In a recent episode of their rewatch podcast How Rude, Tanneritos!, Full House stars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber delved into a fan’s question about the sexual orientations of their beloved characters. Their candid discussion shed light on how the show might have subtly incorporated LGBTQ+ themes, even before such topics were openly addressed on television.
Stephanie Tanner: A Subtle Queer Representation
Jodie Sweetin, who portrayed the ever-optimistic Stephanie Tanner, confidently stated that her character was “somewhere to the right on the Kinsey scale,” suggesting a queer identity. This perspective aligns with a moment in Fuller House, the show’s sequel series, where Stephanie casually mentions having had a girlfriend in the past. Sweetin’s assertion highlights a nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media .
Kimmy Gibbler: Defying Labels
Andrea Barber, who brought the quirky Kimmy Gibbler to life, expressed that her character doesn’t conform to traditional labels. Barber emphasized that Kimmy “does not fit into any boxes,” suggesting a fluid approach to sexuality. Sweetin added that Kimmy might be pansexual, indicating that she loves the person, not the package. This interpretation offers a progressive view on sexual identity, reflecting a more inclusive representation on screen .
Blake McIver Ewing’s Character: Derek Tanner
Blake McIver Ewing, who played Michelle Tanner’s classmate Derek, was also discussed in the podcast. Both Sweetin and Barber agreed that Derek likely grew up to be queer. This acknowledgment adds depth to the show’s character development, suggesting that even minor characters had complex identities that were ahead of their time .
The Absence of LGBTQ+ Discussions in the Original Series
Sweetin and Barber reflected on the lack of LGBTQ+ discussions during the original run of Full House. Barber remarked, “We didn’t talk about that in the ’80s,” referencing the show’s setting in San Francisco, a city known for its LGBTQ+ community. Despite the absence of overt discussions, the actresses’ insights reveal that the show’s creators may have subtly addressed these themes through character development and storytelling .
‘Fuller House’ and the Introduction of an Openly Queer Character
The sequel series, Fuller House, introduced its first openly queer character, Casey, portrayed by transgender actress Miss Benny. This inclusion marked a significant step forward in LGBTQ+ representation on television. However, the casting choice was met with controversy when Miss Benny alleged that Candace Cameron Bure attempted to have the character removed from the show. Bure denied these claims, emphasizing her support for diverse characters. This incident sparked discussions about the challenges of LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry .
Conclusion
The candid reflections of Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber offer a fresh perspective on Full House and its portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes. While the original series may not have explicitly addressed these topics, the actresses’ insights suggest that the show’s characters embodied diverse identities. As conversations about representation continue to evolve, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the subtle inclusivity present in classic television shows.
FAQs
1. Did Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber discuss their characters’ sexual orientations in the original Full House series?
No, the actresses’ insights were shared during the How Rude, Tanneritos! podcast, reflecting on their characters’ potential queer identities.
2. Who portrayed the character Derek Tanner in Full House?
Blake McIver Ewing played Derek Tanner, Michelle Tanner’s classmate.
3. What is the Kinsey scale?
The Kinsey scale is a measure of sexual orientation, ranging from 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual).
4. Was there an openly queer character in Fuller House?
Yes, Casey, portrayed by transgender actress Miss Benny, was the first openly queer character introduced in Fuller House.
5. Did Candace Cameron Bure support the inclusion of queer characters in Fuller House?
Candace Cameron Bure has stated that she never requested the removal of queer characters and supports diverse representation on the show .
