This Queer History Month, ‘A League of Their Own’ Deserves a Spotlight

In the episode, we see Greta finally opening up to a possibility of safety and happiness with Carson which leads to her setting her rules aside for a bit. We also see Max take larger strides towards welcoming Bert into her life and finding what fits best for her.

Before the episode’s heartbreaking (but important) climax, we see every queer character find a sense of joy – with their partners and within their community – and when this bubble is brutally burst, one can only blame the world they’re in, not them or their identity.

It’s not uncommon for bigots to treat the queer community as something of a ‘trend’ in an attempt to discredit the community’s place in society. However, stories like A League of Their Own prove that these stories have always existed but now, finally, have a safe space to be showcased.

By focusing solely on queer joy, it shows viewers not simply what homophobia is but what it destroys in its wake.

Heather, 27, says, “A League of Their Own is the show that I needed nearly 15 years ago when I was outed by a “friend” in high school. At the time, the amount of representation I could access was queerbait-y and problematic at best but I clung to it. There was rarely joy in that media but what choice did I have? I was lonely without a real queer community around me and I was still closeted at home.”

“Community is so important to Queer people and this show does an incredible job at capturing the real community we have always been creating for ourselves. Through this show I have been able to find a little community of my own with some of the most wonderful, kind, funny and talented people on the internet,” she adds.

In A League of Their Own, Greta Gill spends all her time creating a shield of hyper-femininity because it protects her from being seen as ‘queer’. It’s one of the rules she uses to keep herself safe and yet, the same femininity means that she must deal with unwanted advances from men or catcalling from the stands.

Through her character and those of Lupe Garcia (Roberta Colindrez) and Jess McCready (Kelly McCormack), ALOTO explores how femininity and masculinity play a role in the way queer people are perceived – for instance when Jess almost loses her spot in the team for not wearing make-up or Greta pointing out what the ‘real purpose’ of the makeover exercise is.

And even then, it tells a story of queer resilience. Like the scenes between Max and Bert & Gracie (Patrice Covington) and Greta & Carson meeting Edie (Stephanie Erb) & Vi (Rosie O’Donnell), the show represents hope for queer people across the spectrum.