The controversy surrounding the same-sex kiss in the latest season of Doctor Who! It’s surprising to hear that some people were unaware that the show has featured same-sex kisses before. Let’s take a trip down memory lane!
Indeed, Doctor Who has a history of inclusivity and representation, and same-sex relationships have been depicted on the show in the past. One notable example is the relationship between Captain Jack Harkness (played by John Barrowman) and Ianto Jones (played by Gareth David-Lloyd) in the spin-off series Torchwood, which aired from 2006 to 2011. The show was created by Russell T. Davies, who also wrote for Doctor Who, and it explored more mature themes, including same-sex relationships.
In Doctor Who itself, there have been subtle hints at same-sex relationships and attractions over the years. For instance, in the 2015 episode “The Magician’s Apprentice,” there’s a brief moment where Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and Oswin Oswald (Zaraah Abrahams) share a tender moment, which some fans interpreted as a hint at a romantic connection.
More recently, in the 2017 episode “Empress of Mars,” there’s a scene where Captain Jack Harkness shares a kiss with a male character, which was a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation on the show.
It’s worth noting that the show’s current showrunner, Chris Chibnall, has made a conscious effort to increase diversity and representation in the series, including the casting of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor. The controversy surrounding the same-sex kiss in the latest season is unfortunate, but it’s heartening to see that the show’s creators and many fans are committed to promoting inclusivity and acceptance. As the Doctor would say, “Love is a many-splendored thing, and it’s about time we celebrated it in all its forms!”
