There has never been a shortage of gays in Sex and the City. Since its 1998 debut, the SATC universe has maintained a noble connection to LGBTQ+ stories, a thread that has only grown stronger with the 2021 reboot, And Just Like That…, now in its third season. While the original series introduced gay characters like Stanford and Anthony, and even featured Samantha Jones exploring a same-sex relationship, the current iteration places queer narratives at its centre. Key developments include Miranda’s coming out, Charlotte’s child Rock identifying as nonbinary, and a broader cast of queer characters. This evolution reflects both cultural shifts and the show’s commitment to representing diverse identities in a nuanced, grounded way.
Cynthia Nixon, who has played Miranda for over two decades and came out publicly in the early 2000s, was instrumental in shaping Miranda’s queer storyline. In And Just Like That…, Miranda’s journey as a single queer woman navigating midlife dating is both a tender and candid exploration of identity. Highlights include her playful and unexpected one-night stand with a virgin nun, portrayed by Rosie O’Donnell, and her slowly deepening, complex relationship with Joy, a character played by Dolly Wells. Nixon describes this relationship as a meeting of equals, two confident women who mask insecurities beneath their poise, capturing the messiness and realness of late-life queer romance. Critics and fans alike have praised Nixon’s portrayal as bringing warmth and relatability that anchors the season’s most compelling arc.
Sarah Jessica Parker, long the face of the franchise as Carrie Bradshaw, reflects on the series’ deep-rooted affinity with the LGBTQ+ community. She acknowledges that from early on, Sex and the City found a natural connection with queer audiences, a bond that has only deepened. Parker highlights the vital role that media representation plays in affirming the reality and complexity of queer lives, particularly in a political climate marked by rising hostility and attempts to erase LGBTQ+ existence. She notes that portraying these characters as integral parts of everyday life counters narratives that marginalise or diminish their contributions, emphasizing the power of narrative visibility in fostering empathy and understanding.
Alongside Nixon and Parker, other cast members underscore how the series normalises queer and diverse stories as part of everyday life, rather than framing them as exceptional or “issue-driven.” Nicole Ari Parker, who plays Lisa Todd Wexley, draws attention to the importance of reflecting underserved stories, such as Black queer families in spaces like the Upper East Side, in a manner that feels grounded and familiar. Meanwhile, Sarita Choudhury, portraying Carrie’s friend Seema Patel, praises the show for making the political act of centring queer narratives an organic part of the storytelling—something she sees as braver and more impactful than overt activism alone.
Season three also signifies a shift in tone and structure, with the series focusing intently on the evolving lives of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte as they grapple with midlife transformations. Carrie’s storyline revisits her internal monologues, lending insight into her emotional growth and her rekindled relationship with Aidan. Meanwhile, Miranda’s awakening to her queer identity and political engagement is depicted with honesty and complexity, reflecting not only the character’s development but also many real-life experiences of self-discovery later in life.
The show’s willingness to centre queer characters in expansive, multi-dimensional stories has not gone unnoticed. For example, characters like Che Diaz, a non-binary comedian introduced in earlier seasons, marked a significant moment for transgender and non-binary representation in mainstream media, though the character’s absence this season reflects ongoing cast and narrative shifts. The introduction of new queer characters, alongside a broader diversification of the cast, demonstrates the creators’ ongoing aim to reflect today’s society more authentically.
Fashion remains a staple feature, but in this season it serves more as a mode of personal expression rather than mere aspiration, mirroring the characters’ journeys toward embracing their authentic selves. Embedded within the glamour and wit is a mature, thoughtful meditation on identity, friendship, and the courage required to reinvent oneself in midlife.
As And Just Like That… continues to evolve, it remains a vital cultural text for LGBTQ+ audiences by asserting queer lives and stories not as additions but as integral to the fabric of contemporary life. The cast and creators appear committed to reflecting the vibrant diversity and complexity of real communities, making the show a significant platform for queer representation in today’s television landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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