Sex(uality) Sells: Hollywood is capitalizing on LGBTQ+ characters, for better or worse
(Blastr) – Characters who happen to be gay have become a brand new form of tokenism. They are not, themselves, token characters – their characterization exists outside of their gayness – but they are being used to appeal to a certain demographic. Rather than serving the role of traditional token characters, Trini and LeFou do not support tired stereotypes or to allow the creators an out for borderline jokes at their expense. But, much like their token predecessors, these characters also do not exist because said creators think representation is important or meaningful. They get butts in seats, they stir up controversy, but they are inoffensive. You cannot rightfully fear them because they don’t do or say anything scary. You cannot hate them because they don’t actually do any of the things you hate.
But at the same time, you can’t really champion them, because they aren’t really doing or saying anything at all.