\”Why aren’t there more LGBTQ people in the Star Wars universe? They do exist, but they’re often relegated to the sidelines, appearing in video games or comic books like Juhani from Knights of the Old Republic or Doctor Aphra from the Doctor Aphra comics. The closest we’ve gotten to queer representation in live-action Star Wars is a same-sex kiss hidden in the background of The Rise of Skywalker. It’s baffling that in a galaxy as vast as the one depicted in Star Wars, there are no queer characters. However, the latest Disney+ series, The Acolyte, is finally giving space to queer people in the Star Wars universe. Episode 3 of The Acolyte goes beyond token representation to tell a compelling story about a family of faith that clashes with the Jedi way of life, prompting us to question the motives of the typically revered Jedi Order.
The episode transports viewers to the planet Brendok, a sapphic paradise, where we learn about the origin story of twins Mae and Osha, played by Amandla Stenberg. Directed by Kogonada, the episode sheds light on the twins’ past, including a tragic event that shapes their lives and Mae’s desire to seek revenge on four Master Jedi. The episode introduces Mae and Osha’s mothers, Aniseya and Koril, who belong to a coven of witches that have their own ways of engaging with the Force, separate from the Jedi. The episode explores themes of love, family, and the struggle for acceptance in a society that doesn’t always embrace differences. Aniseya and Koril’s desire to protect their children from the Jedi’s influence mirrors the experiences of many queer individuals who face discrimination and persecution in the real world.
The Acolyte challenges our perception of the Jedi Order, suggesting that they may not always be the heroes we believe them to be. By using queerness as a metaphor to explore the nuances of good and evil, the series delves into complex moral issues and the consequences of blind faith. The Acolyte is a bold new direction in Star Wars storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the galaxy far, far away. Episode 3 of The Acolyte is now available on Disney+ and airs every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.\”