Grey’s Anatomy, Sexuality, and Queer Pride
Photo Credit: ABC
By Sonya Surapaneni
As the pandemic rages on, the media continues to highlight 2020’s social activism: creating petitions, gathering for protests, and spreading awareness. This year has highlighted various issues of injustice & inequality like police brutality, a lack of acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, issues with adoption rights, and many more people are beginning to realize that these issues have been there all along. Slowly, more and more people are coming to terms with the fact that our country isn’t perfect. There are issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia throughout our nation. Although recognition is always the first step to progress, it can be incredibly difficult for people to admit their wrongs, or even address them in a global context. Speaking about them in the media can be even more difficult— leaving people to deal with harmful repercussions on television. However, Grey’s Anatomy has done a spectacular job drawing attention to many issues around the world - including gay marriage and sexuality
Netflix binging, my favorite activity, has been at an all-time high due to COVID-19, giving me time to re-binge Grey’s Anatomy— for the seventh time. Although I love to keep up with MerDer (Meredith Grey, Derek Shepherd) and Slexie (Mark Sloan, Lexie Grey) drama, Calzona (Calliope Torres, Arizona Robbins) is always a fan favorite among other teenagers obsessed with the show. Although their first couple of encounters are rough, Callie and Arizona are one of the most powerful couples in the show, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. They fight through parental homophobia, discriminatory Christianity, and odd looks, but always resurface stronger than ever. Not heavily talked about in the show, however, are the years of their relationship before gay marriage is legalized, comforting and validating many members of the LGBTQ+ community, even early on. Viewers learn that homosexuality is okay, and learn to embrace their own personalities— loving the representation in the show. Grey’s Anatomy welcomed sexuality before our laws did.
While Calzona was spectacular, Grey’s didn’t just stop there, bringing in multiple other LGBTQ+ characters throughout the show, including Levi Schmitt, Amelia Shepherd, Teddy Altman, Carina Deluca, Nico Kim, and many more. They also feature a wide array of patients that openly talk about their sexuality, including George and “The Gay Patient”, the gay soldiers, Darren Covington, and many more.
If you haven’t already seen this show, I’d highly recommend watching! Alongside the quality entertainment, Grey’s Anatomy also touches on various social issues. Join us in watching Grey’s for the heartbreak, weekly crying, and tons of soapy hospital drama!
