Magic is Gay: A Queer Reading of BBC Merlin

[@AMillionMadMusings]

Extra shoutout to the bi king Arthur, his lesbian half sister Morgana, and her girlfriend Gwen

[@talsegev677]

yassss

[@DemonicRemption]

AmillionMusings:"How did you find this channel...?" Me:"I saw in the suggestions bar that you did a review of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, and I figured I'd play that while working on my NanoWriMo submission. Then I saw this video and decided to give it a watch to see what the context was."

[@lukajackson2339]

@@DemonicRemption I watched sherlock and doctor who...

[@alexenchanter92]

Oh My Goddess!! ❤🎉🌈 Merlin is sooo fantastically queer & magickal! Cast - SEXY! Magick - Ancient & Mystifying! Dialogue - Poignant, Engaging & Witty!

[@clu3less_]

and her other girlfriend morgause

[@ashenwhite3048]

Also Arthur had a magical birth i.e. he was half magic (Bisexual)

[@marina_epub]

Sabrina White Oh my this is so clever

[@AMillionMadMusings]

You’re so RIGHT

[@oof-rr5nf]

Hahaha this is awesome

[@sherbetsparrow422]

Oh yeah

[@edennolani8171]

omg I LOVE THIS

[@kativlnc7125]

My favorite part was when Arthur and Merlin were coming back from some sort of outing, and Arthur could tell Merlin was upset, and then as if they hadn't hurt me enough, Aurthur says "seriously, I haven't seen you smile these past three days". I actually left the room I needed to take a minute.

[@OctagonalGolbat]

I'm still not over that one tbh

[@Oliver-vs1kd]

Katherine Valencia me too, I cried

[@marina_epub]

oh no i remember

[@aprilmay6131]

Honestly, the beginning of the first episode of season 4 where everything is happy for like 5 minuets

[@AMillionMadMusings]

Big mood

[@PopcornEmma]

one minute in and I already know this is the video for me oh boy

[@DemonicRemption]

@Emma Popcorn A minute in and I know it's not for me, as I wonder why such metaphors would be made to begin with when it would only further cement the reasons for the demonizing of LGBTQ+ amongst religious folk like myself... Almost has me suspecting that's the idea hence why it was allowed...

[@emilymillar9225]

Tbh Merlin has taught me so much... Merthur is my first otp and i'm so grateful for that, it helped me realise that i'm far from straight and made me okay with it. (I was too in love with Morgana to be straight lol) It's nice to think about their magic as just a metaphor for lgbt+ Also, pls never stop making videos about Merlin :,)

[@AMillionMadMusings]

Don't worry I will always be up for making more videos about Merlin ;)

[@piemonkey5ponypuppy]

Now there is even more Merlin content for when I need to cry about Merthur. I love this video. This is by far my favorite Ted Talk.

[@EleanorMedhurst]

This is so perfect and the most important conversation we can have about Merlin. Like, every conversation should be about Merlin but this is the most important one

[@user-rf8zi6cd1b]

rewatching merlin right now in 2020 and was thinking this exact same thing THE WHOLE TIME the parallels are astounding

[@friday8644]

Because my school is amazing we were told to hold a seminar where we analyze a film or a tv-series and its main themes. I will talk about Merlin and magic=lgbt+, so thanks for an amazing source I can use!

[@hannaharper2223]

I love your videos so much, especially these Merlin was! Such good ideas about why queer readings are so important. Favourite part of Merlin. . . how do I pick??? The moment that comes to mind right now is "Alright, it's true. I came back because you're the only friend I have and I couldn't bear to lose you." Generally every moment that Arthur and Merlin are in love (the entire show, basically).

[@ATALGE]

Your videos are amazing! Plus the looks Merlin and Arthur share are precious

[@ghostisdeaths]

Any time Merlin and Arthur together

[@KCillustrates]

My favourite part is when Merlin says “ someone hasn’t had their breakfast” and then Arthur says will throwing something at him “ I’ll have you for breakfast fast” I just love it, I also ship merthur if you couldn’t tell and also when Merlin says to Arthur in the morning when he’s trying to think of something else to say to Arthur to get up “ let’s have you lazy daisy” I just love it

[@leecameron678]

Oml “The gayest gay there ever was” I love it

[@Ryan78336]

I related to Merlin, from his magic and the simple fact that he’s a warlock to the way he looks at and talks about Arthur, the way he longs not to have to hide. How he’s so tired of living in a world where he and others like him are persecuted and shunned. Omg I related so hard it hurt.

[@charliefielding2297]

My favorite part of merlin was...just how he grows to utterly accpet his role bu Arthur's side. From literally saying 'you have obviously got the wrong Arthur' to 'I am alive because of you, for you'.

[@elysiumsongbook5838]

Love this video!! I actually just got a triskelion tattoo (my first tattoo) for many of the reasons you talked about; I got into this show around the time I started questioning my sexuality, and I found I related with Merlin and the druids a lot. And I could go on for days about how Merthur fan fiction helped me get over my own internalized homophobia and realize just how beautiful same-sex romance can be. But yeah this resonates with me a lot, and it’s great to hear these thoughts so eloquently expressed by another person. Thanks for sharing!! p.s. as far as favorite Merlin moment goes I’m torn between the not-hug at the end of “Beauty and the Beast part 2”, the entirety of episode 4.06, and “I don’t want to be brave. I just want to be myself. I don’t want to be alone anymore.”

[@AMillionMadMusings]

Oh my god I’m so jealous of your tattoo!!

[@misguided_ghost]

everyone in merlin is gay (except maybe for uther) and we should say it louder! also my favourite moment is way back in episode 1 when Merlin says 'how long have you been training to be a prat, _my lord_ ' in the MOST sarcastic, amazing voice ever

[@willavclem]

they really did have morgana say (in response to being told how brave she had been with her magic and such) "I don't want to be brave, I just want to be myself." i mean, how could you not relate to that as a lgbtq+ person.

[@alexdoesthings2875]

Everyone in Merlin is gay. That first episode, that first meeting of Arthur and a Merlin is my favorite part. It sets the tone for everything and it is such a heavy flirt fest

[@angelasmith5019]

„I can take you apart with one blow“ „Can you walk on your knees?“

[@olgahnatkowska4836]

first of all, your makeup is sooo on point 😍

[@AMillionMadMusings]

THANK YOU BAB!!!

[@jessieballpk]

I'm 2 minutes in and I unfortunately have to stop watching this video because I'm heading to Netflix to rewatch Merlin. Apologies, I shall return later but the way you talk about the show makes me so incredibly excited to watch it again :')

[@mori5509]

okay reaaally off-topic, but in the harry potter books (yes, the books, not the films), Dean Thomas, Cho Chang and the Parvati sisters are just a few examples of the people of colour. Yes, I'm aware that these are not much

[@randomgoats]

The problem is they were just token characters so that jkr could look like she was being inclusive when really, she wasnt, and the name "Cho Chang" is actually pretty racist bc she didnt do any research and just picked a name that sounded asian

[@mori5509]

@@randomgoats I'm now more aware of this than 3 years ago but thank you :'D

[@mrmister2794]

Arthur and Merlin's relationship is my favorite relationship ever. I just wish Arthur said I love you instead of thank you. ///:

[@Lso895]

He did mouth it before saying thank you

[@sriv2167]

I’m from the future, and I’m here to say he actually did! Confirmed by Bradley, the actor for him; Merlin (Colin) even says “Stay with me,” there. Only, BBC deemed that “too gay for the network,” and you know, when the show was made the world was super homophobic, it wasn’t ready. So Bradley had to dub over himself in post-production and say “thank you” instead, and Colin’s voice was drastically lowered, almost muted (you can still lowkey hear it if you pay real close attention). Anygays, there was someone who talked about this on Reddit, how they had their deaf cousin read their lips in the final scene, and Bradley (Arthur) does originally say “I love you” (my heart rn = ❤️‍🔥). WHY BBC WHY DO YOU HURT US LIKE THIS. *WE* THE AUDIENCE WILL DECIDE IF SOMETHING IS TOO GAY OR NOT-

[@fabricofdreams.]

I also hate how they said they couldn't make Merthur canon because "it's a family show" ._.

[@genniegey4391]

Yes!! I will always appreciate Merlin content and your Merlin videos are very enjoyable to watch. I'm glad people are still passionate about this show long after it's airing and the fandom is still alive and growing (probably just from me talking about the show to everyone I have ever known). Thanks for mentioning us bi's. Sometimes even I forget that we exist. 😩 BTW Your make up looks amazing. Especially your blue eyeshadow; it really brings out your lovely green eyes.

[@marina_epub]

Gennie Gey Ahah the thing about bi, same xD

[@AMillionMadMusings]

We’re all blue bis 🙌🙌

[@darciehorton9748]

Sir Lancelot was fiiiiiiine 👌👌👌

[@forevernotnever]

Yes Gemma! I love this video - I rewatched Merlin recently with this in mind, and I loved it even more than I already did (which is impressive, because it's one of my all time favourite shows)

[@CP-ll6qg]

He also wears a hipster scarf 24/7 (which was not mainstream fashion in 2008 when the show stared airing), I rest my case.

[@alexrose20]

it reminds me of Fred's ascot (Scooby Doo) which is a head canon gay character I'd say

[@AcesArtscape]

I've literally been waiting for this my entire life; also because it's another Gemma video

[@laurarowen6053]

Some of my favorite parts in the show were the supercilious scene. And the scene where Old Man Merlin was confusing those guards guarding the dungeon. Really all Old Man Merlin scenes are excellent.

[@jennifermaidment1508]

I’m stealing that jumper 😘😘 also fabulous video, brought back all the Merlin feels 💖💖

[@marina_epub]

Yesss

[@AMillionMadMusings]

LOVE YOU BABE

[@casmadison9092]

Thank you for putting this into words! My favorite part of Merlin, there’s so many, I love Merlin and Arthur fighting when they first meet. So much sass! I also love finally seeing Merlin ‘come out’ as magic to Arthur. Little fire magic, so cute

[@helene8854]

Come to think of it... yeah. That makes a lot of sense, actually.

[@tx865]

So in the last episode Merlin came out to Arthur and Arthur died? I AM NOT OKAY

[@alines8402]

Yes please keep talking about Merlin! It's the best show ever.

[@jessemcclellan3463]

I'm watching Merlin right now with my husband and sons. We are still in love and own them all.

[@sousha3396]

yesss a new merlin videoo

[@Oliver-vs1kd]

Merlin hurts still, I akways read it as queer show, even when I was.not even out yet, when I thought to myself - well I kinda feel like it. I feelt abd still feel connected to Merlin's character he helped me gone through sone rough times. Also ARTHUR COME THE F ON HE IS BISEXUAL KING ! And Morgana being the lesbian queen she is was always me toward guys, at first I predented I liked them (in a sexual wau) but then realized that I can't hide my true self for the rest of my sad gay life. Anyways, I always love your videis, no matter what you're talking about, your soft voice, you amazing and interesting way of talking (MAKE A PODCAST I WOULD LISTEN TO IT!!) And of course your pretty face which supries me every damn time, rocking your hair and makeup ! Sorry, I'll stop. Feel free to make more for sure. The old ones (Alternative Ending to Merlin and Tipsy OTP were one of my faves)

[@AMillionMadMusings]

THANK YOU THIS IS REALLY SWEET AND YES ARTHUR IS DEFINITELY A BISEXUAL KINGLY ICON ALONG WITH MORGANA MY LESBIAN QUEEN

[@Maneru5978]

Why, why can't I get over this show?! 😭😭😭

[@smiletea8940]

Yeah, I love Merlin. In fact, you made me watch it😄 My favorite scene in Merlin... hmm... I loved the angsty part at the beginning of season 4 when Merlin was carried away on a horse and Athur was watching him *sigh* Well, I can't tell if that's my "favorite", but all of those cute Merthur scenes that show how much they love and need each other, that are my favorites. Also I haven't watched the whole show yet, but I know how it's gonna end. Thanks to the internet🙈 What's yours? (And yeah, talk more about Merlin!! I love it!❤️❤️)

[@AMillionMadMusings]

that is also one of my favourite moments ahahah

[@muhundel]

Okay so first of all I’m in love with u. And second of all god I’ve just finished binge-watching this show (yeah I know it’s 2019) and this is one of the things that I’ve noticed about the show. So I guess thank you for bringing it up, cause as far as I know, the creators denied that magic is a metaphor. (Well what else can we expect from the people who fucking wrote that ending.)

[@turma8eac]

I can see your point but it would be weird if that was the case considering that almost all magic in the show is portrayed as evil. Uther and the inquisitor are treated as evil as well but the repeated mass murder attempts do taint the metaphor a bit

[@bellej2037]

omg i've only just found this video and you put it into words???? like i've been hanging onto this metaphor for ages but i couldn't explain it at all so thank you :))))

[@alicekmerlinenthusiast]

omfg, your accent and voice are so fantastic, i love u

[@heatherlydia4728]

Reminds me of Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, Simon reminds me of Arthur and Baz as Merlin.

[@isaacaldape2512]

Magic is so gay, and I am soooo magical, loved this video

[@OctagonalGolbat]

Loved this gay TED talk

[@andreasofiavargas2533]

Just saw the title and knew I was gonna like it.

[@ChronicallyCurious]

I found your channel through your alternative ending to Merlin video (I just finished it on Netflix and am upset, though I knew all the myths) and I'm glad I saw this video. Not just because of the Merlin aspect of it (I never really shipped Arthur and Merlin, but I kind of have a thing about people who are friends usually of the opposite sex, but whatever combination- being able to be just really good friends, like siblings and as close, without people always having to thrust romantic notions on them) but because I'm a writer. I often deal with themes of isolation and feelings of Otherness, one character even being regarded as dangerous in a similar way to Merlin because she's a magical being, but in a way that's immediately apparent to others. Being told she is essentially wrong and evil and incapable of changing this or being redeemed, how she realizes that construct is wrong, and goes about living a life true to herself is one that I think a lot of people who live lives with struggle and a lack of support would appreciate. But I do realize that as a writer, it's also my job to do more, to let my writing be a home and safe space for people who may be looking to identify with characters in other ways. Giving them, as you said, a safe space to explore these themes and ideas without it being blatant is important. If my writing could help someone feel less alone or less alien in their own skin, then I'll feel I've done my job. Thank you for the motivation and inspiration in that direction. As someone who's chronically ill, I know representation is important (other than diabetes or heart disease, or horribly done depictions of mental illness, depictions of people living real lives with chronic pain or mental illness etc are so rare, making it easier for people to believe us to be lazy or over dramatic or drug seekers), and as the sister to a wonderful gay brother, I know the pain of isolation and judgement are so scarring. We need to do what we can to make it easier, and my writing is one way I can do that. So, I guess, just, thanks. I appreciate all the time and thought that went into this.

[@lizzziecamille]

PLEASE DO MORE MERLIN VIDEO!!!!!

[@anoncat53]

Just to let you know, I found this channel cause of the video on Katie McGrath (her power tho) and now I wanna watch Merlin but idk kow and it's killing me

[@sophiahoward1932]

OkAy this is fabulous I love Merlin like duh but just a suggestion maybe you could do a Morgana centric video because ooooo honey katie mcgraths jawline is magic

[@notpoland2809]

this is beautiful. just. i just can't. thank you so much

[@mothcub]

Aw I loved Merlin so much, such a great, goofy show

[@jeromesullivan4015]

I thought I was The only one that understood this.. you GO Girl

[@charliefielding2297]

Kingsley Shacklebolt, angelina johnson, blaze zabini, dean thomas, padma and parvati patil, cho chang...okay yeah wow that is 7 people in the harry potter universe that are explicitly of color. Bellatrix is first described as dark in the books... yep thats it. Fuck.

[@victoriamartinez1499]

I thought this was an old vidoes then I was it was uploaded today and I freaked cause it's a new merlin vid Great job btw i love it

[@shin.miyagami.6792]

I've been looking online everywe0here for this theory. So glad I found it again

[@triggeredturtle7454]

yayyyyyyyyy i lovelovelove merlin teehee

[@AMillionMadMusings]

I think its pretty obvious that i feel the same ahahah

[@namnams08]

Please talk more Merlin and Arthur lol especially thoughts on the finale between them

[@jayvh201]

this is a GREAT video!! i relly need to rewatch merlin lmaooo

[@theq8688]

Ok this is only the 2nd video of you that I've watched and I think they're awesome, but I need to go to bed....

[@betterthanyesterday6292]

YESS!!! All of this! Also, your outfit is so pretty

[@harukaookime8482]

More merthur videos 😍😍😍😍😍😍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jaromiresally9140]

Always a joy to hear your voice first thing in the morning 😘 and I guess I should start watching merlin😅

[@AMillionMadMusings]

This was cute and yes you totally should!

[@eenayde]

Your channel gives me life. 💖💖

[@branm.4661]

I’m not sure it was real but I believe the commentary of the last episode has the writer saying why he put the “hold me” line in and he says: “well I think it’s.. you know.. he’s dying. And the man he loves is dying, so he is holding him.” Again I’m not sure if this is real. I don’t have the dvds but I’ve seen people talk of it.

[@meganwalsh4439]

"gotta get the bi's in there" might be my new catch phrase.

[@shuupsmonsta3544]

10/10 eyeshadow 😊

[@vonikaball1987]

Please do more merthur videos like theories or character development

[@august1451]

Slightly off-topic, but while Merlin is undoubtedly The Gayest Gay, Morgana is a strong competitor and current holder of the title of Big Old Lesbian. Thank you for listening.

[@scarletbailey6086]

It's past 3 am and as I was rewatching this video I suddenly realized, that if having magic is a metaphor for being queer, that magic users don't owe anyone an explanation and certain don't have to "come out". Because we don't force people to come out as lgbtq+ in real life either. I never really liked fics where Arthur gets mad at Merlin for not telling him about his magic, but I like it even less now. Let's be real Merlin has absolutely everything to lose including his life (he didn't know he was immortal most of the time), freedom, dignity, respect and loved ones (he could lose friendships like with Arthur but I also mean that he could put people who knew his secret and protected him, in danger). Arthur might experience emotional trauma considering how many people he's been betrayed by, which I wouldn't want to imply that I am invalidating his feelings, but you've got to admit that Merlin has much more at stake. What am I doing, I'm rambling in a KZbin comment section lol

[@Nemo_Anom]

Thanks for mentioning that qu**r isn't a reclaimed word and is still offensive to many. Also, I don't know if I can watch Merlin knowing that there's no payoff in the end for the emotional investment. After Sherlock I'm done investing in shows that hate gay people.

[@ilexdiapason]

Theo Smith people do reclaim it - for example, me - so what makes it not a reclaimed word?

[@jorjalococo3955]

Just found your channel last month and am in love with your content! I was wandering if you could do more Sherlock related videos?

[@martinadavi4409]

For me the magic is most important

[@contrapasso5456]

OH MY. Where is your jumper from? I MUST know. P.S. I’m so glad I found your channel! Engaging in Merlin-related topics again is making me feel nostalgic beyond repair ☺️

[@p99912]

you're so amazing

[@Jeremysepicreads]

So many people ship Arthur and Merlin romantically however I just saw them as best friends Almost Brothers. It's the kind of ship I never understood

[@cassieroo17]

God Gemma you a re brilliant

[@FaithPixel]

Isn't there a guy called Dean and teacher called Kingsley that are of colour in the Harry Potter universe? Not enough at all, but I thought they were.

[@MariaOtto]

I Love This

[@mori5509]

oh, this is GOOD

[@alexenchanter92]

Merlin Fan 4 Life! Totally Queer, Magickal & Re-watchable!!

[@jessemcclellan3463]

I absolutely love it and your videos but technically Merlin was never a knight. Gwaine, Lancelot and others were but Merlin was always his servant and never really a knight in name in the show.

[@MaricaAmbrosius]

So… kinda like magic was treated back when people believed in it?

[@annawangensteen1827]

Great vid :) j'agree ;P

[@attilatalarico6460]

Anche Arthur è un gay represso quindi.... Tante chiacchiere per evitare di dire che Merlin è una storia di amicizia e amore tra Merlin e Arthur e che la brutta Gwen è solo servita per coprire tale relazione.

[@martinadavi4409]

I love merlin start 4 years ago. For me magic is gay why is descriminated. I like this story of platonic love story to two mans. I love Merlin and Arthur

[@beck9950]

wow u are smart and articulate and funny and gorgeous i hope u have a lovely day ok bye

[@catharticdaydream]

I'm writing an academic paper about this topic, can I use your video as reference? I'd credit you in the paper

[@AMillionMadMusings]

Of course! Good luck with it! X

[@catharticdaydream]

AMillionMadMusings i just wanted to let you know i got an A+ on the paper! thanks so much again for letting me use you as reference!!

[@ohitsjustme.890]

This was my HeartStopper

[@sophiahoward1932]

#thegreatdolma

[@antross6433]

I love this vid and all but DO A VID ON NYGMOBBLEPOT OR BROTZLY YOU *COWARD*

[@theq8688]

Girl, you're cool. And I loved the show. Til the end. The end was shit.

[@stephaniekravets1741]

I love this vid so much and you're so passionate about what you're talking about and it makes it so much better ps if i saw you in that look in public i would think you were magical

[@AMillionMadMusings]

THANK YOU 💓

[@s0ftbby346]

All of them are bi