As a nineteen year old living in America, I enjoy watching different shows and movies that appear on platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, etc. I am a huge fan of shows such as Stranger Things, The Boys, Arrow, Never Have I Ever, just to name a few. All of these shows were appealing to me whether it was for the plot of the show, the many different twists, or even the action pack thrill. But one show in particular that I can say has had a huge impact on more than just myself is the HBO groundbreaking show Euphoria. Euphoria, created by Sam Levinson, is an astonishing series that delves into the complexities of adolescence through lenses such as gender and sexuality. The show’s vivid portrayal of these themes reflects contemporary societal issues while also using them to highlight the struggles that the characters face because of them. Jules Vaughn, portrayed by transgender actress Hunter Schafer, is a huge representation of all these different themes throughout the HBO series. Jules’ character challenges traditional norms of gender identity while offering a nuanced perspective on sexual fluidity.
Jules embodies a fluid approach to gender, consistently defying many conventional binary definitions and norms. Things such as her fashion choices, behavior, and many different interactions illustrate a personal journey of self-discovery that transcends societal expectations. The series presents her grappling with her own internal conflicts and external pressures, particularly around femininity.
Through many of Jules’ relationships, especially hers with Rue Bennett portrayed by actress Zendaya, Jules expresses a desire for authentic connection and love, highlighting that emotional intimacy often supersedes rigid gender roles. Her character challenges stereotypes by presenting gender as a spectrum rather than being a fixed identity. This representation is extremely significant, as it showcases a deep understanding of transgender experiences, struggles and desires, all while encouraging viewers to reconsider the limitations many individuals and social groups have imposed on gender norms and roles.
Euphoria presents a wide range of sexual identities and uses them to highlight the fluidity and complexity of adolescent sexuality. Different characters throughout the series navigate their desires in certain ways that are able to push boundaries and challenge typical societal norms. One of the main characters Jules, in particular a transgender female, embodies the role of a non-binary sexuality, showcasing the challenges and joys of discovering one’s self and identity in a world that typically demands conformity. Characters like Jules presented me with an idea that topics such as sexuality were going to be growing and explored in public media outlets due to the fact that the series refusing to shy away from many of the darker aspects of sexual exploration, such as manipulation and trauma, as it is shown in many different character’s experiences.
The series used many different relationships that some viewers would describe as disturbing, to highlight the many different sexual structures and the defiance to conform to what was seen as “normal” In the very first episode of the first season, Jules is meeting up with a man on an online dating site with the screen name “dominant daddy”. It turns out the man was Cal Jacobs, a married man with two sons, with one of them being one of Jules’ classmates. This was very disturbing to watch progress throughout the series as it led into a downward spiral for Cal and the relationship between his family. But I do believe this was the first showing of how much fluidity Jules had in her sexual orientation as it was seen later that season in episode 7, she goes into the city to see one of her good friends and ends up sleeping with a woman named Anna. This helps the series compile the portrayal that Jules’ exploration of her sexuality further complicates her character, unveiling a rich tapestry of desire that includes both men and women. Her bisexuality challenges the binary narratives often seen in media, illustrating that equal attraction can be both diverse and multifaceted.
Jules’ relationship with Rue served as a critical focal point, illustrating the intertwining of love, vulnerability, and emotional dependency. The series captures the highs and the extremely low lows of their bond, emphasizing the impact of personal struggles such as Rue’s addiction problem and many mental health issues. This relationship helps showcase that sexuality can be deeply intertwined with individual experiences and social contexts, highlighting the complex nature of love and attraction.
Overall, I believe it can be said that Jules’ character in Euphoria well represented a vital examination of gender and sexuality, challenging the many viewers of the series to embrace complexity and things outside of societal norms. Her journey throughout the series not only represents the challenges faced by transgender individuals but also invites a broader conversation about the diverse nature of sexual identity. By pushing the boundaries of traditional representations, Jules becomes a significant figure in contemporary media, showcasing that media companies are recognizing that times are changing every single day and thus must be represented as well.