The Vito Russo Test, created by the LGBT organization GLAAD, tests for the representation of LGBT characters in fiction, and asks: Does the work of fiction in question contain a character that is identifiably LGBT, and is not solely or predominantly defined by their sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect? Let’s talk about examples of pop culture that pass this test.
The 1990s Sailor Moon animé featured various canonically LGBT characters. Two such characters were introduced several episodes after the first five Sailor Soldiers: the tomboyish Sailor Uranus and the more traditionally feminine Sailor Neptune, a duo of lesbian anti-heroes who could hold their own in battle. Some may recall, however, that their true relationship was infamously toned down or even censored in some of the dubs.
21 Jun 2017, 5:22 am
