A Pride Month Tribute by Six Star Global
With Pride Month coming to a close, Six Star Global, a proud LGBTQIA+ founded IT business, wants to spotlight some remarkable LGBTQIA+ representation in fantasy and sci-fi across books, TV shows, and movies. Equality, inclusion, and diversity are the pillars upon which we are built, and representation in these genres is crucial. Here are a few gems that highlight the progress being made.
TV Show: The Umbrella Academy
Debuted in 2019
The Umbrella Academy is a compelling series created by Gerard Way, the lead vocalist of My Chemical Romance, based on his comics and graphic novels. The story begins with 43 children born to unrelated mothers who showed no signs of pregnancy the day before. Seven are adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves, who trains them to save the world. However, adolescence fractures the family, and they disband. Years later, the remaining six reunite after Hargreeves' death, only to face a new threat: a worldwide apocalypse.
Elliot Page's portrayal of Vanya Hargreeves transitioning into Viktor in season 3 is a standout moment in the series. This transition not only mirrors Page's own coming out as trans but is also seamlessly woven into the character's ongoing narrative. The Umbrella Academy’s handling of this transition is a must-see and an important step towards bringing awareness to LGBTQIA+ stories.
Book: The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure
By Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
The Sun and the Star exists within the beloved Percy Jackson universe, authored by Rick Riordan. It is the first in the series to feature a queer teen couple at its heart. Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, navigates the pain of losing loved ones and coming out as gay. However, his relationship with Will Solace, son of Apollo, brings a beacon of hope. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest into Tartarus to save a Titan, facing prophecy and peril. This book not only stands alone but also revives nostalgia for fans of the original series, championing inclusivity in young adult literature.
Film: Credence
Released in 2015
Credence, a powerful short film directed by Mike Buonaiuto, showcases the resilience of the human spirit through the lens of love. Set during the final evacuation of Earth due to catastrophic storms, it follows two fathers who sacrifice everything to save their daughter. Despite the limited rocket capacity favoring the wealthy and children, these fathers' story is one of profound love and hope. The film was funded through an Indiegogo campaign, emphasizing the community's belief in its message: equitable representation in sci-fi is essential. Buonaiuto’s dedication to making sci-fi more progressive is evident in this heartfelt narrative.
These works are just a few examples of LGBTQIA+ representation in entertainment, but there is still a long way to go for these genres to become fully inclusive. At Six Star Global, we are committed to elevating these stories and supporting the voices that deserve to be heard.
As Pride Month draws to a close, it's vital to celebrate the strides in LGBTQIA+ representation within fantasy and sci-fi. These examples—from the portrayal in "The Umbrella Academy" to the inclusive storytelling in "The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure" and the emotional narrative of "Credence"—highlight the power of diverse voices in media.
At Six Star Global, we believe representation matters. By spotlighting these works, we aim to inspire more creators to include LGBTQIA+ stories in their narratives, making these genres more inclusive. The journey toward equality in media is ongoing, but each story brings us closer to a world where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating Pride Month and the LGBTQIA+ community's contributions. Let's continue to support and uplift these stories, not just this month, but every day.