Queer Representation in Season 2 of XO, Kitty Disappoints
By Christine Kinori
Back in 2023, we were hoping to give XO Kitty the benefit of the doubt when they introduced the storyline of Kitty being bisexual and in love with her best friend. It turns out we were wrong, and that stings.
Early last month, Netflix finally dropped season 2 of one of their biggest teen shows, Xo Kitty. Of course, fans were excited to see Kitty travel to Korea for another semester at KISS. Season 1 ended with a big cliffhanger, and we needed to know who our girl Kitty would end up with. Last season ended with Min-ho confessing his undying love for her. There was also the ex who still had feelings for her and Kitty, discovering she is bisexual and grappling with her feelings for her best friend, Yuri.
In Season 2, the drama unfolds quickly, with Kitty facing a new challenge: sharing a dorm room with Yuri and her girlfriend, Julianna. To move on, Kitty attempts to start a relationship with Praveena, the new transfer student, but it ends in disaster.
It's unfortunate that Netflix has once again struggled to portray lesbian and sapphic characters authentically. Season 2 of the show missed an opportunity to delve into Kitty's journey of self-discovery, leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied. Rather than exploring Kitty's sexual identity, the season focused more on her family mystery. What's particularly disappointing is how XO Kitty handled the evolving relationship between Kitty and Yuri. This season, the show teased the Kitty and Yuri storyline, only to fail to deliver on its promise.
This season, Kitty and Yuri’s relationship is shaky at best. Season 2 centered on Min-ho and Kitty's relationship, utilizing Yuri's storyline to further the plot. The inclusion of a bisexual character cheating with a lesbian on the show perpetuates a damaging stereotype: that bisexual individuals are incapable of fidelity.
There is also the storyline between Praveena and Kitty. These two don’t even get decent screen time. Praveena is used as a distraction to help Kitty move on from Yuri. To be fair, the show also does a terrible job with Yuri and Julianna’s love story. A prime example of this is the infamous kiss between Yuri and Kitty; they choose not to discuss it. Meanwhile, Yuri attempts to win back Julianna, deliberately ignoring Kitty in the process, which puts a strain on their friendship.
Overall, it would have been nice if Netflix researched and tried to give an authentic representation of a lesbian and sapphic representation. Lesbian stories should not be relegated to mere comedic relief or supporting roles in other love stories. They require sufficient screen time and the opportunity to flourish, and they deserve to have their own story lines.
On the other hand, we had another queer couple this season. This season, Q starts dating Jin, his former bully. Their romance follows the classic enemy-to-lovers trope, but surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as we had anticipated. It turns out there is more to Jin, and he simply needs someone who can understand him. Even though Jin is a new character, his growth is admirable. When we first meet him, Jin is determined to use underhanded tactics to beat Q on the track field. However, as he interacts with Q more, the sexual tension and attraction between them grows.
As their dynamic changes, Jin makes a good effort to change for the better. He lets go of the pressure to be an Olympian like his father and embraces the idea of finding himself. Young people, in particular, can relate to Jin’s struggle to uphold his family legacy. It is one of the things that fans found authentic in Jin’s story. His relationship with Q changes him for the better and inspires him.
While XO Kitty season 2 falls short in its depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships, specifically a lesbian and sapphic relationship, it still has the potential to captivate viewers with its angsty teen drama. If you're undecided about watching it, consider giving it a try on a slow weekend.
About the Author
Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.