The problem of queerbaiting in media is prevalent. Often times, media features an especially close “friendship” between two people of the same gender, including jokes recognizing the implied homoeroticism but never making them explicitly queer. Whether it’s due to a lack of well-done representation of queer relationships, or a genuine intention on the part of the creators to avoid losing the audience made up of bigots, there is a tendency for these friendships to be interpreted as queer, despite the lack of overt admittance that the relationship is romantic. While some people feel upset at instances such as those, some people don’t mind or even prefer those types of relationship representation (like me). That isn’t to say overt queer relationships should be removed from media. At this point, I’ve found better representation in those considered queerbaiting, than in those where the queerness is overt, but that doesn’t erase the importance of openly queer characters. When the characters are approached as neither straight nor gay, their dynamics, love and personality are the focus, allowing for more nuanced and interesting characters. All of the expectations and societal norms that surround romantic relationships can be tossed aside, allowing for what makes the most sense for the characters and their dynamic to take the wheel.
The X-Men films are a great way to explore the issue of queerbaiting. The subject matter of the films is focused on combatting bigotry and expressing pride in your identity, despite what prejudice others may hold. While the two most commonly shipped main characters in the films, Charles (Professor X) and Erik (Magneto), are not canonically queer, there is a hard-to-ignore chemistry between the pair. While there is an explicit love, admiration and connection established, it’s never stated as being romantic. This is not surprising, given the Marvel franchise is far from independent filmmaking, and wants to maintain its popularity. By implying a queer relationship or creating one that queer audience members can relate to, they are playing both sides, appealing to queer audiences who yearn for proper representation without pushing away viewers that are opposed to explicitly queer characters.
The intention behind queerbaiting, as detailed above, is less than admirable. Despite this fact, I still find that relationships that are generally classified as queerbaiting are more meaningful. This is not because of the intention of the creators, but by removing the boundaries enforced by certain labels, love can be shown in new and distinct ways. This is apparent in the X-Men films, primarily in “X-Men: First Class” where Charles and Erik first meet and work together for a large portion of the film (unlike the many where they’re on opposing “sides”). It’s made clear immediately that the two share a special bond and despite some crucial differences leaving them with opposing methods, neither wants to hurt the other. This is made apparent in the notorious beach scene where Erik unintentionally deflects a bullet into Charles’ back, resulting in him being paralyzed from the waist down. Erik holds Charles and states explicitly that the last thing he wanted was for them to fight. Both characters are very well-developed individually, and when brought together and viewed as a duo, their dynamic works even better. Audiences can relate to the depth of the characters as well as how they love and care for one another, despite their differences. These characters placed in a story that revolves around fighting prejudice and being proud of who you are makes for a strong draw to queer audiences.
I have little interest in arguing that Charles and Erik are, or should be, romantically involved (they are). I understand why some are, but what I think is most intriguing about the characters and their dynamic is the love they share. While the intention of leaving that love ambiguous is not great, the result is. It allows for numerous interpretations, letting people of all walks of life relate to and feel seen by the characters, queer or not. While it would be nice to have the comfort and security of seeing such well known characters represented as explicitly queer, pride is at the forefront of the X-Men films, and it would be silly to imply that the lack of an explicitly queer character takes away from the message so crucial to and present in the films.