“Are they lovers?”
“Worse.”
To be fair, we all ship Elphaba and Glinda after watching the wicked movie. How can you not? Their relationship is so genuine and raw, that it makes you shed a tear at the heartbreaking ending. They have stirred a buzz all over social media since the premier of the movie: ship edits on Tik-Tok, 3-hour YouTube video and fan art… The fandom is thriving. Since then, everyone has been asking the same question: Are they gay?
So, are they?
Though the movie doesn’t explicitly present Elphaba and Glinda as a romantic couple, there is an undeniable queer vibe that runs throughout their relationship. The most apparent hint is their close proximity—whether it's in their shared dorm room or in moments of crisis, they are often shown side by side, supporting one another. In the musical, songs like "For Good" capture the depth of their emotional connection. The lyrics convey an overwhelming sense of love and mutual understanding that hints at something beyond platonic affection.
However, it was confirmed by the Wicked author, Gregory Maguire himself, that he had in mind that romantic tension exists between the two characters, but it was largely open to interpretation, leaving spaces of imagination and exploration for sexuality. This ambiguity has made Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship resonate with more diverse audiences, inviting discussion about love, loyalty, and the many forms of connection that transcend societal labels (and more ship fanfictions too).
Queer Villians, do Gays always do Crimes?
The portrayal of queer characters as villains has a long history in popular media, often reflecting societal biases and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Queer-coded villains have been depicted as flamboyant, cunning, or morally ambiguous. This trope, referred to as "depraved homosexual," roots itself in the cultural stigmatization of queer identities. Elphaba can be labeled as a Queer Villian due to her outsider status, rejection of societal norms, and defiance of traditional expectations. At the end of the movie, where she sings her anthem, ‘Defying Gravity,’ it celebrates her own identity, as she chooses to live authentically despite societal pressure.
Reclaiming Authentic Identity
Whether or not one chooses to read Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship as queer, it is clear that Wicked offers a narrative where love, in all its forms, is celebrated as a force that can change the world. In Eros Song, we aim to encourage women to explore identities freely, acknowledging that personal and collective growth comes from understanding and embracing the complexities of who we are. We aim to build a community that uplifts diverse perspectives, fosters meaningful connections, and challenges traditional boundaries, ensuring that every voice is heard and empowered.
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