This is a scene from the Hulu show “East Lost High,” which aired from 2013-2017, and explored the everyday lives of Latino teenagers in east Los Angeles. In this 2016 episode, a queer student introduces themselves to a high school class on “life skills” and discusses their gender and sexual identity. The scene brings up the way individuals or groups can be bullied, ostracized, and marginalized– left out of one community, but also shows how they can express and stand up for themselves, forging their own communities.

discussion

What specific reactions do the high school students have to their queer guest?

How does the scene explore the challenges and complexities of discussing gender and sexual identity in an educational setting?

What is the message being conveyed in this scene regarding inclusivity?

Considering the significance of this scene in portraying a queer student’s journey in a high school setting, how does it contribute to or challenge common stereotypes and narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ characters in television?