How to Get Away with Murder is a popular American legal drama television series that first aired in 2014. The show follows the life of Annalise Keating, a criminal defense lawyer, and five of her students at Middleton Law School. One of the main characters in the show is Connor Walsh, who is portrayed as a smart and determined law student with a questionable moral compass. Throughout the series, it is revealed that Connor Walsh is gay. In this blog post, we will explore how the character Connor is portrayed as gay in the show, the impact it has on his storyline, and the significance of the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media.
Connor Walsh – A Portrayal of a Gay Character
Connor Walsh is portrayed as a gay character throughout the series. From the first season itself, we see him in a relationship with another man, Oliver Hampton. The show does not shy away from showing the intimate moments between the two characters, which is a refreshing change from the typical portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media. The show explores the complexities of their relationship and how they navigate through the ups and downs of their lives, just like any other couple.
One of the most striking things about the portrayal of Connor’s sexuality is that it is not the defining aspect of his character. He is not reduced to a stereotype or caricature, but instead given a fully fleshed-out character that happens to be gay. It is a significant step towards breaking down the barriers that have existed in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media for a long time.
Impact on Storyline
Connor’s sexuality is not just an afterthought in the show but is a vital aspect of his character development. It has a significant impact on his storyline, and we see him struggle with his identity and the stigma surrounding being gay. In one of the episodes, Connor’s father disowns him after he comes out to him, which has a lasting impact on Connor’s life. We also see him dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience that he faced due to his sexuality.
The show does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of being a gay man in a society that is not always accepting of it. It is a portrayal that is both accurate and honest, and it has resonated with fans of the show worldwide. It is a testament to the power of representation in mainstream media and how it can have a profound impact on society as a whole.
Significance of Representation
The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media has come a long way over the years. However, there is still a long way to go. It is essential to have accurate and nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in popular media as it can have a significant impact on society’s perception of them. For a long time, LGBTQ+ characters were reduced to caricatures and stereotypes, which did not accurately represent the wide range of experiences that exist within the community.
When shows like How to Get Away with Murder portray LGBTQ+ characters like Connor, it can have a profound impact on the perception of society as a whole. Representation matters, and it is crucial to have equitable and diverse representation in mainstream media to break down the barriers that still exist in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the portrayal of Connor Walsh as a gay character in How to Get Away with Murder is significant for many reasons. It is a powerful portrayal of an LGBTQ+ character that breaks down the barriers that have existed in mainstream media for a long time. It is an accurate and honest portrayal of the complexities of being gay in modern society, and it resonates with fans worldwide. It is a testament to the power of representation in mainstream media and highlights the need for equitable and diverse representation to break down the barriers in society.
