“We’re not trying to achieve something crazy. We just want love and romance just like everybody else. The song is about acceptance between the two, but then also, how they’re being presented to the world.”

The following report is from Teen Vogue:

In its latest episode, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series officially made queer Disney history.

The episode — named “The Transformation” — premiered on July 16, and features Disney’s first LGBTQ+ love song, a track titled “In a Heartbeat.” Sung by Frankie Rodriguez (Carlos) to Joe Serafini (Seb) — who recently revealed they are also dating IRL — the moment is one that makes history while highlighting the essential representation that both actors wish they were exposed to growing up.

It’s so exciting, and hopefully it leaves a blueprint for more opportunities to come for other queer actors out there.

Frankie tells Teen Vogue

The song comes as a moment of healing for the couple who, throughout the episode, battle normal growing pains of a teenage relationship. (Warning, light spoilers to follow!) As Carlos travels to Mexico for spring break, heavily documenting the beautiful scenery — and beautiful men — he spots along the way, Seb, back home in Salt Lake City, begins to bubble over with some understandable jealous insecurity. He begins to wonder: Is Carlos in love with me for me, or only because I am the only other queer boy at East High?

“In a Heartbeat” is the mend to heal the fan-favorite relationship, in which Carlos proves, simply and soothingly, that Seb’s worries can be laid to rest.

image of JOE SERAFINI FRANKIE A. RODRIGUEZ in High School Musical The Musical The Series
Fred Hayes. Courtesy: Disney+

It’s super meaningful. You can sometimes doubt it and wonder if this is all real? Is it too good to be true? I feel like all of that is happening for Seb.

They are just another relationship on the show. Their main arcs aren’t about oppression or being that different. They have a relationship just like Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) do, and I think that’s what’s really awesome about it.

Joe tells Teen Vogue.

The normalization of Seb and Carlos’ romance sets it apart from other queer relationships on screen in which sexuality is a burden or hurdle to overcome, rather than just another trait of one’s personality.

We’re not trying to achieve something crazy. We just want love and romance just like everybody else. The song is about acceptance between the two, but then also, how they’re being presented to the world.

Frankie

Frankie attributes much of the show’s LGBTQ+ representation to showrunner Tim Federle, a former Broadway performer turned author, writer, and creator extraordinaire.

Not only are we playing queer characters, but we’re also on a Disney show that has an openly gay showrunner advocating to make sure that our stories are told and done in an appropriate, accurate way. Which then allows for a safe space for queer actors to step on set where you know you can be 100% yourself.

image of JOE SERAFINI FRANKIE A. RODRIGUEZ from high school musical the musical the series
Fred Hayes. Courtesy: Disney+

It’s often said that you can’t change the stories without changing the storytellers, and with Federle behind the scenes setting the tone for the characters — and actors who embody their every move – authentic representation becomes more than just a goal; It is a priority.

Looking back, Frankie points to Will & Grace as being a turning point for his exposure to queer characters, while Joe highlights shows like Glee and Smash. Yet the charismatic pair note that throughout their adolescence, childhood programming never reflected the internal whirlwinds they faced throughout their self-discovery. That makes being a part of HSMTMTS — a first of its kind series — all the more revolutionary and impactful.

Both actors hope the episode — and entire show — challenge societal norms while reminding kids at home that they are never, even in their darkest moments, alone. For the queer kids finding solace in their after-school theater programs; for those spending hours each night binge-watching YouTube compilations of Broadway beltresses singing the end of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked; for those who might watch HSMTMTS beneath their blankets once their parents have fallen fast asleep; for those who live in pain or constant worry — this is for them.

There is life outside of your small town or wherever you are. And it’s all just about finding your tribe of people that are going to love and support you no matter what.

Joe adds, You’re valid and it’s beautiful.


AUTHOR COMMENTARY

[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 1:26-32

Pride month may have officially ended, but the abominations continue to get worse and worse, especially with anything that has to do with the youth.

Nickelodeon Going All-Out For Pride Month. Introduces Even More Sodomite Characters

‘Gegi The Non-Binary Unicorn’ Helps Teach Gender Identity In Canadian Schools

“Everyone Is Awesome:” LEGO Releases LGBTQIA+ Set Ahead Of Pride Month

A Messed Up Toy Story: Mr. Potato Head Is Now Gender Neutral And Marries Other Mr’s

I remember the original High School Musical when I was a child, and that show was on fire at my young age; though, I never got into it. I thought it was goofy then (no pun intended), but this reboot blows that iniquity out of the water.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:13


[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).

The WinePress needs your support! If God has laid it on your heart to want to contribute, please prayerfully consider donating to this ministry. If you cannot gift a monetary donation, then please donate your fervent prayers to keep this ministry going! Thank you and may God bless you.

CLICK TO DONATE

3 Comments

  • Downright vomit inducing! I never liked high school musical, it was goofy and condescending. As unrealistic as a hallmark love TV movie. Now, it’s got sodomy thrown in.
    Church buildings will hardly to NEVER preach against this and if they do it’s typically to puff up their religious self righteousness rather than expose. Most of them are more concerned about the upcoming men’s retreat or doing a sermon series on the beatitudes or at a Babel building where I live, they did a series based on and in comparison to Marvel Avengers Endgame. Or they just want to have their social club and their bake sales or see who can bring the best casserole to the potluck.
    And we wonder why God refuses to bless America?

  • No, you must NEVER be alone. Quiet with your thoughts. In a place for the Holy Spirit to convict, or with the possibility of turning to the scriptures & the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the scriptures for salvation or guidance.

    You must always be with the borg, in community, plugged in, Team A or Team B, under surveillance where Big Brother & managers are watching, testing, tempting, manipulating, steering, telling you what to think & do….preferably accompanied with lots of swirling light and sound, emotion. Mind altering substances help, too.

    You must never be sober, rational, literate, alone or quiet. Unmolested. That would be suspect. Dangerous. Unbalanced. Unloving. A potential act of terrorism. Racist. Selfish. Heresy.

    They demonize freedom, sanity, salvation & every good and godly thing to more easily bring in their usurping crafted counterfeits.

    Now, how does this covid & jab in every arm thing fit into that same agenda?

  • Isaiah 3:9 – “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.”

Leave a Comment

×