From Idgie to Arizona – My Nominees for AfterEllen’s Top 50 Lesbian/Bi Characters Survey
The ladies over at AfterEllen.com want to find out who the top lesbian/bi fictional characters are. If you are still unsure who to nominate, here are some suggestions.
Until March 5th, participants of AfterEllen’s latest survey can enter up to 10 names of characters they think made an impact, changed the perception of lesbian and bi women by the media and/or audiences, or just moved them in a significant way.
So, here is my list. I listed them in chronological order, which means that the ones in the top spots are not necessarily my favorites, and vice versa. I think you could say that I like them all equally – well, except for one.
Idgie Threadgoode, “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991)
Ever wondered why “bee_charmer” is such a popular user name on lesbian message boards and websites? It is because of her: Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson). Even though the producers tried hard to “de-gay” the storyline, it was obvious even without knowing the book by Fannie Flagg which the movie was based on that Idgie was “one of us”, and that her relationship with Ruth was more than just friendship. Passionate, stubborn, loyal and kindhearted as she was, she charmed not only the bees and Ruth, but also movie audiences, and made “Fried Green Tomatoes” one of the most popular lesbian movies of all times.
Ellen Morgan, “Ellen” (1997/1998)
It if it weren’t for Ellen DeGeneres and her quirky yet loveable alter ego Ellen Morgan, I would probably still try to tell myself that I just have not found the right man yet. That’s why, if I had to pick only one, she would be my choice for all-time favorite lesbian character.
Tara Maclay, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1999 – 2002)
Gentle and sweet, yet strong and feisty when it mattered, Tara Maclay (Amber Benson) was so much more than just Willow Rosenberg’s girlfriend. When she was shot by Warren, my heart broke, and it took a while before I could forgive Joss Whedon. (Alright, to be honest, as brilliant as he is, I’m still a little mad at him.)
Willow Rosenberg, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1999 – 2003)
She went from nerd to powerful witch to “I’m going to skin people alive and destroy the world because I don’t know how to deal with my girlfriend’s death” and managed to return from it. If there was ever a strong female character with an interesting character arc, it was Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan).
Rosalie Butzke, “Berlin, Berlin” (German TV show; 2002/2003)
Rosalie, oh Rosalie. Even though she only appeared in the very first of five seasons of one of the best German TV shows ever, she is still my favorite character. Rosalie Butzke (Sandra Borgmann) was the first “real” lesbian character I came across on German TV. She had a big mouth, but an equally big heart and would do everything for her friends. Her sexuality was never questioned, nor was it ever a big deal, except for a hilarious verbal exchange she had with main character Lolle when they first met. (They kept calling each other “dyke” and “country bumpkin”, respectively.) After she left, the show just wasn’t the same anymore.
Lucy Diamond, “D.E.B.S.” (2004)
An alleged super-villain who turns out to be a regular – very sexy, but still regular – girl, Lucy Diamond (Jordana Brewster) got her heart broken once too often and is now too scared to even go on a blind date. But all that changes when Lucy meets Amy and falls in love with her. Lucy is willing to do everything to win Amy over – even give up crime.
Bette Porter, „The L Word“ (2004-2009)
Strong and powerful on the surface, Bette (Jennifer Beals) tried to keep everything – and everyone – under control and failed miserably. She cheated on both Tina and Jodi, she had an affair with a student, and she even went as far as kidnapping her daughter during a custody battle she had with Tina. There were times when she made it very difficult for viewers to like her, and there were times when her own vulnerability became so obvious that it was hard not to feel sympathetic for her. (Plus, just thinking about her in one of her power suits makes me drool.)
Carla von Lahnstein, “Verbotene Liebe” (2003 -* )
For six years, Carla Sophia Gräfin von Lahnstein (Claudia Hiersche) had to endure whatever spine-crawling ideas the writers of German soap opera „Verbotene Liebe“ came up with, but she always managed to retain her dignity. Her girlfriend died in her arms; she was forced into marrying a man by her father; her wife’s ex-husband took hostages at their wedding; while she was pregnant, her wife fell in love with the sperm-donor; and all the while her brother Ansgar made intrigues and even managed to get her arrested and locked up. Even though she once went astray and cheated on her wife, Carla went through all of this with her head held high. Furthermore, she never once questioned her sexuality and, after being outed by her brother, she was out and proud. Carla deserves every bit of happiness she seems to have finally found with Stella. May they live happily ever after.
(* Because Claudia Hiersche has not officially left the show, I did not include an end date.)
Arizona Robbins, “Grey’s Anatomy” (2009 – )
A pediatric surgeon with rolls under her shoes and authority issues – judging from that description, it would seem unlikely that Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) is one of the most mature characters on Grey’s Anatomy. But when it comes to her work or her girlfriend Callie, people do well to take Arizona seriously. She stands up for her little patients, and she stood up for Callie when her father came to try and “pray away the gay”. She is not flawless, of course, and even lied to Callie once when she thought that she could not handle a situation, but she tries hard to be a “good man in a storm” and the best person – and girlfriend – she can be.
Those are my nine nominees, and there is room for one more on the list. Any suggestions who I should add? And who are your nominees?
Tags: AfterEllen, Arizona Robbins, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Carla von Lahnstein, Ellen, Ellen DeGeneres, Grey's Anatomy, Jennifer Beals, The L Word, Verbotene Liebe
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EMILY FITCH- SKINS
Good choice. Although I have only seen some YT clips, it seems like she is an impressive character.
what about Nikki Reed and Kirsten Stewart????
Aren’t they “real” actresses? Because AE is just looking for fictional characters right now. But I’m pretty sure that they are going to be asking for our nominees for the Hot 100 list soon, and I’m very sure those two will make THAT list.
Nikki & Helen from Bad Girls?
I have to admit that I never followed that storyline. Do you know any websites or YT channels where I could catch up with the storyline and get to know the characters?
A lot of the clips have been taken down on Youtube. You can watch the Helen/Nikki scenes here though: http://www.xnedrabourne.com/NikkiHelen/NikkiHelenVids.htm and the whole thing is out on DVD (N&H are only seasons 1-3).
Thx, I’m going to check it out.
MeL, you forgot the couple who makes us LOATHE the word “Pookie” and LOVE the song: “Take Me or Leave Me”
Maureen and Joanne.
I personally like Joanne, a tiny bit more.
Lol, you are right, “Pookie” is such a terrible nickname.
Of course, I didn’t forget about them, I just think that the movie as a whole is so wonderful that it was difficult for me to single out only one or maybe two characters. But if I did, it would also be Joanne.
How about Luce from Imagine Me and You? Or Dr. Kim Legaspi from ER? Why not Peggy Peabody? Spashley?
As for my nominees, here they are in no particular order.
1. Idgie Threadgoode
2. Bette Porter
3. Nikki Wade
4. Carla von Lahnstein
5. Dr. Maggie Doyle
6. Dr. Erica Hahn
7. Simone Bradley
8. Luce
9. Dana Fairbanks
10. Ellen Morgan
Thanks @all for your suggestions and @JM for sharing your list of nominees. Reading all those names of great lesbian / bi characters makes me somewhat optimistic that we aren’t as invisible as we might think we are after all. And it’s getting better and better.
As for my 10th nominee, so far I’m considering Tanja Schildknecht (German TV show Lindenstraße) and Luce (Imagine Me and You). But please, keep the suggestions coming!
Do you believe that espiecelly “forbidden love” become a new lesbian /bi role in the future, mel?
I hope that they won’t wait too long before bringing a new lesbian character in, especially given the success of Carla von Lahnstein, and also “Chrolli” (= the gay couple Christian and Olli). But who knows. Sometimes it seems like Marienhof and Verbotene Liebe are taking turns, and right now, it’s Marienhof’s turn.
Sometimes it seems like Marienhof and Verbotene Liebe are taking turns, and right now, it’s Marienhof’s turn.
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thats´true: 1. andrea/andrea and billi (marienhof) 2. nina /nina und erika/jule (forbidden love) 3.andrea and billi part 2 (marienhof) 4. carla von lahnstein (forbidden love) 5. kerstin und juliette (marienhof)
i think we don´t become a new lesbian charakter so long christian and olli in the show and carla (and stella) have more guest apperance in the future.
stella mann for me was a chance to tell new story after claudia hiersche has leave the show (there was other option for carla to become here happy and in love), but the chief author, from forbidden love bernadette feiler, doesn´t want that. for this was a mistake. gay- and lesbian stories ever be a part of the soap.
emily fitch. that’s all i have to say.
Hhhm, interesting lists. I would definitely have to have Carla and Stella at the top, and but then, its an open field.
1. Carla Lahnstein
2. Stella Mann
3. Olivia Spencer
4. Natalia Riviera
5. Nikki Wade
6. Helen Stewart
7. Xena
8. Gabrielle
9. Tara
10. Willow
The final spot on my list eventually went to Tanja Schildknecht of the German TV show Lindenstraße, mainly because she has been a lesbian for over a decade now. For a while, I also considered Kerry Weaver of ER. If I remember correctly, AE intends to publish the list on Monday. Can’t wait to see who made the list.
it is so great for me and a respekt for claudia hiersche that SHE in the international! list. that says all for me.
“carla von lahnstein” was a great popular role, play by the amazing claudia hiersche.
it is an honor, she is in the list, at the point claudia hiersche leave “forbidden love”, because, she wants to play other things. 6 jears “carla” it was a great time.and this is like the “main point.”
my list:
1. carla von lahnstein
2. susanne brandner
3. bette porter
4. tina kennard
5. billi voigt
6. alice pieszecki
7. dana fairbanks
8. dr. kerry weaver
9. dra. maca fernández wilson
10. esther garcia
Carla deserves every bit of happiness she seems to have finally found with Stella
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if carla has poblem´s with her family and she wants to be a human were she can be only carla,, everytime she goes in the arms of the wife she love. carla is an control-freak like bette porter, but this is what we can see by hanna, susanne and stella. this was like a red thread running through the story of carla von lahnstein. and there she found love, stability and strengh.and this is luck for me.