The Simpsons boss says Lisa being queer is ‘definitely a possibility’
Fans have long theorised that Lisa Simpson might be queer. (The Simpsons)
The Simpsons’ Al Jean has said that Lisa being queer is a “possibility”.
Fan theories that Lisa could be part of the LGBTQ+ community exploded after the season 23 flash-forward episode “Holidays of Future Passed”, which gave a brief glimpse of a grown-up Lisa holding hands with two women.
Fans took it as a hint that grown-up Lisa would end up in a queer power-throuple. Another episode set in the future, season 29’s “Mr Lisa’s Opus”, shows us a Lisa who is about to attend Harvard. At the end of the episode, Lisa holds hands with a girl who she hints may be “more than a friend”.
In a new interview with Digital Spy, The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean discussed the speculation around Lisa’ sexuality.
“In my opinion, and this is just my opinion, that is definitely a possibility for Lisa’s life,” said the writer, animator and producer.
“She is open and, you know, somebody who loves everything. Why not?”
(20th Television/The Simpsons)
It’s not the first time Jean has weighed in on Lisa’s sexuality. He previously told the Metro in 2019: “I see Lisa as president and possibly polyamorous.”
He also told The Hollywood Reporter in 2017that Lisa “might end up with a woman”.
However, not everyone is onboard.
Yeardley Smith says that Lisa’s sexuality should not be considered yet. (Yeardley Smith/Getty Images for ABA)
Yeardley Smith, who voices LIsa, previously Los Angeles’ KROQ radio that she thinks people should not debate the character’s sexuality due to her age.
When asked if the Lisa could be bisexual, Smith said, “I’m totally open to the possibilities of her exploring other ways of life […] but she’s eight, people.”
“People in the LGBTQ community often say ‘I knew from the get-go!’, but in my heart and soul, Lisa is eight and she loves girly things.”
Waylon Smithers came out during season 27 of the series. (20th Television/The Simpsons)
If Lisa came out as queer, she would not be the first character in Springfield’s colourful cast to identify as LGBTQ+.
Lisa’s aunt, Patty Bouvier, came out as a lesbian in season 16 and Waylon Smithers came out to his boss, Mr Burns in season 27.
Simpsons writer Johnny LaZebnik recently defended a gay sex joke involving fan favourite characters Lenny and Carl.
