The Preen Team is v. gay and v. loud about it. In #HeartEyes, we talk about our queer obsessions, from our childhood crushes to the characters we identified with strongly who we’re pretty sure were also gay.
As someone who grew up with a close relationship with her comic book-loving brother, the shows I grew up with mostly featured superheroes. One of them was “Teen Titans.”
Aside from proving that the youth can do something to save others, “Teen Titans” humanized its members Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven. How? Because it didn’t sugarcoat the arguments or struggles each member experienced. It was the kids’ show that was progressive in how it showed children the real world in all its gritty glory.
But enough of that: I’m here to talk about Raven because I’ve been obsessed with her ever since I first watched the show. I remember always running to the TV once I got home from school because I didn’t want to miss a single episode.
So out of all the five, why did I choose Raven? For one thing, despite her seemingly distant personality, she’s the one almost everyone can relate to. I mean, who here feels that they need to detach in order not to burst into a hot mess? I’m pretty sure it ain’t just me.
It’s not just that. The thought of dating someone as mature yet sensitive as Raven is appealing to me. There’s just something about wisdom—that’s compassionate, not arrogant—that makes for a good conversation. If you’re ever in a rut, she’s someone who can knock some sense into you without making you feel bad.
Even if she’s that wise, she still has moments of weakness where she can’t be bothered to take her own advice. In this state, you’d see her as someone you’d want to hold in your arms and comfort. She’s the type you’d want to protect because she’s someone who empathizes with and does her best to help others. (Okay, this is the nurturer side of me speaking.)
And yes, I totally think she’s gay. I mean, you can see how much she softens up whenever Starfire gets too mushy about their team being a family, right? If that doesn’t convince you, there was also a lot of *tension* between her and Terra—and it’s not just because the latter was p. suspicious.
But don’t just take my word for it, y’all can rewatch “Teen Titans” and relive your childhood with an adult perspective on HBO Go. (No to piracy, people.) I promise you: You won’t look at Raven the same way ever again.
Art by Dana Calvo
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