SDCC@Home’s LGBTQ Characters on TV Panel: Submit Your Questions!

Jim Halterman
13 Comments
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Cosima Niehaus. Magnus Bane. Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber. Paul Strickland. Nomi Marks. Mulan. Oliver Post.

These are all LGBTQ television characters from the past and present that have made an impact not only in their respective series and storylines, but also on television viewers in the community who want to see reflections of themselves.

How has past representation brought us to where we are now? What does the TV landscape look like today? And where do we need to go next? All these questions will be brought up during a new panel to be held during the virtual Comic-Con@Home weekend (July 23-26).

Submit Your Questions for SDCC@Home's Fan Favorites Panel!
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Submit Your Questions for SDCC@Home's Fan Favorites Panel!

Since there will be no traveling to San Diego due to COVID-19 for this year’s Con, you’ll only need to make the short trip to your computer or tablet or phone to watch a slew of panels to keep the spirt of the annual festival alive. Along with the previously announced annual Fan Favorites panel with Senior Writer Damian Holbrook, which was recorded last week, TV Guide Magazine will also be hosting a LGBTQ Characters on TV: What’s Next panel, which will dig deep into the subject with the help of a panel of esteemed participants – Jamie Chung (Once Upon A Time), Jamie Clayton (Roswell: New Mexico), Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery), Tatiana Maslany (Perry Mason, Orphan Black), Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery), J. August Richards (Council of Dads, Angel, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Harry Shum, Jr. (Shadowhunters) and Brian Michael Smith (9-1-1: Lone Star). The panel will be moderated by TV Guide Magazine West Coast Bureau Chief Jim Halterman.

In keeping with the spirit of Comic Con, we need your help by sending in questions on the subject matter and for the participants. Please submit questions you may have for the panel’s panelists using the comments section below (keep ’em polite, please) and we’ll do our best to include them in the conversation. Thanks for all your help!

The LGBTQ Characters on Television: What’s Next? panel will be posted by Comic-Con International over the weekend of July 23-26. More details to come.

9-1-1: Lone StarAngel (1999)Council of DadsMarvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.My So-Called LifeOnce Upon a Time (2011)Orphan BlackPerry Mason (2020)Roswell, New MexicoSense8ShadowhuntersStar Trek: DiscoveryAnthony RappHarry Shum Jr.J. August RichardsJamie ChungJamie ClaytonTatiana MaslanyWilson Cruz



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    PurpleTeepee

    For Tatiana Maslany: Cosima and Delphine had such a complex, yet incredibly gorgeous relationship, that you (& Évelyne) played magnificently. What is your biggest takeaway from playing Cosima with Évelyne playing Delphine? Was there anything that you learned together while playing a couple?I adore you! ♥️

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    OrangeAirBalloon

    For Harry: I want to say that you and Magnus Bane have helped me through a lot and made me realise I might be bisexual. Thank you for this, for proudly playing a bisexual character onscreen. My question is - how did you feel playing a character that is both sensitive and fierce and so unapologetic about not only that but also his sexuality? And also if you relate to that kind of complexity in real life as well?

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    GreenLobster

    For Harry Shum Jr, firstly thank you so much for portraying Magnus’ character so beautifully, you’ve inspired and helped me so much and i can never thank you enough for that, it means the world to me. My question is what was it like to play a character that had been through so much in the past but never failed to be himself and be so open and confident with things such as his sexuality and what does that mean for you as an actor?

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    GoldRing

    For Harry Shum Jr: I just wanna start by saying thank you for changing my life, if it wasn’t for Alec and Magnus I never would have come out. Is there anything that you learned about yourself from your experience of working on Shadowhunters or a lesson you took away?

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    PurpleBug

    For Harry Shum Jr, first of all i love you, and seeing you play a bisexual character alongside alec being a gay character helped me a lot with my own sexuality so thank you incredibly. My question is, through playing the role of an LGBTQ+ character what has it taught you/what have you learned about the community. For example the struggles we face and the whole experience of finding yourself?

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    GreenBee

    For Harry Shum jr: In the show we've seen Alec's beautiful story of coming out and being prideful of who he truly is, while Magnus helps him and we all love it so much. What I've been wondering and what my question is: what do you think is Magnus' story with becoming this proud freewheeling bisexual man? Considering living in the 1600s while being bisexual could not be easy. Do you think he struggled too? Also do you think he was there at the stonewall riot? Thank you so much for everything.

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    GoldTeepee

    For Harry Shum Jr:

    There is so much depth to Magnus Bane's character, which you portrayed beautifully throughout the three seasons (thank you). I'm sure a part of the character rubbed off on you in some way after so many days of getting into character for him - what is one main lesson you've learned from him, particularly in regard to his sexuality and the community you helped represent through him?

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    OrangeMagnet

    Question for Jamie Clayton:

    Sense8 was unique and game changing for so many reasons as a tv show. As well as your character Nomi. What is the best memory you keep from your time on the show?

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    BlueChefHat

    This question is for Harry Shum Jr

    Even now that shadow hunters is finished, do you still get people telling you how much Magnus has helped them in their own Sexuality?

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    GreenCloud

    This question is for Harry Shum, Jr.

    While playing Magnus Bane you broke so many stereotypes about bisexuals. The ShadowFam knows how carefully and considerately you approached LGBTQA issues and how important it was to you to portray Magnus properly.

    What was the #1 thing you learned about the LGBTQA community, particularly in regards to those of us who are bisexual?

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    CyanBike

    The question is for Harry: your character, Magnus, had dealt with numerous prejudices about his identity and way of life. He experienced judgment, discrimination, and inequality for being himself - which happen all too frequently to millions of LGBT individuals globally. What can you say is the greatest thing you've learned from acting as him? Of witnessing first hand, the stigma your character had to endure?

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    PurpleSubmarine

    What is your favourite part about playing a LGBTQ character and what do you find most challenging (especially if you identify as a different sexual orientation from the character you portray)?

    P/S: Shout out to Harry, thank you for your beautiful and heartfelt performance as Magnus Bane.

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    GreenBone

    This is for Harry, first of all I’m angel, I love you and everything you do, hope you and your family are doing well and my question is what advice would you give to a fan who has a dream to become a inspiration to people like you are to me?