It’s about damn time. After years of speculation, Velma is officially a lesbian in the brand-new movie ‘Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!‘.
In the film, while the Mystery Inc. gang is trying to solve another spooky case, Velma finds herself in full gay panic mode the second she sees costume designer Coco Diablo. The scenes quickly went viral on Twitter, confirming decades-long suspicions held by franchise fans.
James Gunn, writer of the 2002 and 2004 live-action adaptations, and Tony Cervone, supervising producer on the Mystery Incorporated series, confirmed the character’s sexuality. However, it has never been allowed to be demonstrated onscreen until now.
Why It Matters That Velma Is Officially A Lesbian
Confirming that Velma is a lesbian is incredible not just for representation but also because of the positive impact she can have on young viewers. For years, kids (and adults) have seen themselves in Velma—an intelligent, independent woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stands up for her beliefs. Now, at long last, those same kids can also see themselves represented through Velma’s adorable crush.
But she dated Shaggy. Doesn’t that make her Bi?
No. Previous dating history does not dictate a person’s sexuality. The show’s creators have explicitly stated that Velma is a lesbian, but higher-ups censored them from showing it. That, paired with good ol’ compulsory heterosexuality, is why it has taken so long to make it official.
What Is Compulsory Heterosexuality?
The theory of compulsory heterosexuality posits that heterosexuality is assumed to be the norm and enforced by society, meaning that anyone who does not adhere to heterosexuality is marginalised, punished and forced to conform.
Compulsory heterosexuality is a tool of oppression and a significant factor in why lesbians often remain closeted. In many cases, women who do come out are met with physical and emotional violence, reinforcing the idea that heterosexuality is the only acceptable way to be and that anyone who deviates from this norm is abnormal and deserves punishment. Comphet is especially difficult for young people to navigate and overcome, as they naturally crave validation and want to fit in with their peers.
This is why it’s so meaningful that Velma is finally a lesbian in the new Scooby-Doo movie. Each step forward in LGBTQ+ representation is helping to create a more inclusive world for everyone—a world where everyone can feel seen and valued. She is a powerful role model for kids and helps break down the barriers that compulsory heterosexuality creates. Thank you, Velma, for being an unapologetic icon.
Watch ‘Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!’ on Prime Video now.
