Are they really tho? It seems to me like they want to poo poo labels while not really doing anything ambiguous or undefinable.
Like if one more "i don't like labels" straight cis guy gets praised for wearing an ugly dress, i might literally die from my rolling my eyes so hard they eject from their sockets.
There have been studies in specifically brands and Gen Z that support their preference in being authentic. It is also why the Gen Zers gravitate towards intimate viral social media stars but can also quickly turn on them when they no longer present as authentic.
“Data reported by CNBC shows that authenticity is an important value for Gen Z, with “67 percent of those surveyed agreeing that ‘being true to their values and beliefs makes a person cool.’”
Queerbating is also tapping into being problematic because how today even more so positive, authentic LGBTQIA+ representation is important. It’s not dissimilar to why this thread has debated the impacts on showing predatory gay relationships between a teacher and a student.
As a last example, Marvel most recently made such a big deal about Loki being genderfluid and bisexual yet still had his love interest in the series be a cisgendered female. This is another example of pandering without making any actual positive change.
And I’m sure with how attractive as Thomas is, he easily could’ve booked another part in the series instead of taking a job away from another equally attractive and talented pansexual actor.