Seeing Through Elena's Eyes: A Journey of Empathy and Understanding Through Queer Representation

In the vast sea of media I’ve consumed throughout my life, one particular moment stands out as a turning point in my understanding of queer representation and the broader LGBTQ+ experience. This moment didn’t occur during a grand cinematic spectacle or in a pivotal novel. Instead, it came from a simple, yet profoundly moving episode of a TV show that I initially tuned into for its humor and lightheartedness, not expecting it to challenge and reshape my views so fundamentally.

The show in question was One Day at a Time, a sitcom that on the surface seemed like a typical family-centered comedy, filled with the usual ups and downs of life. However, as the series progressed, it became clear that this show was anything but ordinary. It was committed to representing a diverse range of experiences with authenticity and care, particularly through the character of Elena Alvarez, a young, queer Latina teenager who comes out to her family over the course of the first season.

When Elena began to grapple with her identity, I initially saw it as just another subplot, expecting it to follow a predictable narrative arc. However, as her story unfolded, I found myself increasingly drawn into her world, understanding her struggles, fears, and the immense bravery it took for her to stand in her truth. What made this portrayal stand out was its honesty. Elena’s journey wasn’t sanitized or overly dramatized for effect; it was raw, nuanced, and deeply human.

The moment that struck me the most was the scene where Elena comes out to her mother, Penelope. As she nervously reveals her truth, there’s a palpable tension, a fear of rejection that anyone can relate to, regardless of their sexual orientation. Penelope’s initial reaction is complex—there’s confusion, concern, and a clear struggle to reconcile her daughter’s revelation with her own preconceptions. But as she processes the news, what emerges is a powerful message of love and acceptance.

Watching this, I realized that I had never fully appreciated the emotional weight that coming out carries. It’s easy to think of it as just another milestone in a person’s life, but this scene forced me to confront the reality that for many, it’s a moment fraught with fear—fear of rejection, of losing loved ones, of not being understood. Elena’s vulnerability, paired with Penelope’s evolving understanding, made me reflect on the courage it takes to be true to oneself in a world that often doesn’t fully accept difference.

This portrayal deepened my empathy in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Before, I considered myself an ally in the abstract sense—I supported LGBTQ+ rights, advocated for equality, and believed in the importance of representation. But this episode made me realize that true allyship goes beyond intellectual agreement or vocal support; it requires an emotional connection, an understanding that these experiences are not just issues but are deeply personal and often painful realities for many people.

What shaped my perspective most was the realization that queer representation is not just about visibility. It’s about creating spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can see their lives and struggles reflected with accuracy and dignity. It’s about telling stories that go beyond stereotypes and instead delve into the complexities of identity, family, and love. Elena’s story wasn’t just a subplot—it was a window into a world that, while different from my own, was still relatable on a deeply human level.

This moment in One Day at a Time also made me more aware of the importance of intersectionality in representation. Elena’s identity as both queer and Latina added layers to her experience that might not be immediately apparent to those outside those communities. It highlighted the fact that the LGBTQ+ experience is not monolithic—there are countless intersecting factors, such as race, culture, and religion, that influence how individuals navigate their identities.

In the months following this episode, I found myself seeking out more stories that centered on LGBTQ+ characters, particularly those that explored the intersections of identity. I wanted to understand more, to educate myself not just on the challenges but also on the joy, resilience, and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. This journey has not only broadened my perspective but has also made me a more compassionate and informed ally.

Reflecting on that moment now, I see it as a turning point in my understanding of what true representation means. It’s about more than just ticking boxes or fulfilling quotas—it’s about telling stories that resonate, that challenge us to see the world through the eyes of others, and that ultimately deepen our empathy for the myriad experiences that make up the human condition. Elena’s story, and the way it was told, did just that for me, leaving a lasting impact on how I view the world and my place in it as an ally.