Was Voltron's Shiro Always a Gay Character?

Caution! Minor SPOILERS for Voltron: Legendary Defender season 7 are ahead!

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The Voltron: Legendary Defender creative team had long understood Takashi "Shiro" Shirogane's homosexuality. The series' seventh season premiere panel at San Diego Comic-Con disclosed that before embarking on the mission initiating the show, Shiro was romantically involved with a man. This revelation generated enthusiastic reaction within the Voltron fanbase.

Also during the panel, the 7th season premiere date was announced for August 10th on Netflix. Unlike preceding seasons, this season will feature 13 episodes, followed by a concluding 13-episode final run, culminating in a complete run of 78 episodes across eight seasons (or six, depending on one's preference to combine the shorter seasons).

Related: Voltron Season 7 Trailer Released

The Voltron season 7 premiere focuses on the repercussions of Allura transferring Shiro's consciousness from the Black Lion to his clone. This deeply moving scene enables the original Shiro's return from a state of death, albeit with uncertain prospects. Following the transplant, Shiro remains comatose, his future uncertain. Keith and Allura remain steadfast in their support, and flashbacks reveal Shiro's mentorship of Keith, his undisclosed serious illness, and the identity of his partner, Adam.

Screen Rant had the opportunity to engage with Voltron: Legendary Defender's executive producers, Joaquim Dos Santos and Lauren Montgomery, about Shiro's revelation at San Diego Comic-Con. Read their exchange below:

How long was Shiro's homosexuality a known element?

Joaquim Dos Santos: This was a long-standing aspect.

Lauren Montgomery: From the outset, it was implicit, though, initially, we contemplated terminating Shiro's character. We reasoned, 'Let's not remove our LGBTQ+ representation; perhaps we can find another way.' But soon we realised Shiro's demise was undesirable. So, we returned to our initial plan, gradually leading to this revelation within the narrative. His homosexual orientation was always intended, even if it took some time for narrative positioning.

JDS: Story arcs within the series often rearrange. This particular backstory we desired to integrate earlier fit more effectively within the current plot.

Was the reveal of Shiro's relationship intended to be a significant event?

JDS: His romantic relationship is the crucial point. That's the primary takeaway.

LM: This facet of his life was just another typical aspect of the character's existence, not a shocking or remarkable deviation. It should have felt ordinary, and we intended it to be.

JDS: No dramatic significance.

LM: It's part of everyday life, and not a remarkable detail. Our goal was to depict a world where such relationships are accepted without fanfare.

JDS: We are gratified that this resonates with a broad audience, but it's simply a normal storyline element. It wasn't meant to be a major event.

LM: This in no way alters his character.

Voltron fans overwhelmingly welcomed Shiro's portrayal as a gay character with a prior relationship. This exemplifies the desire for broader representation of various experiences in media. Recent media has demonstrated an increased number of LGBTQ+ characters, highlighting the significant role animation plays in creating diverse representations.

The smooth integration of Shiro's sexuality into the storyline, as described by Montgomery, is equally noteworthy. As with Pidge's revelation of her gender, this revelation about Shiro didn't alter his essential nature but did expand the narrative possibilities of representation. This showcases the expansion of potential roles for brave leaders, Paladins, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Next: Voltron: Legendary Defender Season 6 Explores Essential Questions & Hints at Further Developments

Voltron: Legendary Defender season 7 premieres August 10th on Netflix.