TJLC Explained: [Episode 25] Why TJLC Matters

[@yourpersonalsupernova3493]

I would not have expected the JohnLock community would be almost entirely female. It seems I'm a bit more of a novelty than I had thought. As a gay man going on 35, this has been tremendously important to me. I grew up essentially told that I was alone, not right and I really shouldn't talk about it.At All. The 90s was a time when Homosexuality was shoved back into the closet. And and if you wanted any representation in film and TV you pretty much had to make it up yourself. JohnLock is hugely important in so many ways.

[@Blablabla-rj3vy]

I know we're mostly female online, but I think about 10-20 per cent are male, and much more offline (my bisexual husband loves Johnlock, too, but he's not in the fandom). You're very welcome here.

[@yourpersonalsupernova3493]

[@leslieshE]

It matters because it will show the world that queer people aren't only that. They are actual people who have jobs, who have struggles, who get married, or divorce (Harry and John maybe soon), just "normal" people who are just trying to live their lives like the straights. It will show that in the end, we are all humans. Queer people are humans. Queer people have feelings. That's what the world will understand. And it's beautiful. So, I really hope tjlc is real. Because yes, it matters. ♡

[@MayPhoenix]

I'm watching the video and it warms my heart. I suffer from PTSD, chronic depression, and social anxiety stemming from a childhood trauma. Books were my escape, my sanctuary from the pain. I discovered Sherlock Holmes at the age of 8 years old (Conan-Doyle is one of the authors who inspired me to become a writer, myself). At the time, I had a crush on a boy but I was also in love with my best friend (a girl). I did not find out until my teens that there were words for these feelings ("bisexual" and "gay"). Reading about Holmes and Watson's adventures with the uncomplicated innocence of a child, the words Conan-Doyle chose told me that these two men loved each other; in the simplest of terms, I saw them as "boyfriends." I thought this was normal, because I thought everyone was like this -- just loving each other regardless of gender. But then I got older, and I discovered the existence of another word: "homophobia." Despite being on the receiving end of the hate and fear that go hand in hand with that word, I never retreated into a closet...even when peers and my own family members mocked me when I said I would never marry a man and have children. At 19, I met a woman, and when same-sex unions became legal in Canada, we got married. Unfortunately, it was not a healthy relationship and after 23 years we called it quits (officially divorced this year, after the SCOTUS ruling -- up until that moment, our state did not recognize our marriage). While I am now single, I am still gay. I still support gay marriage, and yes -- I still love Sherlock Holmes. So when a friend told me about BBC's Sherlock, I had my doubts. A modern-day retelling of ACD's work? Not the broad wink of the thinly-veiled version that was House (which I loved) but actually Holmes and Watson in the 21st century? Fine, I said, I'll give it a go. And I am so glad I did. With that first episode, I could see something happening, something I had glimpsed with Jeremy Brett's Holmes (in keeping with Edwardian views on homosexuality, and with the homophobia that existed in 1980's television, it was subtle but trust me: it was there). Right away, I could tell that this Sherlock Holmes was gay. And I could see through John Watson's protests (methinks the lady doth protest...and "not gay" doesn't mean "not bi"). My god, I thought, could this be real? Could we, at long last, see what so many have speculated since the days when Conan-Doyle was still turning out the stories? As a gay person, and as a lifelong student of Holmes and Watson, I was overjoyed. As the series progressed, there was no doubt in my mind that the end game will be Johnlock as canon. What I saw as a pure and beautiful love story 41 years ago will at long last be realized. And it makes me so happy to see so many fans coming forward to share their stories -- how they, like me, have seen the love between these characters and identify with it. That it has helped them to learn about themselves, their sexuality, and that (as Sherlock says of John) it is a conductor of light to guide them toward a better understanding of the LGBT community. I once said I would never have children and yet I see so much of myself in these young people that it brings out strong feelings of maternal affection. That said, I would like to take this opportunity to send this message: I am so proud of you all, and am so happy that we have this wonderful family united under Johnlock. Keep believing -- both in TJLC, and yourselves!

[@mrsmetta5604]

Your personal story is so touching. Thanks for sharing.

[@jo-of-joey]

TJLC matters to me because I have been a homophobic for so many years. I never liked the idea or being around with gays or lesbians. It started when a girl confessed to me that she likes me and I just felt like it's the grossest thing I've ever heard. I wasn't proud of myself. Now, I realized that many people out there are suffering and feeling lonely for being who they are and that shouldn't be the case. Everyone deserves happiness. Because of TJLC, I learned to be more accepting to people - especially to feel their pain and loneliness. I just got into TJLC for like 3 months but I already felt like it completely changed my whole perspective! Thank you so much Rebekah!!!!

[@veralidaine97]

Joanna Kazzandra Dumagpi I just wanted to tell you that it's impressive that you were willing to admit you were wrong and you should be proud of yourself for challenging your thinking and overcoming it. Admitting when you're wrong is one of the hardest things a person can do.

[@zararobnett8284]

One thing I loved the most about this video is the obvious intelligence of each of the fans who chimed in. It was like showing we are not a bunch of empty headed sycophants just following the next "trend". TJLC matters to each and every one of us on a personal, communal and global level and we believe because we have eyes to see, ears to listen and minds to think. Thank you, Rebecca, for putting this together and thank you, everyone, who took the time to submit videos. If Mark or Steven see it, I hope it touches their hearts and shows them, they are doing the right thing.

[@Qaviaren]

I entered the TJLC fandom as a heterosexual woman, but got a whole new perspective on sexuality. And I also realised that I didn't want to identify my sexuality, and the fandom helped me and supported that. I fall in love with whoever.. And I love the TJLC so much for the help it have provided me.

[@lisajobling3977]

As an outsider, it was a joy and a privilege to watch this video come together. It was truly beautiful to see how much the contributors trusted Rebekah with their fears and vulnerabilities, and how respectfully and lovingly she used that trust in making this video. Thank you to all.

[@vivian7910]

I've just joined the fandom recently, so perhaps it's a bit late to feel the hype of TJLC among fans, but I can relate to them all. I wish I were born 6 years sooner to be immersed in Johnlock world when it still operated enthusiastically. I'm in year 4 of University (the busiest time with a bunch of work, study, and future) and I don't like my major at all, my life is tucked in desperation as a result. But then I found Sherlock. Watching it made me get back my interest in some old hobbies, made me industriously study English to access the fandom's heritage and made me happier than ever. Maybe no one is gonna see this comment but I want to say "thank you Rebekah, sisters and brothers all over the world - people creating a wonderful world of Johnlock".

[@TykoBrian7]

Who the fuck disliked this??

[@susyycarlyle]

some sherlolly shippers

[@stranger.grimes2534]

True.

[@harrietmilton8397]

Nine literal assholes

[@lilie8617]

Someone who is probably affraid of how this channel manipulate our dear toxic sjw fandom c:

[@lillyandrews8879]

tjlc is such a gift, and it feels so good to be a part of this community, no matter how small my part in it is.

[@LukeLemonart]

To all those wonderful people who submitted their videos - you rock! You are so sweet and kind and beautiful. I was in a really crappy mood before I started watching this video, now I'm in happy tears! Thank you, guys! Thank you, Rebekah!

[@clwyork5004]

Hey, apparently I rock 👀

[@lynnil2670]

No words. I hope Moftiss watches this it's so meaningful!

[@hugging_a_namujoon]

Watching this after season four came out, it's heartbreaking. I still don't know what the reason for the disaster of s4 was, but I do know that it shattered all the hopes and dreams of so many people, people that had found hope and their passion. Now the mere chance of getting a fifth season, and furthermore turning the troubles of season four into something Johnlock-supporting, is terribly low. It's even worse because these theories, quite obviously, aren't just crazy theories made by obsessed, representation-starved fans, but actually something with a base, a background, and it was absolutely in the question that Johnlock could happen, was intended to happen - and then it didn't. Breaks my heart.

[@margplsr3120]

I am straight but the video is so touchy. When I think about these all people from history/past (sometimes very famous and distinguished in various fields ) who was killed or unhappy - just loosing their lives because of the society/ religion etc makes me cry....

[@casley1254]

As a 32 year old girl from the bible belt who is still trying to come to terms with her own sexuality and dealing with anxiety (so much so that if I post this I will consider that a victory), just being able to watch this community and know there are other people out there who feel this way has really helped me gain a better perspective of my life and who I am. This show and this community has actually helped me find my passion for writing all over again. Thank you.

[@myannahansen8667]

don't mind me, just read the final chapter and epilogue of From A Drop of Water and am feeling really nostalgic for this time and these friends. I'm so, so glad I was a part of the TJLC community. Thank you for everything, Rebs

[@TJLCExplained]

I love that this is the video you came back too because its the one I thought about most while writing FaDoW. I think after all this time, I can say I'm glad I was part of TJLC too

[@livr1275]

I'm crying already. Loved hearing the stories from all of the wonderful people in the community. Tjlc has changed us all in so many ways. Much love to everyone

[@fbspin]

what a beautiful bunch of people!

[@soulmistin]

I haven't watched it yet as it was released approximately three seconds ago, but all your effort and hard work was much appreciated for this video! 💕

[@ADreamerWithAPen]

I have so much love for everyone in this video

[@Sly-Moose]

I'm demi and pan. And I'm proud of my sexuality. Quality is better than quantity. ^^

[@kitkallisti]

Holy shit me too! I've never met anyone else who identified as both before. *high-five*

[@Sly-Moose]

Kitten Goodman Yay! I feel so welcomed! Although...I am something else I rarely doubt you'd be as well. But that's alright! I don't feel like an outcast, because the world is a vast place with all kinds of people! I'm a lot more aware of this stuff now, and I'm not gonna let it weigh me down my whole life! ^^

[@kitkallisti]

You'd be surprised all the rare boxes I check and the ones I've had to come up with on my own to describe myself. Lol

[@Sly-Moose]

Kitten Goodman Lol. Same. XD

[@violettaschmieder2096]

My sexuality is essentially an oscar wilde quote: "to define is to limit" ;)

[@justgoodies]

I felt so touched with this one seriously you've no idea- wait, yes, yes you do! Thank you SO much Rebekah for all your effort, it really shows it comes from the heart. I feel so proud to be here right now, knowing this show is not only making history but already having such a positive impact on a lot of people as well!

[@calajane9881]

I'm not exactly a fan of the show, because I have some problems with some of the narratives the writers choose to use, so I'm not emotionally attached to the show's outcome. I've been watching your videos because they are incredibly well researched and read almost like academic papers - amazing meta, btw. But even though I don't care about the outcome, I really do hope the conspiracy comes true. You guys deserve it, and frankly, I am looking forward to your video after it happens. *thumbs up*

[@brandonmiles86]

Just out of curiosity, what narratives do you have problems with? Not looking for an argument, I just wanna know.

[@lapillity]

This video and everyone is it is amazing. ❤ Personally I can't wait for more people to take off their heteronormativity goggles after they realize johnlock is canon! There are loads of other reasons why johnlock is so important, but I think everyone said all that beautifully already. :) (Also, super hyped for the music episode, I'm such a music nerd, it'll be great omg)

[@netbathetic]

I think this video is part of the groundbreaking history that the tv series is about to make. I am a TJLCr from Brazil and I discovered TJLC through LSiT and since then I have been reading and watching all the metas and other analysis that I was capable of. I was called fanatic and delusional even amongst the group on facebook that I have been participating for a while now just because I believe Mofftiss are capable of more than they though possible of them. I found your videos and I have been watching and giving my likes since the beggining, and also posting on my timeline but this is the first time I comment in here. I have to say: thank you so much. To prove to more and more people that we are not crazy or something that can be compared as religious fanatics that live on faith. We have proof, we have brains, and also as this particular video shows we have hearts that care so much just because it is important to us and to the world as it is. I am a pansexual brazilian woman, and TJLC matters here as much as anywhere. The world need to see why this is so important and you made it clear, right here. Thank you again. *also, sorry for the poor english hehe

[@gkeller1031]

I'm straight, so I don't necessarily personally identify with all the reasons many people ship Johnlock and love TJLC so much. I just think it's fucking cute and endearing. Seeing how alone and not okay they are without each other and then having that all melt away when they're together is amazing to me. I can identify with the pain I see them in at different points in the show and knowing they truly need each other and seeing it all play out helps me cope with my own pain. All that being said, it's so wonderful that TJLC has helped so many people realize who they are and feel comfortable in their own skin with their sexuality. Kudos for that :)

[@lilliansunshine7499]

To everyone too afraid to be a part of this video, you will find your voice one day.

[@SoledadSuarezPeabody]

I am so filled with hope after watching this.

[@tilda4699]

I wand to be friends with all of them :D

[@tilda4699]

Came back to watch this video again (don't judge) and only now saw that I misspelled "want".. Genius

[@annafreitag9498]

I am bisexual, but not so much in the lgbtq community, so I don't view Sherlock entirely from a "lgbtq activist standpoint" (though that is a significant part of it too). But it's the first time that I found myself genuinely caring for characters and their relationship THAT much in a long time, and it's one of the rare cases where fictional characters hit so close to home for me. Since I am bi, of course I am not denying that of course I happen to find Sherlock, and also John, rather attractive, so seeing a relationship between the two is certainly something I would enjoy from that perspective. But it's so much more than that since their characters are just so well developed that I genuinely want to see this relationship, and found myself genuinely wishing for their relationship to become reality just the same way I have wished for heterosexual couples before. And the fact of this has just shown me so much how well queer relationships can be portrayed in media. I identify both with Sherlock and with John, since I myself am kind of unsociable and have a really hard time with expressing my feelings. Watching a show in which two characters you can identify with form such a deep bond is just so important and gives one so much. I am a literature student, and watching Sherlock can give me more on a personal level than reading some form of "high literature" could ever do, funnily. Also, reading TJLC metas is such a good practice and I am so happy to see so many tools of analysis and interpretation at work in these analyses. I have to say that I don't agree with all of it, but the community has done a great job at pointing out the most important structural hints given in the show pointing to Sherlock's and John's relationship. I am not so much a community person, so I don't see myself really IN the TJLC community (or any community, really), but nevertheless I love to participate in it.

[@clwyork5004]

Wow, that's great (sorry I'm just scrolling through the comments and yours really just kinda hit me close)

[@annafreitag9498]

Userneim No need to apologize, thank you for your nice words, I am glad my comment means something to you

[@katestevens1422]

Best video yet. I am so moved and so blessed to be included and to have a group of friends, a family, that is as amazing and smart as believers in TJLC.

[@lilliansunshine7499]

Just imagine after TJLC becomes canon, this channels subscriber level rockets, this time it's people who loved the show while being heteronormative (Because Heteronormativity is IGNORANCE not hate and is much more easily combated than homophobia) who realize they were wrong and want to understand!

[@333Vampirewillrule33]

i am not part of a fandom but a family...many actually. From Sherlock to Supernatural. They can only be compared in one scenario and that is that they make their family come together from all walks of life. Sherlock has been my inspiration for writing, drawing, painting, loving and caring for my friends and has created new friendships (in real life too :3). Sherlock Holmes inspired me to take an interest in science, physiology and sociology. I am glad to say that my mind has been opened through Watson and Holmes' help (as well as other TV shows, books and movies).

[@foreverfendy6709]

Guys, everyone on this video, you are so brave, so cool, so beautiful. We don't know each other but I'm so proud of you and I'm so proud to be part of this fandom. Lots of hugs to you if you are into hugs and - at any rate - my respect. Keep going.

[@SionEoinPaytonJesse]

This video is super sweet. I love hearing from so many different people. I've had friends who were passionate about Johnlock since I started watching BBC Sherlock in series 2, so I have never had to feel isolated in it. I'm used to seeing a gay reading in something where it's never going to happen in the canon, where there are only 4 or 5 strong moments in five years worth of episodes and everyone in the small fandom clings to them. Sherlock has always felt different to me. By the end of Study in Pink, my partner and I both KNEW Johnlock would be the major pairing (the pairing with the highest number of stories on fanfiction sites). We assumed it wasn't something that would happen in the canon, though. I don't think anyone here has trouble finding community for a pairing they love, but if you ever do find yourself in that boat, I suggest subscribing to fanfiction writers you especially like and leaving comments on their work to start building up friendships. Tumblr is also great (obviously). :) By the end of series 3, I felt wrung out. Maybe it's because I'm a man (or bc I went to engineering school, where you don't really have much education in reading), but I genuinely didn't know anything about finding subtext in a story (in any medium). I started to feel really worried that it was mindless queer-baiting, and TJLC changed that. For me, characters holding each other's gaze for an uncommon period of time was always the main thing that caught my attention. I notice that passionate Sherlock fans who are straight and a bit homophobic tend to get defensive along the lines of "why do you have to make everything gay? Can't two men be close friends anymore?" and it kills me because I'm bi and I have friends--I know what platonic friendship feels like vs. what romantic love feels like. I honestly enjoy shipping pairings (sometimes even het ones) that are clearly off the beaten path, too (Sansa and Tyrion from asoiaf/GoT, as an example--though like Sansan MUCH more). Johnlock is special because we're going to see it play out in the canon. The show has an extremely large audience and a lot of young people, whether they are queer or not, are seeing who they are reflected in the show.

[@KeaganAsh]

This is a really moving video and I'm happy to see there some people I admire (you included, Rebekah, I follow you on Tumblr almost since I'm in this fandom) and some I now consider my friends thanks to TJLC. I wish I could submit a video but anxiety doesn't let me go there yet. TJLC count for me because of many reasons that have been explained better than I could have in this video, first because it feels incredibly good to finally see some representation and because when it'll be canon it'll show it's just something that exists in real life, something not to be ashamed of and as someone said it will say that it's ok to be ourselves. It'll be a first step to acceptance, more than anything that has been shown until now. To me personally, I entered the fandom when I was depressed and social anxiety was so strong I felt like I could go nowhere, and I felt incredibly useless. I had interests, but I kinda lost the passion, like, I used to be passionate but I lost it. I even lost my passion for writing and for drawing which are basically the two things that makes me go out of my bed everyday. The fandom give it back to me. For the first time in decades I felt passionate again, because the show itself is beautiful, the fandom is a great place to be, and the perspective of johnlock being canon is meaningful, I had something to look forward to. And then I started writing again, I started to draw again and I actually improved so much thanks to johnlock. And while I was having self-worth and self-loathing issues I considered I was stupid. And then I started to write metas about TJLC and I got to use all the stuff I had left unused in my brain - like I used to be an art student and literary student, and a music lover, and all that found usefulness in TJLC (I'm happy you're making a video about music in Sherlock btw, that's something I loved to work on) - , and I was (I still am a bit) unconfident about it but people where positive about what I had to say, people made me realise that after all, I wasn't stupid. And I got some stuff right, and you probably know how it feels, to work on something and being proved right by the show, it boosted my self confidence in a way I can't quite explain, and then I wrote more metas, and I often spend a lot of time discussing with people like Inevitably-Johnlocked and not only this is great fun but this is thrilling to see that, in the end, I am able to do it, and touched, really, very much moved to see someone is listening. I've been ignored for so long it makes me cry to see people just pay attention. Of course there has been ups and downs and two years ago I came across someone in the fandom who was not a good person and it made me feel down again and that's when LSiT came in my inbox, with Vanetti, Thejohnlockhell, and other people, and they took my hand and said in their own way "that's ok, we are here for you, you are not alone and you are not worthless". This is something I will never forget because thanks to this, and thanks to all the people I met in the meantime and after that I came to consider I wasn't a piece of shit after all. And if I still sometimes struggle to find my place in the fandom and if I sometimes still think I am stupid, and invisible, I am definitely not the person I was before I entered the fandom. And if I still can't quite do stuff like submit you a video of me I'm slowly fighting against my social anxiety. I've made friends, I talk to people, I connect with people. I'm more confident than I ever was before. That's the main reason why I personally identify with Sherlock, by the way, because this man does experiences anxiety (and also because he was rejected his entire life for being different, just like I was). He is a lonely and "unsociable" man who happens to meet John Watson, as damaged as he is, and together, they learn to defeat their own demons. Like I can defeat my own demons. And when Sherlock and John have each other, I have my friends, and I have the fandom. In fact, I would have never been able to send this comment before, and I would have never been able to do something as simple as tagging you in two of my posts, it sounds like nothing but it's actually huge for me. And I repeat: the people I can consider my friends! That's pretty damn important to me, I have friends who enjoy talking to me, who make me laugh and support me, who say to me my voice matters. I would love to be able to talk to them a bit more, and there is people I'd like to discuss with a bit more, but I'm pretty sure I can reach that step. Besides, I am pansexual, and I'm still reflecting on myself, but I feel like I can be fully myself and accepted, nobody in the TJLC fandom will reject me and I am so sure of this because I got to live it and see there people who are like me. The fandom is not only about a gay ship, we talk about lgbt+ matters, we discuss about representation and being who we are, we talk about heteronormativity and coming to terms with internalized homophobia and biphobia, and that means a lot to me. When I have arguments with antis and haters, I am not talking about a ship, I am talking about real important social issues, and that's a thing I've only got to do with Sherlock. That can seem a bit silly but I feel more militant now than before. And there is also the huge support we have for each other when things like Orlando happen, or when the Pride in my city has been cancelled because of Nice attack, I have a whole fandom behind me to remind me that it's gonna be ok soon, that we are not alone, that this show can be a little step forward. And none of what mofftiss say in interviews can change that, TJLC already made history by pulling us together, by making us hope and understand we deserve a better treatment in medias. I didn't realised how bad queer representation was until I began to discuss it within the fandom. In the end, why TJLC is important to me can be sums up by this line from the show: "I was so alone, and I owe you so much." Thank you, thank you for giving me the strength to keep going, thank you for giving me a purpose and something to look forward to. And especially thank you Rebekah for making TJLCE, and this video, that I reaaaally think mofftiss and all the dumb people commenting 'johnlock is ridiculous" should see. (Sorry that was a long comment. x) )

[@KM-xh9tt]

I honestly cried so much, I am so happy to know that I am not alone in my pain and love. Rebekah, thank you so much for this video because I felt so happy. Such an amazing work thank you thank you thank you!!! 😍😚😍😚

[@lizzaznabaev9748]

All of you are beautiful people. This is gorgeously worded and Rebekah, this video is amazingly done and such a good idea. While I'm not an active part of the community, just watching all this unfold is absolutely stunning, to see that this has not only helped me, but so many others like me.

[@lubonader9553]

Hi, yeah, well. This video almost put me to tears. Johnlock and TJLC has changed my life and made such a huge impact. And it's so wonderful to see others feeling the same. We all need Johnlock, for all the reasons you people said. We need it, it can change so many things and yes, truly, make history. We are together in this, we deserve this and we will get it. Keep believing.

[@Zandalorscat]

"Wow, 118 minutes" I thought. "No way I'll watch that in one go." And yet here we are 118 minutes later. This was so freaking good! I love our community so much.

[@offbeatelise6]

Because of TJLC, I've found my passion in life: studying the LGBT community from an academic lens (be it literary, historical, or even biological/psychological). This community lights up my mind and my heart and my soul, thank you all so much. This video was incredible, by the way. I cried like at least twice.

[@iRun32]

I love tjlc! I'm not very vocal about it online or offline but just being able to immerse myself in such a great community and it's helped me learn so much about myself and I'm very grateful that i found it 💜💜

[@r.a.mcgullion274]

For those who submitted videos.... I want to grab all of you up in the warmest of hugs and tell you that you are supported and cared for. xoxo bckywf

[@natalieroberts9921]

Look at all these adorable&intelligent people, I just love this community ❤️

[@phoenixcharamuga339]

I honestly cannot thank you enough for making this video, Rebekah. I wouldn't have gotten through traumatic moments in my life or be able to cope with my mental illness, or be outspokenly and unapologetically queer without TJLC. Thank you so much for bringing this brilliant and positive community even closer to each other, and thank you for contributing your hard work to this movement the same as so many of us do everyday. It's because of every single person in TJLC that I feel a reason to hope and dream for the future because I can say "I always knew!!!!" when everyone else is completely shocked by Johnlock happening. We've really created something special, and thank you again for showing it here. Thank you for being a crucial part of a movement of people who believe.

[@routeez]

I'm just so late. If I had known about this video I would have participated. But well, better next time. It's my first time leaving a comment here but I've been a fan of yours since a long time but just forgive me, I'm so shy. TJLC is more than a conspiracy, more than a friendship, more than a family to me. It's something to believe, something beautiful to think, and that's about love. Love is the most important thing on earth and we've been ignoring it. People living without emotions. Without feelings. They don't figure out what love means and what love do. TJLC and their 'believers' just made my life complete. I feel loved when I was feeling so lonely. I felt everything working better for me and I'm so grateful. And many thanks to your work and videos, Rebekah, you're just so wonderful and I wish you all the happiness in this world.

[@sportibri84]

This video is so encouraging. All of you who appear in this video are so brave. Thank you Rebekah for coming up with the idea for this video. TJLC matters. SHERLOCK AND JOHN'S love story is going to make history.

[@johnw8706]

Sherlock es mas que un buen programa de tv, es una declaración de que ser distinto esta bien y que no hay ningún motivo por el cual deban humillarte.

[@mimozalys5096]

I was tearing up at the end. Tjlc would absolutely be a game changer and I can't wait for it to happen

[@belpop]

I love this so very very much

[@ritukmalkani]

I am very touched by this video. I have been a part of the TJLC community for 3 years now and I truly love the positive effect it has had on people, from all different walks and thoughts of life. Thank you Rebekah and everyone who is part of this community!

[@dddu_no]

I'm so overwhelmed Rebekah! This was soooo beautiful, I have goose bumps. I want to hug you all

[@radishraven9]

so honored to have been part of tjlc and part of this video. thank you rebs for being so amazing and for your dedicated work. We're all going through a difficult time atm, and i can't be anything but disappointed and angry even if there's a fix-it episode. Despite the show letting us down, we are a beautiful community. i love every one of you! :)

[@veronicas19]

I wanted to submit a video, but I was a little scared to put my face out there. Anyway, long story short, TJLC as a community helped me to get involved in the conversation on Tumblr that seemed to basically explode (seriously, we weren't talking about sexuality in such a collaboratively respectful way until TJLC was a thing) about sexuality and it directly led me to discover that I am not straight. A lot of irl people think there's no such thing as a genderfluid polysexual, yet here I am. Additionally, the way the writers have brought new life to these characters and these stories and used subtext and symbolism in ways I've truly never seen to this extent has improved me professionally as a writer. Thanks for everything you do, Rebekah. I wish I were as brave as these people.

[@mrsmetta5604]

Hello from another 'genderfluid polysexual' ;-) if that's you call that I can be any gender and orientation I can think of and I don't wish my identification exlude any of those.

[@ekourege]

I can see people choking up and honestly same. this is so pure.

[@violethunter4187]

This is so beautiful. Thank you to everyone who was brave enough to put yourself out there and thank you Rebekah for making these amazing videos. Tjlc does matter - after orlando more than ever. For the longest time I disregarded tjlc in a bitter "yeah, as if..." sort of way, the same way I disregarded my own true identity. Which is ridiculous, right? It's 2016 after all. it shouldn't be so hard to say "This is me and I am not straight." and it shouldn't be such a big deal to say "Look, what we're going for here is a gay Sherlock Holmes", but it is. It's 2016 and it still is. That's why this is so important.

[@lollie9324]

This is so beautiful, Rebekah! I hope Moftiss see 🤗

[@ultrcn3084]

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS VIDEO AND TJLC but there's always that small part of me that keeps worrying that johnlock will never happen. i'm so worried

[@Luna-jp4nv]

I feel exactly as you do. I truly believe in Johnlock and in its evidence in the show! However, I can't help it worrying about the fact that Johnlock doesn't actually become canon, which makes me feel pretty sad sometimes...

[@TykoBrian7]

Do you two have any specific reason to think so?

[@EnderHeart5911]

Tyko Brian I'm scared because the writers and actors have said some things that imply that they'd be against making it canon. They claim that John is completely straight and that Sherlock and John's bond is just a really close friendship. I guess the main reason is that I've had ships like this before (evidence and everything, well... maybe not as much, but it was there) that never ended up happening.

[@TykoBrian7]

Hmm... well just about a month left til we get some real answers.

[@sammyangel98]

you one thing i've noticed and love? sherlock's and john's pop vinyl toys kissing each other

[@melidenaranja]

oh my god i wish i had submitted a video, but for now i just want to say that it makes me SOOo happy to know what TJLC means to so many people!! it's incredible. in my own experience, TJLC helped me to come to terms with my sexuality, and it's simply my favourite couple from all times. i have no doubts TJLC will make history, and we will be a huge part of it i'm so thankful for this family and this story and what it means♡ thank you rebekah for this! have a good day everyone! x

[@abbietyler7868]

Thank you for this amazing video. It's The proof that tjlc is such a Beautiful community, you Are all Beautiful, clever, and so amazing. Thank you to rebekah and all The amazing people Who took part on it❤️❤️

[@natalieleon6057]

I'm in the middle of campus and trying not to cry! Oh God I'll really start bawling when Johnlock becomes canon XD

[@carlaerasmus7632]

I've never been this happy that I'm not alone and that people are accepting themselves and opening to the LGBT+ world. I used to feel so guilty that I shipped Johnlock because my friends always told me to not think too much into a relationship if it's not straight. As I proud pansexual I just want to thank this community for existing and being such a family xoxo

[@violettaschmieder2096]

I want that kind of friends too! Having this sort of community, friend on the internet you can share all these things you love so much with... it really kind of makes me sad to think i am lacking that.

[@Ineharnia]

This made me cry.

[@osbickb8011]

rebekah, you are such a beautiful person, thank youi so much for doing this ♥ it is truly beautiful to be a part of this community, i am really proud of all of you folx ♥

[@123FionaE]

Without TJLC I don't know how I would've gotten through my last two years of high school. I was already into TJLC as an interesting concept but it didn't fully become significant to me until I had to move away from my friends because of the military despite hoping to graduate at that high school. My mental state got really dark for a while... But I distracted myself throughout the days by reading metas, different adaptations, creating theories about The Abominable Bride based on the promo pictures/clips (still very impressive and validating that we predicted the major plot points btw) I used it to cope with the huge amount of stress and anxiety I had, as well as to explore my sexuality. Without the close connection to John Watson I developed, I might never have agreed to start therapy and get the help I need

[@CarolinaRodriguez-ro5vh]

it feels so good to know I'm not the only one in love with this two characters, with this amazing TV show, I cannot wait to Johnlock to happen

[@purpe9610]

I just spent the last 2 days watching your videos

[@katarinaschulzeck7392]

This is so heartwarming, this video has made me really happy! Ugh! Love all you guys so much!!

[@mickr7986]

So I discovered your videos when you started out and watched the three you had uploaded. Somehow I forgot about your channel (I really have no idea how that is possible) but two days ago I found it again. I literally sat down and blasted through ALL of your videos marathon style. And I just want to say that you are an incredible person and I am eternally grateful for you and the effort you put into these videos! Thank you so much! And I really wished I could have know about this to participate in it, but this will do 😊 Thank you again!

[@user-cb6oe2vv8b]

I know that I'm watching this a little late, but seeing these videos makes me so happy. I joined the fandom in December 2016 (a little late, I know), but despite the shorter amount of time I've had in it, the Sherlock fandom and specifically the Johnlockers have been an amazing community. As far as I know, I'm just a straight female ally, so I don't share the connection of being LGBTQ+ with Sherlock and John like so many people do. But I have recognized myself in Sherlock. I've had anxiety my whole life, and it's gotten worse this past six months, especially. I've been feeling a little lost, and I don't feel like I can discuss it with my family (not because they don't support and understand me, but just because I'm too afraid). But in Sherlock, I see a person who (like me) is afraid of being different, wrong, and shunned, who feels emotions so deeply he is almost afraid of them, but still can rely on the love of his best friend to feel better, to be stronger. The Sherlock fandom has become that friend for me. They think the same way I do, they love the same characters, and they have faith that John and Sherlock will get the romantic relationship they deserve. Even though I don't have the connection of being LGBTQ+, I do have the connection of searching for comfort and finding it, both in this character I love and identify with, and in the community that feels the same.

[@harrietmilton8397]

I love this video. I also love the cat in the background of Aline's video.

[@PoppinRandomBubbles]

7:52 I love her sweater!

[@demonicartist9717]

Your end speech made me cry ...

[@crowleykinnie]

when i heard about BBC Sherlock I waswn't interested at first, but since I love Benedict, I told mysel "hey, let's watch that, it can't be that bad." and as soon as I watched the whole restaurant scene I knew I loved Johnlock and became more interested in TJLC. but most importantly, I knew that the main characters are lgbtq and the side characters either support and love them or are lgbtq, too. this meant a lot to me, since whenever i told someone my sexuality, gender identity, etc., all I heard was homophobia. knowing that there is a world, fictional or not, where everyone is accepted no matter what, was extremly heartwarming. suddenly, it felt like home. it was my reason to believe and keep believing. god, i almost started crying while writing this.

[@rr-wg3uq]

NOTFICATION SQUAD WHERE ARE YOU

[@amanitajames8713]

HERE

[@soulmistin]

+Maia Selby here!

[@sunn7045]

IM A LITTLE LATE BUT IM HERE

[@clwyork5004]

Notifications are life savers 👏

[@ILoveJCameronsAVATAR]

Beautiful.

[@missaustenheroine]

So many wonderful people in this video, I'm so glad I can call a lot of you my friends

[@alexprincegoudy8034]

Being an open pansexual 13 year old tjlc honestly helped me come to grips with my own sexuality, I found out about the show Sherlock when I was 11 and that was the same time I was questioning my sexuality. I have yet to come out to my family but basically every one else knows hey I'm not straight! I'm in this generation where I go into my 6th grade classroom and people are saying 'that's gay' to things as if being gay is a bad thing...that's really discouraging to young people like me. With tjlc I believe Sherlock, this household name, being gay people will open their eyes and realize it's 2k16 and being gay, bi, pan, demi, etc. is just as okay as being heterosexual. Everybody knows who Sherlock is whether they watch the show, read the books, or they have just heard of him, nearly everyone knows who Sherlock is and i believe that making him homosexual people will start realizing lgbtq+ people are everywhere and like Rebakah (I probably spelled that wrong sorry) has said we live in a society where people think everyone is straight until proven otherwise and I think tjlc will change that for a lot of people. So yeah just wanted to put my opion out there.

[@morganadelacour]

This video is just beautiful and encouraging. For me, tjlc isn't as important as to all these people in the video, but it's still a part of my life and I'd also be very happy if the lgbt+ community finally got some real representation in a bigger tv show. So thanks again to you, Rebekah, for keeping my hopes up and to all the inspiring people in this video. And the background music reminded me so much of Troye Sivan

[@zararobnett8284]

NICK: I agree. Johnlock is my happy place too!

[@mrsmetta5604]

Your icon LOL, I can relate ;-)

[@ailene_e]

Fandom is a beautiful thing. Love this video.

[@grumpysociopath8857]

I feel like there should be a giant group chat where we can all talk. Also Rebekah I love you and you have an amazing youtube channel. For everyone in this video you are all beautiful and amazing and If you aren't in the video and reading this comment I love you and keep shipping.

[@evar1104]

this video makes me proud to be a member of the community.

[@brandonmiles86]

Media representation is so important. In a world where the official coming out of people is still a big deal, we need TV shows and movies that celebrate all people. I used to be homophobic until I saw Jack on Dawson's Creek. I don't know how many people remember that show, but boy was that groundbreaking at the time. Jack was a fully-realized character who wasn't just a part of sweeps week. Kerr Smith gave such a beautiful, heartbreaking performance of a boy who was trying to figure out who he was and what he wanted. I was straight, but to my surprise, I could still relate to him. Jack was just a person like me. I didn't know anything about gay people before that show, but watching Jack's self-actualization opened my eyes and changed my heart and mind. If Johnlock actually happens, Sherlock will have the chance to touch people all over the world and do the same for them.

[@trigonita2001]

Woah when they talk I hear myself it feels so good

[@juliannatheresa5565]

So i'm crying. :) YOU ALL ARE SO AMAZING AND SMART AND BEAUTIFUL. I'm so happy to be a part of this. TJLC matters to me because of the attention it will bring to the LGBT+ community's representation. But for me the community is the most important. In this community I don't have to worry about being criticized or questioned or ignored. I can be myself and talk and love what I do and so can all of us. TJLC has given me hope in something important and people who share that belief. I love you guys. Thank you Rebekah for all that you do.

[@JessicaTea]

this is so beautiful

[@giovanaguarizo5049]

this is the most beautiful i have ever seen

[@RandomNexus]

[@incrediblyingenious1450]

Rebekah is so amazing (ly beautiful) and I'm so offended because I honestly just wanna hold her hand or something.

[@GLAASJEMELC]

Dear Rebekah and TJLCers, I want to thank you all for introducing me to the beautiful love story that is BBC Sherlock. I won't be addressing the fourth season, because this should be a place for kindness. But you have tought me so much about good writing and the importance of LGBT representation, through your passion and caring for the show and its characters. I will never stop believing and am very grateful for being part of the TJLC community, even if it was only for the past two months.

[@aziraphaletheprincipality4657]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH ARE YOU KIDDING

[@citruskl]

I think this is so interesting. All the bisexuals who connects with John. I started to like the show because I connected to Sherlock and a few months ago I found out that I have autism. Oh god I love this fandom

[@justkara2938]

This is such a beautiful video.

[@abigailroundy8496]

I wish I had submitted a video! Thank you for all theses vids.

[@milleliza1490]

this is so beautiful.

[@kimh623]

This is honestly sooo good and beautiful :)

[@anaypauli]

i think i have fallen for marcelock mmmm yeah totally