Does “lesbian subtext” really exist, or is it all in peoples imaginations?
A4. There are really two issues here: the existence of subtext and the interpretation of subtext. When it comes to the existence of subtext, many members of the cast and crew have come out (so to speak) and flatly stated in interviews that they put subtextual scenes and dialogue in the shows intentionally. When it comes to interpretation of what the subtext means, there is generally enough doubt left by the cast and crew of “Xena” so that people may interpret Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship as being either close friendship or romantic love. There is little room for doubt that subtext exists; what it means, however, is left open to personal interpretation.
