Doctor Who: More on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Over a year ago, shortly after the launch of Doctor Who Watch, we posted a slideshow about the history of sexual orientation and gender identity on Doctor Who. Since then, there has been more development on the matter. The most obvious example of this is Missy (a topic which we also covered).

But do not let Missy’s fabulous and shiny bells and whistles distract you from two more subtle examples: Clara and Ashildr. In ‘The Magician’s Apprentice,’ in regards to Jane Austen, Clara remarks to her class that Austen was “strictly amongst ourselves, a phenomenal kisser.” The implication, of course, being that Clara has experienced this first-hand. I appreciate that the comment was casually slipped into the dialogue. The existence of various sexualities is, after all, just another mundane aspect of life.

After this occurred, I mused that it was quite likely for Clara’s bisexuality (or pansexuality) to come up again on the show. While watching ‘The Girl Who Died,’ I noticed a very interesting and subtle interaction between the Doctor and Clara regarding Ashildr. Clara playfully remarks to him, “You’ve made an impact there.” This is the exchange that follows:

"The Doctor: “Stop it.”Clara: “She’s nice. Fight you for her.”The Doctor: “The human race, you’re obsessed. You all need to get a hobby.”"

This wording is rather unclear. Through one lense, it could be interpreted as Clara wanting to take on her own platonic companion. It is likely, however, that this is Clara revealing that she fancies Ashildr. Maisie Williams may look quite young, but she is a woman.

Speaking of Ashildr, there is a vaguely-worded conversation, this time pertaining to gender identity, between her and the Doctor. The following is the speech which she gives about herself:

"“I’ve always been different. All my life I’ve known that. The girls all thought I was a boy, the boys all said I was ‘just a girl.’ My head is always full of stories. I know I’m strange. Everyone knows I’m strange. But here I’m loved. You tell me to run to save my life. I tell you that leaving this place would be death itself.”"

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Aside from this being about her eccentric creativity, it also leaves her gender and/or sex in an ambiguous state in the minds of the viewers. The possibilities include trans, non-binary, and/or intersex. If it is true that her character is intended to fall under one or more such umbrellas, it is big news for inclusivity in the Whoniverse. The last time that such implications were made about a character on Doctor Who was in ‘The End of the World,’ when Lady Cassandra referred to her past self as a “little boy.”

Related: Tilda Swinton Should be the First Female Doctor

Ashildr’s statement is timely considering that Bethany Black will soon be guest starring in the ninth episode of Series 9 of Doctor Who, ‘Sleep No More.’ As we previously reported, she will be the first out transgender actor (term used in the contemporary gender neutral sense) on the program.

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Next: When the Future Meets the Past

It will be nice when, one day, these sorts of traits are not a “big deal.” Until equality and fair representation are achieved, however, reporting on such matters will remain vital.