The uphill battle for respectful and proper representation of the LGBTQ community in comic book and superhero-related entertainment has certainly been an arduous one. In appears, in recent times, as if some major strides are being made to normalize and integrate characters who fancy same-sex relations, and it's about damn time. Today, it's been confirmed that Dean Israelite's forthcoming POWER RANGERS film will be the first to feature a big-screen LGBT protagonist. Gasp! That's right, kaiju-sized, mechanized dinosaur robot fans, Trini, the Yellow Ranger (Becky G), is breaking down barriers and striking a major victory for members of an under-represented community as an equal to her heterosexual teammates. It's Morphin time indeed!
From what I've gathered, there's a scene in the film's second act where the Rangers learn that the Yellow Ranger is still discovering the nature of her sexual orientation. In short, one of the characters makes an assumptive comment about Trini having "boyfriend problems" to which the Yellow Ranger then states that it's actually "girlfriend problems." It's a moment that Israelite refers to as "pivotal" for the entirety of the film.
Israelite elaborated on his comments by saying the following, "For Trini, really she's questioning a lot about who she is. She hasn't fully figured it out yet. I think what's great about that scene and what that scene propels for the rest of the movie is, 'That's OK.' The movie is saying, 'That's OK,' and all of the kids have to own who they are and find their tribe." Right on, Dean. While I'm certain that the internet will flood with negativity over the decision to make Trini a part of the LGBT community, this move will no doubt be seen as a positive for a group that's had to fight for themselves to be represented without bias in popular media for generations.
Don't take my word for it though, even the original Blue Ranger, actor David Yost (who is a proud member of the gay community) stated that the team behind POWER RANGERS "really stepped up to the plate." He also thinks that, "so many people in the LGBTQI community are going to be excited to see that representation.” I couldn't agree more, David.
Additionally, be sure to check out our Everything You Need to Know: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers feature here.
POWER RANGERS will shout "Go go!" in theaters this coming Friday on March 24, 2017!