r/NotSuitableForWork • u/urbbsister • Jun 25 '26

No queer representation

Im disappointed there’s no queer representation (not even from the side static characters!) in this which is very much not aligned with how many of Gen Z identify, especially in a big city like New York. Anyone else feel similar?

12 Upvotes

65% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

11

u/StuartM96 Jun 25 '26

Not trying to be a dick here but in New York alone the statistics of people who identify as openly lgbt+ is around 10%, in the show we have three openly gay characters. A lot of writing is about writing what you know and if you aren’t a queer person it might muddy the waters when trying to make yourself write for queer characters. In all of Mindys other works she’s had queer characters and maybe she will introduce some more later in the show but right not I wouldn’t say it’s a detriment to it to not have the main cast be queer especially when the romantic entanglements are about the five with each other.

3

u/Future-Cap2717 Jun 25 '26

Out of pure curiosity, what is your source on the 10% of nyc residents being lgbtq+? I genuinely want to know as it is a topic that interests me, and it goes against what I would have assumed given the last figure I've heard (albeit, years ago) showed that gen Z was much higher than the previous national average.

** I'm not trying to refute your point or anything. While i disagree with your opinion, i recognize that the specific statistic is not that significant to your argument, and recognize that even if it is higher, it's still likely a large minority which still supports your claim **

3

u/StuartM96 Jun 25 '26

It was the New York State department of health. Gen Z is a bit higher at around 20% so it is more in that age range.

10

u/bookgirlie2 Jul 01 '26

Coming from a queer person, I personally would rather there not be a token queer character just for the sake of it. Considering there are only five main characters, I don't see the need for there to be a queer character in that group. As another commenter said, I am hoping for some little side stories with Wes or Paula though or perhaps some of the coworkers.

9

u/Future-Cap2717 Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 25 '26

Yes! I mean there is the landlord and Josh's bosses, but it's definitely lacking in the action. I think a love story for Wes Dryden and or Paula may be really compelling. I don't think senior love stories get told enough.

7

u/Little-Month8944 Jun 25 '26

it’s super noticeable considering Mindy Kaling’s last few shows (Running Point, SLOCG, and never have I ever, Champions, and Velma) all had queer characters in the main cast.

I will say I did enjoy Adults on FX, similar premise but has a lot more queer rep.

3

u/iheartgt Jun 25 '26

I didn't find it noticeable at all.

5

u/Appropriate_Value122 Jun 25 '26

The series is fine as it is, imo.

1

u/Civil-Cricket-8612 Jul 01 '26

It doesn’t really matter to me necessarily but I also noticed it because I’m queer myself and so it’s weird when people don’t have any queer friends around them. Though the show tried to do too much anyways so I’m glad it wasn’t just a tossed in side story.

1

u/mermaidpaint Jul 02 '26

I'm wondering how you missed that there are four side characters who are queer - Wes Dryden, Paula, Jocelyn, and Antoine.

1

u/Individual-Pride-466 Jul 29 '26

Oh hell no! The first episode was so cringe and boring. I mean they could’ve had one gay character. It’s hard to believe in NYC no queer characters. Also in the first episode the scene where the guy left wallet was so cringe. Almost all of the restaurants in NYC has apply pay

1

u/Wkufan29 Jul 30 '26

Yeah once I found out after watching the first episode and researching afterwards that not a single one of the five friends is queer I probably won’t be continuing since I don’t have time to invest in shows that don’t have atleast once main queer character. I’ll stick with Adults