Malec - Let me introduce you to Malec

Let’s be honest.

I started this blog so I could talk about Malec.

I understand that this is the first time I’ve actually devoted an entry to them, but I felt like I had to build up to it.

Malec, in case you don’t remember, is a portmanteau of Magnus and Alec, two characters on the show Shadowhunters.

It’s important to understand a little about these two characters.

I’m going to summarize.

A lot.

If you want to know more about them you could maybe Google them.

Or hey… maybe watch the show or read the books.

Just a suggestion.

Magnus Bane

Harry Shum Jr portrays Magnus Bane on Shadowhunters

Magnus is the High Warlock of Brooklyn. He’s lived for centuries, although he still looks 19 because apparently warlocks don’t age. While Magnus doesn’t offer his warlock services for free, he is compassionate and caring to his intimate friends.

Magnus is flamboyant, dressing in flashy colors that flaunt his bi-sexuality. He’s also partial to glitter.

I mean, he FREAKIN’ LOVES glitter.

Magnus isn’t afraid of being himself and he has no qualms about going after what or who he wants.

Alexander Lightwood

Alec is a Shadowhunter at the New York Institute. He’s around 20 (the show and book play a bit with
their ages) but he doesn’t have advantage of not aging that Magnus does. Due to his upbringing, Alec is very reserved and prefers to follow rules in order to prove his worth and bring honor to his family.  

Alec starts out in the proverbial closet regarding his sexuality and has feelings for his brother/parabatai Jace Wayland. Part of his reluctance to admit to being gay is that it isn’t accepted by his society (the Clave). Alec is used to putting the needs of others before his own. At one point he comments that “Emotions are nothing but a distraction”, just so you know where his head is at.

Alexander Lightwood is played by Matthew Daddario

Alec isn’t used to going after what he wants, instead doing what is expected of him.

This juxtaposition of an openly and happily bi character with someone who is still accepting his sexuality makes for some interesting interactions.

I mean, Magnus spends the whole first season trying to convince Alec to go out with him while Alec pretends he isn’t gay.

Or attracted to Jace.

It takes the whole first season of Shadowhunters for Alec figure out who and what he is.

And what HE wants.

But also to build up the strength to go after what he wants. 

It makes it all the more gratifying when he finally does grab that sexy warlock and kisses him.
At his wedding.

To someone who wasn't Magnus.

I digress.

If you read my entry about slang, you'll understand when I say that Malec is canon in The Mortal Instruments/Shadowhunters world.
Malec is sacred because it is one of the few times that you have a HEALTHY gay relationship portrayed on television.
The directors, writers and actors all understand how important this relationship is to fans. They try really hard to honor their story in the show. 

In addition to showing a healthy gay relationship, part of their story is Alec's coming out which, for so many youth, is a relatable experience. It's not always easy to come out to friends and family, especially if they express homophobic sentiments.
Sadly, not everyone has figured out that Love Is Love.

It’s not every day that you find an openly gay or bi-sexual person, not to mention couple on prime time TV.

Yes, for Doctor Who fans we had Captain Jack Harkness.

But Jack had a serious commitment problem.

He was also a bit of a dandy.

I still love him.

Sorry for the Doctor Who digression.

A large portion of Shadowhunter fans that I follow are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
I know this because they mention it in their posts. In their biographies.
They make statements like, "I've been to scared to say this, but I'm bi-sexual. My parents don't even know."
I love it when this happens because so many people send them love and support.
It's when Twitter feels like a community.

I'm glad that Malec has given teens and young adults the confidence to come out and accept themselves.
And while I can't say how it feels to part of the LGBTQ+ community, I know how it feels to not fit in or accepted for who you are.
I will give anyone love and support who needs it.
And while I can't pretend there aren't dinks out there in the world who won't support you, I can at least reassure you that not EVERYONE is a dink.

Fortuitously, Sam Pedley, staff writer at Talk Nerdy With Us, recently re-posted his article titled, "The Impact of 'Malec.'" Reading it reminded me of layers to Malec I had forgotten, such as Alec, representing the white male born into privilege, while Magnus represents the oppressed, being Asian and part demon. Sam also does a great job at getting some real quotes from fans who express how Malec's relationship helped them with their own acceptance and sexuality. Basically, now that you've almost finished my post, you should go read Sam's article.

It's not easy to be strong, but it helps when you have friends.

As a bonus note, Shadowhunters just won the 2017 GLAAD Award for Outstanding Drama Series. GLAAD honors film, television and media for their fair and inclusive representation of the LGBTQ+ community. In their acceptance speech, Harry Shum Jr. said, "I play an openly proud bi-sexual warlock and a person of color that’s in a relationship with a recently out gay Shadowhunter who hunts demons for a living. I don’t think that this combination has ever existed on TV."

I'm glad to say that I'm a fan of Shadowhunters and a strong supporter of Malec.