Schitt’s Creek set out to portray queer characters in a normalized and positive light. However, the reality is that they ended up doing so much more.
The show flips the binary gender system on its head with its display and discussion of the variety of genders in David’s sexual history. In addition, it doesn’t treat any sexual identity as lesser than any other. The rare times in which these characters struggle with their sexuality, it is internalized struggle rather than struggle from hatred, bigotry, or discrimination. When heterosexual characters are faced with queer characters and their sexual identities, they do not show a lack of understanding or respect but respond with acceptance and kindness. This sort of representation is wildly important when considering queer theory. Queer theory focuses heavily on the way that queer identities are perceived. Schitt’s Creek offers a refreshing take on the perception of queerness by creating an environment in which queer characters are treated with equality.
TV Guide. (2018, Feb 28). Schitt's Creek: Patrick Serenades David with a Tina Turner's "Simply the Best" [Video]. Youtube. www.youtube.com
Schitt’s Creek is also educational in regard to pansexuality as a whole. The representation of pansexuality in the media and the understanding of pansexuality in modern society is still lacking. The show not only portrays a pansexual character prominently, which gives young pansexual people or people questioning their sexual identity a role model and representation on the screen, but also explains pansexuality in a simple way for viewers who might not be as educated about sexual orientation. This is another important aspect of queer theory. Queer theory often explores the idea that sexual identities do not exist on a binary scale, but rather on a spectrum. Schitt’s Creek gives this thought consideration by depicting David’s sexuality as fluid, rather than set. This gives viewers a new perspective on sexual identities as a whole and is a wonderful representation method for people who might be struggling to define their sexuality.
[GIF of David and Patrick kissing]. (n.d.). www.giphy.com
David’s pansexual identity is also significant in the plot of the show. His pansexual label isn’t just discussed, but actively depicted as he is shown in relationships with both female and male identifying people throughout the show. By depicting these relationships, the show gives the audience a clear view of David’s queer identity rather than just putting a label on him. Both his relationship with Stevie and his relationship with Patrick are relevant to the plot of the show and are treated with similar significance. Even though his relationship with Stevie doesn’t work out romantically, it is not due to David’s sexuality, but the desire to ensure that their friendship is not put in jeopardy. This gives his pansexual label significance in a seamless way. It is heavily involved in the plot of the show, however it is not a plot point itself.
Overall, Schitt’s Creek represents its queer characters in a normalized, positive light and provides those characters with an accepting society to live within. David is not depicted as lesser or othered due to his sexual identity, there is no overarching theme of negative bias from other characters in regard to his sexual identity, and he dates people of various genders without any sort of discrimination regarding his sexual identity. The show is relevant to queer theory and queer culture and does a phenomenal job representing queer identities. This representation of queer identity will have a lasting impact on queer representation as a whole.