Representation

This is an essay analyzing LGBTQ+ representation in a TV show I watched a couple of weeks ago, which I really liked. It is called "No One Will Miss Us." It's on Amazon Prime, and I highly recommend it.

Representation in No One Will Miss Us

No One Will Miss Us is a miniseries released in 2024. It is set in the 1990s in a Mexican high school, following a group of friends who do others' homework in exchange for money. Under this premise, various issues are explored through its characters, with one focus being on the underrepresented LGBTQ+ community and its struggles, which is the subject of this essay. The 90s setting is used so the writers can employ homosexuality as a deeper plot device, as it was less accepted than it is today. This environment affects the characters' self-perception.

The two characters that the series uses to represent homosexuality are Alex and Rafa. Unlike the typical portrayal of gay men in media, these two do not follow the usual stereotypes. Rafa is open about his sexuality, while Alex is in the process of accepting his feelings. Rafa’s character is presented as alternative and unconventional. His unique clothes and accessories, such as earrings, stand out compared to the other characters’ costumes. This reflects a real-life stereotype, where LGBTQ+ individuals are often seen as more open-minded, expressing this through their style. Some aspects of his acting also portray how he is different. He has a more refined way of speaking and sophisticated body language that doesn’t fall into typical stereotypes but challenges the usual image of the Latin American man.

On the other hand, because Alex hasn’t yet accepted his sexual orientation, he doesn’t show any signs of it in his clothing or behavior. He appears to be a regular straight teenager until he sees Rafa for the first time. His body language reveals his nervousness and the development of romantic feelings, highlighted by a subtle and constant twitch of his foot, shown through a close-up. Alex’s narrative arc is accepting his sexuality despite the societal values imposed on him.

Latin American culture has always been closely tied to religious values, which heavily influence how the LGBTQ+ community is viewed. This is part of the show's selection towards representation . When rumors about Alex’s sexuality start to spread, his environment responds with bullying and rejection, trying to break him down. Alex is mentally strong and isn’t deeply affected, but it does change his mindset toward the topic. Another character who represents the LGBTQ+ community is the teacher, Ilse, who is a lesbian. She offers Alex support, someone to talk to, but Alex, influenced by his surroundings, rejects both her help and his own feelings. In the end, he is able to accept his true self after self-reflection, but Ilse’s character shows how important a supportive environment can be.

No One Will Miss Us provides excellent LGBTQ+ representation, as it portrays challenges that members of the community can relate to. It creates a realistic depiction that fulfills its purpose.