In a candid and enlightening conversation, Full House stars Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler) and Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner) have shared their thoughts on queer representation within the iconic sitcom. While Full House was a show that primarily centered around family values, friendship, and heartwarming moments, the two actresses speculate on which characters they think may have identified as queer if the show were created today.
The conversation has ignited interest among fans and critics alike, prompting a broader discussion about the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in television shows from the ’80s and ’90s. Let’s dive into what Barber and Sweetin had to say and explore how Full House could have explored queer storylines.
Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin: Who Do They Think Was Queer?
The Importance of Representation in Full House
When Full House first aired in 1987, it was groundbreaking in many ways—addressing family dynamics, single parenthood, and the ups and downs of growing up. However, one thing the show didn’t address, at least overtly, was LGBTQ+ representation. Fast forward to today, and both Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin have reflected on how a Full House reboot or continuation could have explored queer identities.
Both actresses have expressed that Full House was a family-friendly show that avoided controversial topics at the time. However, they believe that, given the cultural shift towards inclusivity, certain characters could have been portrayed as queer if the show had evolved differently.
Andrea Barber’s Thoughts on Kimmy Gibbler’s Potential Queer Identity
Kimmy Gibbler: Unconventionally Outspoken and Proud?
Andrea Barber’s character, Kimmy Gibbler, was the eccentric, outspoken best friend of DJ Tanner, often serving as the comic relief in the show. But could Kimmy have been more than just quirky? Andrea Barber herself has suggested that if the show were to reflect modern sensibilities, Kimmy Gibbler could be someone who might identify as queer.
“I always thought Kimmy was someone who wasn’t afraid to be different,” Andrea said. “In today’s world, I think Kimmy would have been a proud, unapologetic queer woman who lived life on her own terms. She wouldn’t have been confined by society’s expectations.”
Kimmy’s bold fashion choices, unconventional personality, and unapologetic attitude would have made her a perfect candidate for exploring LGBTQ+ representation. Her quirky and confident nature could have lent itself well to breaking the stereotypes surrounding queer characters, offering a fresh take on gender norms and sexuality.
Kimmy Gibbler as a Queer Role Model?
In a contemporary Full House universe, Kimmy might have become a role model for queer youth. She could have taught viewers that being yourself—whether straight, gay, or somewhere in between—is the most important thing in life. The character’s journey could have opened up important discussions about acceptance and identity, while still maintaining her humor and individuality.
Jodie Sweetin’s Thoughts on Stephanie Tanner and Queer Representation
Stephanie Tanner: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Jodie Sweetin’s character, Stephanie Tanner, went through a lot of growth throughout the original Full House series. From being the fun-loving middle child to evolving into a more mature young woman in Fuller House, Stephanie’s character had many layers. In an interview, Jodie Sweetin shared her thoughts on how Stephanie Tanner might have explored her own identity if the show had been made today.
“I think Stephanie could have had a different relationship with her sexuality, especially as she got older,” Jodie said. “Given the way the world has changed, I think Stephanie would have embraced the possibility of being open to all types of love.”
Sweetin believes that Stephanie’s personality—her deep compassion, loyalty to her family, and willingness to learn—could have translated into an openness about her sexuality. Much like her real-life counterpart, Stephanie might have eventually realized that there isn’t one “right” way to love someone. She could have been portrayed as discovering a queerer side of herself through exploration and experiences.
Could Stephanie Have Been the First Queer Character on Full House?
Given Stephanie’s tendency to be a bit of an emotional explorer, it’s easy to imagine a scenario where she might discover a new side of her identity. Sweetin speculates that if Stephanie had the opportunity to grow up in a more open-minded environment (like in Fuller House), she might have felt more comfortable exploring her sexuality. “I think Stephanie would have taken the time to figure it all out, and in doing so, she would have led by example for others,” Jodie added.
The Broader Impact of Queer Characters on Full House and Television
How Full House Could Have Pioneered LGBTQ+ Representation
While Full House was a cultural touchstone for many during the late ’80s and early ’90s, it was a product of its time, and the topic of LGBTQ+ representation wasn’t something that was explored on mainstream TV in those days. However, the show’s loving, inclusive tone could have lent itself well to the representation of queer characters.
Both Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin have expressed that it would have been groundbreaking for the show to have addressed queer identities—especially during a time when there was little representation on television. Kimmy Gibbler and Stephanie Tanner might have helped introduce a new narrative for queer characters, moving beyond stereotypes and showing that love comes in many different forms.
The Evolution of Queer Representation in TV Shows
Today, the landscape of television has shifted dramatically. LGBTQ+ characters are now more commonly featured, and their stories are portrayed with greater depth and authenticity. Many shows—such as Orange is the New Black, Schitt’s Creek, and Queer Eye—have played pivotal roles in increasing visibility for queer characters. In this context, Full House could have been an early pioneer, and fans believe that the show’s wholesome, family-focused nature would have made it a safe space for these stories.
Reimagining Full House in a More Inclusive World
A Modern Reboot with Queer Characters?
What would a Full House reboot look like in 2024? With the rise of LGBTQ+ awareness and the increasing representation of queer characters on TV, it’s exciting to imagine how the show could be reinterpreted today. If the show were made now, Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin both believe that Kimmy and Stephanie would be given more freedom to explore different aspects of their identities.
A reboot could also feature storylines that involve openly queer characters, creating a more inclusive narrative that resonates with diverse audiences. This could include Kimmy and Stephanie both exploring their sexuality, with their stories unfolding in a way that mirrors the evolving acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in real life.
Conclusion: Embracing Queer Representation in Classic Shows
As Andrea Barber and Jodie Sweetin reflect on their characters and where they might have stood regarding queer identities, it’s clear that representation has come a long way since Full House originally aired. The speculation around Kimmy Gibbler and Stephanie Tanner’s potential queer identities opens up an important conversation about how classic television shows can evolve to be more inclusive in today’s world.
Whether or not Kimmy or Stephanie would have been portrayed as queer remains a fun “what if” scenario, but the larger point is that representation in media continues to evolve. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, we can help ensure that future generations see themselves reflected on screen in all their beautiful complexity.
FAQs
1. Could Kimmy Gibbler have been portrayed as queer?
Yes, Andrea Barber believes that Kimmy’s eccentric personality and boldness would have made her an excellent candidate for exploring queer identity.
2. What about Stephanie Tanner—could she have been queer?
Jodie Sweetin thinks Stephanie Tanner could have explored her sexuality as she grew older, reflecting the openness and evolution of societal attitudes towards sexuality.
3. How could Full House have pioneered LGBTQ+ representation?
By incorporating characters like Kimmy and Stephanie exploring their queerness, Full House could have led the way in family television for more inclusive, authentic queer stories.
4. Would a modern reboot of Full House include queer characters?
Yes, with the progress in LGBTQ+ representation in media, a reboot would likely have Kimmy and Stephanie exploring queer identities in meaningful and respectful ways.
5. Why is queer representation important in TV shows?
Queer representation allows people from the LGBTQ+ community to see themselves reflected in media, promoting acceptance, understanding, and visibility. It also helps break down stereotypes and fosters inclusivity.
