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(Come on, its a space cartoon.
How much reality do you expect?)
It surely is a brave new future thatVoltron: Legendary Defenderhas mapped out for us.
When did you decide that Shiro was gay?Lauren Montgomery: It popped up pretty early on.
It was something we threw out there and liked, but we didnt put it in the show bible.
We didnt want someones orientation in that stuff since it wasnt the focus of the first season.
I thought wed find representation in the show with another character.
Then, bam, back to plan one.
We worked it back into the story here, so this is the ultimate reveal to the audience.
In a perfect world, this wouldnt be history-making at all.
LM: Were just trying to make the first steps.
Theyre all aware of his past and his personal life.
Its not an issue.
LM: Ultimately, for him, its not a big deal.
I think its doing the opposite of how things used to be.
It used to be a big dramatic deal and we feel like this should just be pretty regular.
Its not our show making this big reveal.
It was the best possible emotions.
We didnt want it to be a story point that its a secret.
We were comfortable enough with presenting this to the execs.
There was some question about what will it mean, what will it do.
LM: Whenever we focus on characters background, it was always, Why isnt Voltron blowing things up?
Theres no getting around it for us.
Its hard to lean into one thing or another.
The interpersonal, romantic relationships have never been the backbone of the show.
Pidge has been a gender nonconforming character since the very beginning.
Was that also a conscious choice?LM: Yes and no.
She doesnt really act like any sort of stereotype.
Shes just Pidge and she does what makes her happy, and thats something we want to get across.
Be yourself, be you, dont be what you think the world wants you to be.
Were not trying topidge-on hole her into any place.
We dont put it in any category, we put it in the category of fun for anyone.
LM: It could have easily just been show for boys to buy toys.
Its been for women and girls and families watching it together and the LGBTQ community.
Its been an honor for us to make a show that appeals to so many people.
Shiro pilots the most powerful lion.
Is that because hes gay?
Do gays have special powers in the Voltron universe?
hey say yes.JD: Were going to say yes to you.
Just to make you happy.
