Mark Sohmer, June 19, 2018
If I were a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, I’d be very disappointed in Star Wars’ allegedly first LGBTQ+ character.
Spoiler Alert: I’ll be talking about the new film, Solo: A Star Wars Movie.
Solo introduces us to the younger version of one of the Star Wars Canon’s most beloved characters, Lando Calrissian. And get this: apparently Lando is a pan-sexual.
Dictionary.com defines pansexual as, “expressing or involving sexuality in all its forms, or sexual activity with people of any sexual orientation or gender identity.”
I saw the movie. I loved the movie. And without Social Media telling me that Lando is on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, I never would have known. In my opinion, there’s not a hint of it in the movie. Granted, I only saw it once, so perhaps it will be more obvious in a future viewing.
But maybe not!
Washington Post writer, Sonya Rao, admits that Lando’s identity as “Queer” is not apparent on-screen. Rao writes, “Viewers will have to look off-screen for the answer to another burning question: Is Lando Calrissian queer?[1]”
And here’s why the LGBTQ+ Community ought to be outraged. If it’s true that Lando is “Queer,” then Lando represents some of the worst stereotypes of LGBTQ+ that one would think the community would want to avoid.
So what is this “off-screen” evidence?
“Asked in an interview with Huffington Post if the character played by Donald Glover is pansexual, [co-writer Jonathan] Kasdan replied, ‘I would say yes.[2]‘”
Roa gives more off-screen evidence. “[Lando Actor, Donald] Glover elaborated on the screenwriter’s claims this week in an interview with Entertainment Weekly… ‘How can you not be pansexual in space?’ he said. ‘There are so many things to have sex with. I didn’t think that was that weird. Yeah, [Lando]’s coming on to everybody. I mean, yeah, whatever. It just didn’t seem that weird to me ’cause I feel like if you’re in space it’s kind of like, the door is open! It’s like, no, only guys or girls. No, it’s anything. This thing is literally a blob. Are you a man or a woman? Like, who cares? Have good time out here.[3]‘”
And here’s why the LGBTQ+ Community ought to be outraged. If it’s true that Lando is “Queer,” then Lando represents some of the worst stereotypes of LGBTQ+ that one would think the community would want to avoid.
Isn’t it a stereotype that the LGBTQ+ Community is filled with over-sexed individuals with an abhorrence to faithful monogamy, choosing rather to have sex with just about anybody, and as many partners as they can meet at raves, and gay bars, and specialized Internet hookup sites? Isn’t this the stereotype that the Marriage Equality folks have been trying to stifle?
So be outraged, LGBTQ+ Community, that Lando, the anyone-flirting, conniving, cheating, betraying, untrustworthy, alpha Narcissist, who will have sex with “a blob,” and even flirted with Princess Leah right in front of her boyfriend, this is the man who Lucasfilm/Disney chose to represent you.
Then, LGBTQ+ Community, be outraged that your first alleged Star Wars compatriot is Lando Calrissian. Because Lando Calrissian is at the top of the food chain of galactic scoundrels who will flirt with and sleep with anyone. And apparently anything as well.
If Lando is a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, then he is the embarrassing stereotype found at Gay Pride parades globally. Rather than portraying the LGBTQ+ Community as made up of normal, safe, harmless, ordinary people who just happen to love someone from other than the opposite gender, Gay Pride parades flaunt the most outrageous, flamboyant, outlandish, and abnormal representation of mostly-naked twirking adults, drag queens, and sadomasochists, complete with public sex acts, and even unrealistically large fake genitalia. Don’t believe me? Click here, here, here, here, and here. (Warning: graphic!)
Pro-Gay Writer Rhea Tabler agrees. She writes, “I just don’t understand why gay pride parade’s and festivals have to be full of near naked gyrating people. Then they dare to call these ‘family’ events. There is no way in hell I would ever take my kids to something like that because I don’t need them exposed to SEX. The costumes are ridiculous! Or perhaps I should say ‘lack’ of costumes. And, I don’t think that this behavior really helps their cause, it just makes them look like sexed up idiots.[4]”
So be outraged, LGBTQ+ Community, that Lando, the anyone-flirting, conniving, cheating, betraying, untrustworthy, alpha Narcissist, who will have sex with “a blob,” and even flirted with Princess Leah right in front of her boyfriend, this is the man who Lucasfilm/Disney chose to represent you.
Oh, and be outraged that Lando doesn’t really represent you on-screen. You’re being played. Or, more technically, you’re being Queer-Baited.
Vox writer, Aja Romano, wrote regarding Lando’s discreet flirting, “It’s important to stress, however, that ‘flirting’ isn’t affirming queer identity; ambiguous banter that can be plausibly denied is still not clear textual representation. In fact, it’s arguably queerbaiting — common fan parlance for the homophobic act of presenting a character as straight while dangling subtext clues (and in some cases, external direction by creators) for fans to tease the idea that they could be queer… When the franchise is a major Hollywood property, like Star Wars, this kind of bait and switch can feel especially cruel and egregious.[5]”
Forbes Magazine Contributor, Scott Mendelson, agrees. “The ‘he’s bi when you’re not looking’ tease is just another example of filmmakers openly admitting to penning gay or bi characters in their big-scale tentpoles without those characters actually acting gay (or merely being gay) in the movies in question… If you don’t show a character as being gay onscreen, be it through dialogue, action or explicit interaction, you can’t them claim after the fact that the character was a member of the LGBTQIA community.[6]”
So that’s why I’d be outraged by LGBTQ+ Lando if I were non-Heterosexual.
But I am a Heterosexual, so I’m outraged for a different reason.
Star Wars is one of the few truly unifying pop-culture icons left that brings people together. Star Wars, with its cutting-edge special effects, terrific battles, larger-than-life heroes and villains, and themes of good versus evil, and redemption, is a film franchise that brings together Democrats, Republicans, Communists, and Anarchists. People of Color like Star Wars. Asians like Star Wars. Caucasians like Star Wars. Feminists, Racists, Atheists, and Religious folks all like Star Wars. Rich people and Poor people – guess what? They all like Star Wars. When discussion at the dinner table gets intense when the names “Donald” or “Hillary” are mentioned, family harmony can be regained by asking, “Which scene in The Empire Strikes Back is your favorite?” The unnecessary addition of LGBTQ+ sexuality to a kid’s movie sadly dissolves that unity.
Members of the LGBTQ+ Community have immeasurable value because they have been made in the image of God. They, like everyone else, deserve dignity and respect. We can disagree about the appropriateness of specific sexual acts, but still care for one another deeply.
Most importantly, unless one is a sexually amoral, we all have our own rules and boundaries when it comes to sex. Which begs the question, “Who gets to set the rules for sex?” The answer is “The One who invented sex.”
God himself invented sex when he made man and women. He gave them compatible genitalia and made the act pleasurable and good. But he set boundaries for our protection and benefit. The first boundary God made for sex is that it is to be practiced only within the sacred union of a marriage between one man and one woman.
I understand that many will disagree with this, but they’re disagreeing with God and not me. As Jesus said, “‘Haven’t you read the Scriptures?’ Jesus replied. ‘They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female”” (Mark 19:3).
It is neither effective, nor safe, to argue with Jesus.
You know what else outrages me? That many people, in the name of Jesus, have said and done horrific things to LGBTQ+ members. They may have said and done those things in Jesus’ name, but hatred and bullying is never done according to Jesus’ teachings.
I’m outraged by the addition of a sexual agenda to a fun, family-friendly movie franchise. I’m outraged that members of the LGBTQ+ are being exploited. Because, and imagine this, because I disagree with the behavior and choices of members of the LGBTQ+ Community, that doesn’t mean that I hate them or wish them ill will. On the contrary. Members of the LGBTQ+ Community have immeasurable value because they have been made in the image of God. They, like everyone else, deserve dignity and respect. We can disagree about the appropriateness of specific sexual acts, but still care for one another deeply.
Perhaps an example could help illuminate this. I am a Heterosexual. While I disagree with my fellow Heterosexuals who have sex outside of marriage, that doesn’t mean I hate them or want them harmed. We merely disagree. It’s okay to disagree and still care for one another. I’m outraged that the LGBTQ+ Community is being swindled, because I care for them as people.
This man, and others like him, do NOT represent the Biblical Jesus.
You know what else outrages me? That many people, in the name of Jesus, have said and done horrific things to LGBTQ+ members. They may have said and done those things in Jesus’ name, but hatred and bullying is never done according to Jesus’ teachings. If anyone reading this has experienced persecution from someone claiming to be a Christian, please accept my personal apology, and the assurance from God’s Word that the people doing that did it without the blessing of Jesus.
Jesus cares for members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and he proved it by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for their sin and my sin. And I’m not singling out just Gay people. Sin is sin whether committed by a Homosexual or a Heterosexual. In fact, I would consider it a safe conjecture that there is a lot more Heterosexual sin committed everyday than Homosexual sin. I’m so glad that God is patient, because he sees all of it, is offended by all of it, and still offers us a way of escape.
If you had Cancer, what would you think of the person who gave you the cure? No doubt you’d be beyond grateful!
Cancer is horrible because it kills people, but there’s something worse. Sin is worse than Cancer because it not only kills people, but sends them to an eternal place the Bible calls “The Lake of Fire.” Jesus warned, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, emphasis mine).
And unlike Cancer, which only some people contract, sin is a disease we all have. Want proof?
God says, “Do not lie.” Ask yourself, “Have you ever told a lie?” What do you call someone who tells a lie? (Hint, it starts with an ‘L’ and ends in ‘iar.’)
God says, “Do not steal.” Ask yourself, “Have you ever taken something that doesn’t belong to you?” The value doesn’t matter. Ever stolen a pen? A paperclip? Downloaded a song or movie that you didn’t pay for? Goofed off at work while being paid by the hour? If so, then that makes you a thief.
God says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” None of us have kept this law. We’re selfish, and rude, and mean, and we put ourselves first.
The evidence is overwhelming. All of us are sinners. We’re all guilty. And sin has disastrous consequences.
Well, almost all of us. That’s one of the things that makes Jesus different than us. It’s so hard for me to wrap my mind around this, but Jesus never sinned even once. Never! He never lied. He never stole. He perfectly loved not only his neighbor, but the whole world. He put others’ needs above his own.
We’re all going to stand before God on Judgment Day, and when we do, God will see us as guilty of lying, and thieving, and coveting, and blasphemy, and sexual immorality, and failure to love our neighbor. We all deserve The Lake of Fire.
But because of his GREAT LOVE for us, God came down in human form. His name is Jesus. He lived a perfect life, and he died like a thief even though he wasn’t a thief. He died like a criminal even though he wasn’t a criminal.
So why did Jesus allow the Roman nails to pierce his flesh, his bones, his veins? Jesus said, “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily” (John 10:18). Why would he do this? Jesus sacrificed himself because of love.
You see, what a man or woman with Cancer needs more than anything else is the cure for Cancer. And what a man or woman with the disease of sin needs more than anything else is the cure for sin.
Jesus is the cure for sin!
Jesus is not “off the table” for the LGBTQ+ Community. If you’re a Lesbian, or Gay, or Bi-sexual, or Trans-sexual, or Queer, or Heterosexual, or Rich, Poor, Tall, Short, and any skin color, if you call “on the name of the Lord,” you “will be saved.”
Remember when we were in Grade School and our teacher was sick? Who would they send? They’d send a “substitute.” A “substitute” is someone who takes the place of another. Jesus died as the substitute for those who would belong to him. “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
Christ didn’t stay dead. On the third day he raised himself from the dead! I don’t know a lot of things, but this I do know: if a man is dead and buried for three days, and on his own power raises himself from the dead, we need to listen to that person. That person has authority.
With authority from God, Jesus commands everyone to “Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15).
Very easy to understand, but hard to do because it goes against our pride. But pride always keeps us from God.
So whether you’re Gay or Straight or Pansexual or Transexual, Jesus commands you to repent and believe the good news that he died for your sins and rose from the dead. If you receive this message, you’ll become “born again” and you get to go to Heaven, not because you’re a good person, but because you’re a bad person who was forgiven by a very good God. Jesus warned, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
This is so simple. The Bible promises that “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). And it says, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
That “everyone” means “everyone.” Jesus is not “off the table” for the LGBTQ+ Community. If you’re a Lesbian, or Gay, or Bi-sexual, or Trans-sexual, or Queer, or Heterosexual, or Rich, Poor, Tall, Short, and any skin color, if you call “on the name of the Lord,” you “will be saved.” Heck, even Philadelphia Eagles’ fans can be saved!!!!
I beg you, please, take to heart what Jesus commands of you. You’ll know true love – the love of God towards sinners who have been born again, and now belong to him. There’s nothing more important than belonging to Jesus and having your sins forgiven.
Please find out more about what Jesus taught. The Book of John is an excellent place to start.
And please feel free to contact me if I can be of any help. I’m just a sinner who was born again when I repented of my sin and believed the good news. Actually, it’s great news!
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite blessings, because whoever you are, I want you to be blessed.
“May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
Footnotes:
- ^Donald Glover confirms Lando Calrissian is pansexual. But does this count as representation?, Sonya Rao, emphasis mine
- ^ Star Wars character Lando Calrissian is pansexual, and I couldn’t be happier, Bonnie Burxton
- ^ Rao
- ^ THIS IS MY PROBLEM WITH GAY PRIDE PARADES AND FESTIVALS, Rhea Tabler
- ^ What a pansexual Lando Calrissian reveals about the evolution of Star Wars, Aja Romano
- ^ Claiming Lando And Dumbledore Are LGBTQ Offscreen Doesn’t Count, Scott Mendelson
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