Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
The moment Francesca and Michaela were announced as the season five leads, I was thrilled. Yet, the Bridgerton fandom’s reaction was far from celebratory. A quick scroll through social media reveals a flood of upset responses, many of which fall into two categories: disappointment that Eloise’s narrative was delayed or outrage from those opposing the inclusion of a sapphic romance.
Most of the frustration centers on Claudia Jessie’s character, Eloise, who has long resisted societal expectations of marriage. While some fans lamented her story being postponed, others argued that her character’s arc had been sidelined. Personally, I think the emotional toll might be overblown. Francesca’s storyline, including her marriage to John, her meeting with Michaela, and John’s death, was already explored across two seasons. The groundwork for their romance was well laid, making the extension feel redundant.
“Why can’t they just stick to the ‘tradition’ of relationships in that period?”
Similar lines appeared online, alongside comments like, “We do not have to make everything we watch gay.” These remarks have been simmering since Michaela first appeared at the end of season three in 2024, fueled by a mix of homophobia and misogynoir. Fans particularly criticized the idea that Francesca’s female love interest would weaken the infertility plotline from When He Was Wicked, arguing it would overshadow her struggle. However, this claim feels disingenuous, as the book already depicted her journey with a male partner, making the same-sex storyline a natural evolution.
Bridgerton has long included LGBTQ+ characters, but often as secondary elements, like Benedict’s bisexuality or the romance between Brimsley and Reynold in the Queen Charlotte spin-off. These moments were generally met with approval, which makes the current backlash all the more disheartening. Now, the controversy seems to have reached its peak, with some fans accusing the show of betraying historical authenticity.
Yet, Eloise deserves the same depth and space as Francesca. Her love story, while delayed, will have ample room in season five to unfold. Her relationship with Sir Phillip Crane, her love interest and eventual husband in the books, is a compelling direction that could offer fresh perspectives. Even if I’d prefer to see Eloise rekindle her rebellious streak, such as her secret visits to Theo or her advocacy for gay marriage, her character’s development remains promising.
For now, let’s give the cast a break. Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza are already facing a wave of criticism, and the backlash could be softened if Eloise fans tempered their anger. After all, a girl can dream of seeing more diverse narratives on screen, especially in a series that has long celebrated love in all its forms.