Heated Rivalry has established itself as the series of the moment, blending sports rivalry, erotic tension, and secret romance. This love story between two professional hockey players has attracted an unexpected audience: heterosexual women. So why this enthusiasm and what does it reveal about the evolution of representations on screen? Answers with Marie-Lou Dulac, author and specialist in media and pop culture representation issues.
Heated Rivalry (Rivalité passionnée in French), which premiered on French screens on February 6th, has been a phenomenal success. Even before its official broadcast on HBO Max, this Canadian series had already found its audience in France. Between piracy and VPN usage, this gay romance featuring two professional hockey players from rival teams has turned many heads. Notably, the series is particularly appealing to a female heterosexual audience. How to explain such enthusiasm? What role do these types of stories play? And what new perspectives do they bring to representations? Answers with Marie-Lou Dulac, expert in media and pop culture representation issues and founder of the diversity and inclusion consultancy agency DIRE & dire.
Do you think it is important to have more stories focused on male queer romances? Why?
Yes, there is a need for more gay romances in pop culture. Often, when they do exist, they take a backseat in the storyline. Here, the romance is at the heart of the story, which makes it interesting. It’s a completely unapologetic romance. This series allows us to see the diversity of orientations and relationships that exist. Its aim is to make these different relationships more accepted in society. It portrays these relationships as normal, not strange or monstrous.
What role can these stories play in Western societies?
In a context of regressing LGBTQ+ rights, it is crucial to have such stories. They provide models for those who can identify with them and show that they are not abnormal. These stories can serve to legitimize these relationships in society and encourage acceptance. By portraying a variety of relationships, these stories aim to normalize diverse representations.
How do you explain the unique attraction of women, especially heterosexual women, to queer male romances?
The absence of female characters allows women to project themselves without being objectified by male desire. This creates a secure fantasy where comparisons are eliminated. It offers a greater sense of freedom in fantasy projection without the gender dynamics present in heterosexual romances. This unique perspective allows for a different kind of liberation.
The series often presents emotional intimacy and vulnerable moments where characters express their feelings. It strays away from traditional virilist scripts and offers an alternative form of masculinity. The enemies to lovers trope and the sports setting create erotic tension, while the taboo or secrecy of their relationship adds spice. Additionally, the female gaze on male bodies, as depicted in the series, provides a refreshing change from the typical objectification of women in media.
