Superhero Ethics

Unpacking the Powerful Trans Allegory in I Saw the TV Glow

Matthew and Riki dive deep into the indie horror film I Saw the TV Glow and explore how it serves as a poignant and powerful allegory for the trans experience. The hosts discuss the film's unique approach to horror, its nostalgic 90s setting, and the way it allows a trans person to potentially realize their identity through the concept of "egg cinema."

Key discussion points:

• What if the real monster is the version of ourselves we hold onto, while we lock our true selves away?
• How does I Saw the TV Glow use the horror genre in an unconventional way and with a good helping of Buffy nostalgia to tell a story about a young person coming to accept they are transgender?
• In what ways does the film's nostalgic 90s setting resonate with Matthew's own experience growing up as a queer youth during that time and only hearing the word non-binary, let alone accepting that as their own reality, decades later.
• How is the film accessible to all audiences while still containing layers of meaning that deeply resonate with the trans community?
• Why is Owen denying his true self the real "horror" in the film, and how does this serve as a universal theme beyond just gender identity?

The hosts also compare and contrast I Saw the TV Glow with other recent films depicting trans characters and experiences, including Emilia Pérez. While applauding the groundbreaking Oscar nomination for trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez, the hosts also dissect the problematic and stereotypical portrayal of her character. The film A Fantastic Woman is also mentioned in the discussion. Overall, this episode provides a nuanced and layered discussion of trans representation in film, uplifting powerful examples while also critiquing the cisnormative gaze and calling for more authentic stories.

Other topics covered:

• What makes something horror?
• How do we use the media we consume to frame our reality?
• How does TV Glow use the metaphor of horror to explore the experience of being transgender in a world that doesn't accept you?
• Trans terminology like "egg"
• Generational divides in queer and trans communities
• Horror as social commentary and metaphor
• The Oscars' history with overlooking both black artists and horror films

Join Matthew and Riki for this important and engaging conversation about one of the year's most overlooked films and the current state of trans representation in cinema. Be sure to check out the show notes for links to articles referenced and consider becoming a member to access exclusive bonus content.

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This episode is a production of Superhero Ethics, a The Ethical Panda Podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check our our website to find out more about this and our sister podcast Star Wars Generations.

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