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Game Of Thrones: Cersei and Jamie's story as told by Lena Headey

For its characters, Game of Thrones has consistently been a hazardous and brutal series, and its LGBTQ+ individuals haven't been saved from terrible endings and awful demises. LBGTQ+ Game of Thrones figures such as Loras Tyrell (as portrayed by Finn Jones) and Oberyn Martell (played by Pedro Pascal) have suffered violent deaths on the show, which has prompted some queer viewers to speculate whether the series depends on specific homophobic themes. The HBO show featured just one openly LGBTQ+ individual in its ensemble, which a number of fans have perceived as an issue with the production.

Across its eight seasons, the show has presented a total of six noteworthy LGBTQ+ characters.

• Renly Baratheon (Gethin Anthony), who certain characters deemed unworthy of the Iron Throne on account of his clandestine involvement with…
• Loras Tyrell, who turned out to be a victim of one of the most harrowing scenes for LGBTQ+ viewers when he was compelled to disavow his sexuality to the Faith of the Seven.
• Oberyn Martell, the unrestrained pansexual who succumbed to the devastating strength of The Mountain's (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) grasp.
• Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma), Oberyn's lover who possessed an equally insatiable appetite, was apprehended and then imprisoned by Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey).
• Olyvar (Will Tudor), the homosexual sex worker who was employed by Littlefinger's (Aidan Gillen) brothel.
• Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan), who, at one juncture, proposed marriage to Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).

Both Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and Daenerys have also displayed queer moments throughout the series, despite the fact that their sexual orientations are primarily thought to be heterosexual.

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Only one of the LGBTQ+ characters is still present in the show (that is, Yara), and four have been subjected to violent deaths in the series - after the closure of the brothel, Olyvar's whereabouts are not known.

The fact that two-thirds of Game of Thrones' queer figures have encountered gory deaths has incited some viewers to denounce it for succumbing to the 'Bury Your Gays' motif, a common TV cliche in which LGBTQ+ characters are regarded as more expendable, and as a consequence, are inclined to suffer brutal fates.

Without a doubt, a bloody demise has likely befallen two-thirds of all Game of Thrones characters, but, as was expressed by Vulture in an article concerning Game of Thrones' LGBTQ+ individuals: "There are such a limited number of noteworthy gay characters featured on prominent television dramas, so it's disappointing whenever one of them dies."

This is further intensified by the circumstance that, out of the hundreds of performers who've played characters on the show, only one has been an openly LGBTQ+ individual.

This individual was Kristian Nairn, who played Hodor in the series prior to also encountering his own gruesome conclusion.

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During an interview with Nairn, the GoT fan website Winter is Coming inquired as to if he was aware that the "bear" community was a fanbase of his character.

The actor responded by stating: "To be perfectly candid, in case you bring up 'the gay community,' you're referencing MY personal community."

Game of Thrones could likely improve with respect to showcasing LGBTQ+ characters and employing queer actors, and they've additionally included more gay-related content when compared to George RR Martin's series of books, notably several sex scenes.

Nevertheless, Martin's fifth book, A Dance with Dragons, featured the intersex person Sweets, who wasn't featured in the HBO series.

At one point, this character even remarks: "You are attempting to determine if I'm a man or a woman. I am both, and master shows me the greatest affection."

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This assertive declaration carries a similar tone to that conveyed by Oberyn in Game of Thrones.

Upon the disclosure that people outside Dorne do not engage in sexual activity with both genders, he proclaims: "Then they must be missing half of what the world can offer when it comes to pleasure."

"The gods were the ones who made that [a woman's body], and it brings me delight. The gods were the ones who made this [a man's body]... and it brings me delight.

"When warfare is on the horizon, I am fighting for Dorne, but in terms of love — I never pick sides."

However, season eight has left a number of its LGBTQ+ followers dissatisfied ever since it expressly declared that a couple of its most gender non-conforming characters were heterosexual.

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Queer admirers had appreciated figures, like Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) and Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), for a prolonged period of time because they weren't adhering to conventional gender norms.

However, they are both observed losing their virginities to men in season eight, with Brienne being intimate with Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Arya sleeping with Gendry (Joe Dempsie).

Some gay viewers considered the scenes, which Esquire described as having: "Hinted at a softness beneath their iron resolve,' a betrayal.

A number of other LGBTQ+ fans simply weren't persuaded by the plot developments; as one user posted on Twitter: "I'm delighted for Arya and a pleasant lil (sic) consensual, empowering second of sex on the show but Arya Stark failing to be a powerful lesbian is the LEAST plausible thing within this series concerning zombies and dragons."

Leading up to the premiere of season eight, HBO was also compelled to issue an apology to some of its LGBTQ+ Game of Thrones enthusiasts subsequent to their partnership with the American Red Cross for purposes of conducting a blood drive - which restricts gay and bisexual males unless they have abstained from sexual activity for twelve months.

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The network issued an official statement that partially stated: "Inclusivity stands as a core HBO value, and we have been longstanding supporters of the LGBTQ+ community."

HBO has previously ordered LGBTQ+-centered productions such as Looking, television series presenting well-received gay characters such as Six Feet Under and Girls, and series boasting a committed gay following, for instance Sex and the City.

Game of Thrones also has a strong LGBTQ+ audience, as acknowledged by Queer Eye personality Jonathan Van Ness' Gay of Thrones web series developed for Funny or Die.

Nevertheless, the program could most certainly improve its recognition of its LGBTQ+ followers.

It might be too late for Game of Thrones to rectify this issue, unless the episode for Sunday has a notably positive conclusion awaiting Yara, however, the forthcoming prequel series could improve by giving us LGBTQ+ characters that are able to make it throughout the show and are portrayed by openly LGBTQ+ performers.

Game of Thrones season 8 concludes on HBO in the U.S. on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, and on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the U.K. on Monday at 2 a.m. and 9 p.m. BST.

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