Drama in the Fandom: Erasure or Headcanon? (Patreon)

Representation matters. People have always been able to project themselves onto a character they like- Finding them more likeable because they can relate to them or their struggle, being drawn deeper into the narrative because they feel identified with them...

But in this world we live in, not all groups of people are represented equally. In this world we live in, one of the most powerful weapons the fans use when it comes to feeling identified despite the lack of representation, is the Headcanon.

But with great power comes great responsibility as they say, right?

Fandom can be a mess sometimes. People with very distinct backgrounds and views of the world can come together to enjoy the same content, but while they at least share that with each other, everyone's individual and personal experiences and worlds are... Well, worlds apart. Paired with the prevalent need to 'fit in' with a group and being accepted by those around you, it can very often lead to some ugly confrontations. Drama. Discourse.

We all know how it goes.

Discussion of this kind stem from personal feelings. From wanting to let our views be taken seriously by those who are enjoying the same content we are. A mixture of wanting to see eye-to-eye, and the stubbornness of refusing to do so, digging ourselves in our own views and beliefs. It can be distressing, because it can feel like an attack to ourselves, personally, what we like, what we are. And few things come close to being as personal as these Headcanons. Our own conception of certain characters. Some times because we feel it adds onto their story or background. Other times, simply because why not? But many times, to project something, someone, or ourselves, onto these already established characters and stories.

It's good to defend these conceptions, these different takes and understandings of a character, just like making Fanfiction with diverging events or going in-depth in things the canon doesn't touch. But what do you do, when someone tells you that Headcanon you're so invested in is hurting someone else?

Well... Is it, really?

Let's consider this scenario: A woman that has only appeared being attracted to women in canon. She hasn't said explicitly that she's only attracted to women, but all of her flirts and pairings so far have been towards women. Of course, the word 'lesbian' comes to mind immediately, and a flurry of cutesy pairings with the other girl characters in whatever series she's in pop up. But then someone mentions they think she's bisexual. Someone else makes art of her, paired with one of the male characters, because they think they have a cute dynamic, even though she hasn't flirted or shown interest in him ever. Without the explicit mention of her sexuality, although the prevalent thought in the Fandom is that she's a Lesbian, could you say this is bad at all?

How about another hypothetical scenario? A bisexual man, that has openly shown feelings towards both men and women, has currently started dating one of the other male character in canon. Although there's a canon ship sailing in the horizon, many still draw and write cute material regarding them and their old flings, both men and women. However, a sector of the Fandom only pair him with other male characters, only talk about him as gay. This time, with the explicit knowledge that this character is bi, could you say this is good or bad?

Nuance. It depends.

Representation matters. So when this canonically bisexual character starts to be pushed as gay, it feels like it's stealing away from this representation, right? When this wlw starts to be paired with guys, it can feel like a middle finger to everyone who's happy that she's showcased being happy and attracted to women, can't it?

But... Things are really never that black and white.

A character has flirted with both men and women in the past, but is currently in a homosexual relationship. Out there, someone in the community used to think they were attracted to both men and women, but slowly came to terms with the fact it was compulsory heterosexuality, and are actually only attracted to men. Is headcanoning this character in a way they relate to their own experiences really something that bad?

A girl has only been shown to be attracted to other girls. Someone in the community, that through her teen years identified as a lesbian, has found out recently, even if in small measure, she is attracted to some men. Her guilty ship is this girl character with the main lead of the series she's in, because he just so happens to be someone she enjoys. Would this really fall under the label of 'erasure'?

Even character stereotypes that may seem harmful at first glance. A woman is shown to be a bit tomboyish, toned and strong in canon. Immediately assuming she's trans because she doesn't adhere to 'feminine standards' is a hurtful thought process- But what if the person headcanoning her trans is a toned, tomboyish trans woman that really likes the character? Certain traits are associated to certain collectives in a stereotyping and harmful manner, not just the LGBT community. Ethnicity, religion, neurodivergence, it's not good to push only the stereotypes, it's not good to immediately assume something based on these stereotypes, but for the people that may fit them, these headcanons don't carry any ill intent.

And that really is the key word, isn't it?

Intent.

There is a huge difference, between someone who ships a wlw character with a guy because of their own orientation and relating to said character, and someone who ships them with a guy because they are homophobic and don't want to acknowledge it. There's a world of difference between a trans girl that feels identified with a character, and someone who has a transphobic point of view.

And that really is the most obvious difference between someone merely headcanoning a character in a different way, and erasure of said character's identity.

Ultimately, this phenomenon causes a certain amount of protectiveness to arise in the Fandom. Not wanting people to start erasing or denying a character's sexuality, people even end up attacking each other trying to defend their own point of view, sometimes without even canon supporting either side and being left up to interpretation.

Of course there's always assholes out there that try to bash on headcanons and certain canon beats just because they think it's funny or entertaining to antagonize other people. But harassment can, and has happened to some just having fun relating to their favorite characters due to this very mentality. 

Whenever someone engages with you with an idea or headcanon that may feel sketchy, try not to jump onto the offensive immediately. Unless someone is being a dickhead and pushing their headcanon around aggressively or being a bigot, we're all just people that love the same thing, expressing our love in different ways, for ourselves.

And isn't that what Fandom really should be? A Community to have fun in and show our appreciation for what we love.

Spread that love, have fun, and be understanding before jumping to conclusions. See you all another time!