Ted, Roy, Coach Beard, Jamie, Sam, Isaac, and everyone that is part of their team will have Colin’s back. Even Rebecca, Keeley, and Leslie will show their support.
A part of me even thinks that many of them won’t even be surprised and go, “We were just waiting for you to tell us in your own time.” And others will confront their own internalized homophobia that they didn’t even know they were part of, leading to change. Either way, Colin being gay is going to come out, everyone that matters won’t care, and his coming out will be the change this sport needs.
P.S. Remember when Nate called Colin uninspiring? Just you wait. He’s going to move people and Nate will eat his words.
Ted Lasso releases new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.
What did you think of this episode of Ted Lasso and the Colin Hughes “reveal”? Let us know in the comments below!
Queerly Not Straight posts every Sunday with opinion pieces, listicals, reviews, and more focused on the LGBT community (and occasionally about the Latinx community since I am Latinx.)
