Kristen Stewart on Why Twilight is a Beloved LGBTQ+ Film
Kristen Stewart explains how the Twilight franchise holds a special place in her heart due to its LGBTQ+ representation, highlighting its impact and significance
Kristen Stewart's career was undeniably influenced by the Twilight franchise, and she has recently expressed how positively it has embraced LGBTQ+ themes. Over a decade after the series concluded, Stewart remains closely associated with the franchise.
Stewart's character, Bella Swan, and the Twilight films have long been a source of debate for both fans and critics. However, the focus of these discussions has evolved over time. In a recent interview, Stewart discussed the idea of interpreting Twilight through a LGBTQ+ perspective.
Twilight has always been called a “gay movie”
Kristen Stewart’s filmography is rich with LGBTQ+ projects. In 2020, she starred in the sapphic rom-com Happiest Season, and she is also slated to portray queer feminist writer Susan Sontag in an upcoming biopic.
She is primarily remembered for her role as Bella Swan in the 2008 film Twilight, which ironically is considered her most heterosexual role. In an interview with Variety, Stewart agreed and described the movie as "such a gay movie" with a "very Gothic, gay inclination" that she loves.
Twilight has a long history with the word "gay." When the movies were first released in the late 2000s, there was a significant amount of public backlash against the series. Many criticized its romantic appeal to teenage girls and questioned its messaging for that same audience. The franchise was often referred to as "Queer" or "Gay" in a derogatory manner.
However, in the decade since the franchise ended, while there is still criticism, the general perception of Twilight has become more lenient. Some members of the public now feel a sense of nostalgic fondness towards the series. The strong fanbase can be seen through TwilightTok, and a new Twilight series is currently in the works.
Despite being ridiculed during the peak of Twilight's popularity, Stewart and her co-star Robert Pattinson have both achieved success in both commercial and critical aspects of their careers. Pattinson is now starring as Batman and Stewart received a Golden Globe nomination in 2021 for her role as Princess Diana in Spencer. With the increasing representation of queer characters in mainstream media, such as in projects like What We Do in the Shadows and Interview with the Vampire, it's inevitable that queer interpretations of Twilight may emerge.
Stewart is far from discouraging that, though she did admit that she "can only see it now. I don't think it necessarily started off that way, but I also think that the fact that I was there at all, it was percolating."
Stewart has long been considered as a queer icon and openly embraces this, even bringing her girlfriend, screenwriter Dylan Meyer, to the Oscars in 2022. "It's not that I wasn't scared," Stewart admitted. "It was just that there was no other way to live." When asked if she was aware of her role model position for those in the LGBTQ+ community, she laughed and said, "Oh, you have no idea."
"Every woman I've met who kissed a girl in college says the same thing: 'Me too.' I always joke with my girlfriend, saying, 'She's gay too. Everyone's gay.'"
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I grew up with the Twilight franchise and have always been drawn to its unique blend of romance, fantasy, and mystery. While I initially enjoyed the films for their entertainment value, I have come to appreciate their deeper themes and messages, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ representation. Kristen Stewart's recent comments about the franchise's "very Gothic, gay inclination" resonate with me, as I believe the films offer a nuanced exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity.
Stewart's own journey as an openly queer woman adds another layer of significance to her portrayal of Bella Swan. Her ability to bring authenticity and vulnerability to the role makes Bella a relatable and inspiring figure for many LGBTQ+ individuals. The fact that Stewart herself identifies as queer further cements the franchise's status as a beloved LGBTQ+ film. I am grateful for the positive impact that Twilight has had on my own understanding of sexuality and identity, and I believe it will continue to be a source of inspiration and empowerment for future generations.
