Who is Todd‘s asexual girlfriend?
As a passionate gamer and entertainment buff, one show I‘ve really connected with recently is BoJack Horseman. This critically acclaimed adult animated series dives profoundly into issues around trauma, relationships, the human condition – while punctuated with zany antics in a world where animals walk, talk, and act essentially human.
One character that has resonated deeply with me is Todd Chavez, an upbeat slacker in his mid-20s who drifts among misadventures and failed business ventures in Los Angeles. Todd acts as the upbeat comic relief and moral compass among the show‘s broken protagonists.
Who is Todd‘s Asexual Girlfriend?
In the show‘s fourth season, Todd comes out as asexual to his friend BoJack with the profound declaration: "I‘m not gay. I mean, I don‘t think I am, but I don‘t think I‘m straight, either. I don‘t know what I am. I think I might be nothing." This moment deeply impacted me, as an exploration of embracing one‘s identity amidst society‘s labels and expectations around romance.
By the next season, enter Yolanda – a minor character revealed to be an asexual government agent keeping tabs on wacky entrepreneur Todd. In the season finale, Yolanda asks Todd on an explicit asexual date. Their relationship grows over future episodes, painting one of TV‘s rare portrayals of an asexual coupling.
Yolanda‘s Vital Statistics
- Species: Anthropomorphic axolotl
- Vocation: Better Business Bureau agent
- Romantic Partner: Todd Chavez (boyfriend)
- Voice Actor: Natalie Morales
Axolotls are a fascinating species of Mexican salamanders that remain in larval form their whole lives – making Yolanda‘s playful, childlike spirit fit wonderfully. The choice to make Todd‘s mirror a fellow asexual, an axolotl – felt like a stroke of creative genius to me.
The Impact of Portraying Asexual Identity
According to LGBTQ demographics research [1], an estimated 1% of the population identifies as asexual – meaning they lack sexual attraction to others and have little interest in sex. However, ace individuals may still feel strong romantic connections or form meaningful relationships not centered on sexuality.
65% of asexual people indicate not knowing about this orientation when they were teenagers. And over 75% feel there‘s too little representation of asexual identities in entertainment media.
Which is why Todd so pointedly coming out – then organically finding an asexual girlfriend later felt so momentous to me. In Yolanda, we get to see reflections of a journey many real-world asexual people relate to on a soul level.
Finally seeing oneself reflected back – provides profound validation and relief.
Critical Reception of This Representation
Prominent culture critics praised BoJack Horseman‘s nuanced depiction of ace characters‘ struggles around identity and relationships.
“Seeing asexual people find each other and figure out what their relationship boundaries are, these little moments where they understand each other implicitly, will never stop being heart-rending to me.” – Caroline Siede, AV Club
However, the representation hasn‘t been universally acclaimed. Some call out how Yolanda was introduced later in the series, with limited screen time – bringing accusations of tokenism. Others highlight the lack of diversity among ace portrayals centered on white, cisgender characters [2].
The Future Looks Bright
While there‘s more progress to be made, any visibility can spark badly needed discussions. And BoJack Horseman has opened the door to more nuanced ace depictions compared to the extremes of offensive stereotypes or non-existence.
Sex Education, Peaky Blinders, and Bonding all featured prominent asexual characters over recent years as well [3]. This gives me hope – to see this missing fragment of the human experience infused into our cultural consciousness.
If you feel seen and understood, you can overcome extraordinary obstacles, evils, traumas in that solidarity. And isn‘t that the ultimate role of storytelling – to expand which lives we can inhabit and connect with?
What has your experience been with asexuality in entertainment or your community? I‘d love to hear perspectives to broaden my empathy further!
Sources
[1] 2021 Ace Community Census Report, The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/[2] "BoJack Horseman‘s Asexuality is Still Leaving Fans Wanting More", Harron Walker 2020 https://www.them.us/
[3] "Asexual Characters Making Strides", American Sexuality Magazine, 2021 https://www.americansexuality.com/
