NICO… YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT O.o Showing 4,801-4,817 of 4,817

[Ariya]

cindy wrote: "Brenna wrote: "I'm so disappointed! The biggest problem that I have with this move in his books is that his target audience is children. Parent's buy these books for their children because they kno..."

MMmmm hmmmmmmmmm
I agree, LGBTQ+ shouldn't be shunned, it's not our choice.

But I did ship Nico and Percy and sometimes wonder how the series would've been different if Percy had shared Nico's feelings.

[Ariya]

Rachel wrote: "Carrie the awesome wrote: "Kcatty wrote: "Grace wrote: "Umm... I really don't know what to say about this, but I thought these books were for 9-12 year-olds."

It really bugs me when people say, "L..."

Actually, it DID have something to do with the plot line, it actually managed to bring light to Nico, who's been important in several scenes, AND it helped with Percy and Nico's relationship.
I don't see why you're disappointed that he's not a homophobe like you, not everyone can be a total close-minded jerk like you. I don't see why your friend is mad, either, it's just stupid to be mad about that, Rick has VERY few things in his books that had no importance, it's not the way he writes, so Nico being gay DOES affect the plot, giving him more character and building his relationship with Jason, then the other people on the Argo, then finally Will.
Don't be so rude to LGBTQ+ characters, most kids already know about LGBTQ+ people, even in books. It's not like it's that big of a deal, perhaps the parents should've proof-read it first, and either way, I don't think many parents would mind that their children know about something like that.
Again, don't be so close-minded, try opening up to new people and things, even in books.

[Ariya]

Ariel wrote: "Yeah, I really like how Rick shows how everyone is so insecure! I think it adds a lot to the story and makes it realistic. It's good to know that even though these kids are like superheroes, they h..."

I was thrilled that he included it, I'd been wanting a gay character in the PJO world for quite a while. I'd actually been hoping it would be Nico and Percy because Pernico is one of my favorite ships in PJO, but it's still really cute to see Will and Nico together.
Team Gay Nico!

[Ariel]

I just want to say hello to everyone new and everyone still here. I made this discussion six years ago when I was in middle school (AKA Ariel Owleyes) and now I'm in college and its kind of cool that people are still here? I guess it just goes to show how important Rick Riordan's stories are, that we're still talking about it today.

My current thoughts on Nico:

It's really important that characters like Nico are included and given voices. We live in a diverse world where different identities matter and shape how we see and define others and ourselves. It is unrealistic and close-minded to only portray straight, cisgender, white kids as heroes. There are enough straight characters in literature already. There are enough white characters, etc. Those in privileged groups/identities already get to see themselves in all kind of different roles, doing different things, as complex characters.

Nico is a complex character. He is gay, but that's also not his entire personality. He can be a demigod, an introvert, a good friend, a loving brother, and be part of the LGBTQ+ community. Those things all add up to be Nico and all fit into his character and personality. It's not out of character for Nico to be gay, just as many other people identify as such today. It is not unnatural for Nico to be gay. What is important is providing someone positive for kids to connect with and look up to in a way that supports/affirms their identity.

Also important: who writes the story matters. Elevate/support author voices who are of the "minority" and let them tell their own stories and truths. People like Rick, no matter how understanding and educated they are, can't possibly understand all the intricacies of all identities because they have not lived it. Rick Riordan Presents is working to promote diverse authors, which I believe is admirable. Rick is using his privilege as a white, straight, accomplished, male author to let other voices who have not had his same life advantages, publish their works who have typically not had a chance to do so. This creates more Nicos for readers to connect with and love.

Nico, and characters like him, are important.

[Kevin]

Ariya wrote: "I don't see why you're disappointed that he's not a homophobe like you..."

I wonder if there is a term when someone from the lgbt community "hates" on a straight person. Are they a Straightphobe, heterophobe?
If someone from the lgbt community doesn't like what I have to say, are they a heterophobe?

[Christopher]

I don't have a problem with him being gay. its just that there was no point. His feelings toward Percy should be that a of a big brother. not a love interest

[quq]

Christopher wrote: "I don't have a problem with him being gay. its just that there was no point. His feelings toward Percy should be that a of a big brother. not a love interest"

why

[Serine]

😘😘😘

[craigalovania]

I think Riordan is trying to be more inclusive of other creeds and races. Frank is Chinese-Canadian, in the Magnus Chase series Alex is gender fluid, and, therefore, Nico is gay. There is nothing wrong with any of those.
Also, in the old myths, there are lots of cases of same-sex relationships, like Apollo and Hyacinthus. The Rick Riordan books are modern versions of the old myths. It shouldn't be that big of a problem.

[Kevin]

CraigS wrote: "..."
*yawn*

[Ioweegian]

Kinda odd that people who stopped reading the books 5 years ago are still hanging around this discussion.

I can't remember how many interviews I've read with authors where they talk about a character, or a scene, or a storyline that they didn't plan. It developed over the course of the writing, or the author had an "ah ha!" moment about something that just wasn't working correctly. Mr. Riordan had something like that happen with the character of Nico and suddenly it's to satisfy some sort of political agenda.

Gay people exist. Gay children exist. Exposure to those truths in fiction aren't going to create gay children any more than the constant barrage of images of heterosexuals prevents gay children. Society thinks nothing of asking a 5 year old boy if he has a girlfriend, but swears he's "too young to know" he's gay at 15 - most of us knew, whether we accepted it or not, even earlier.

[craigalovania]

Blogger wrote: "Neona wrote: "Kevin wrote: "I thought this thread would have been nuked by now... It's been years."

It should become a thread about Nico and [spoilers removed] . Along with other characters, even ..."
It was not a fan made couple. They are a couple in Trials of Apollo.

[Blogger]

craigalovania wrote: "Blogger wrote: "Neona wrote: "Kevin wrote: "I thought this thread would have been nuked by now... It's been years."

It should become a thread about Nico and [spoilers removed] . Along with other c..."

oh thats so sweet. I come on here maybe twice a year now so i had no idea i was quoted. Ariel sis, I miss you!!! I see Kevin is still here, lurking

[Kevin]

Blogger wrote: "I see Kevin is still here, lurking"

No. I just get updates that "x person replied in blah blah blah".
I'm just too lazy to turn off the auto update feature.

[Reyna]

Ariel wrote: "This totally took me by surprise at first, but when I thought about it I thought I remembered a part in a previous book where I thought he might be gay for a second, then quickly dismissed it. I co..."
it kind of seemed like it in the PJO series

[Neeha]

I was OBSESSED with Nico as an elementary/middle schooler. and when I learned he was gay, I was even more invested in his character.

And it only truly accepted in 10-11th grade of highschool, why I latched on so intensely to his character, and why I saw a reflection of myself in him. It's been many years since I've been out and I'm glad I can easily say to people that I'm bisexual (with a stronger preference for women) now ^^

Little kids know concepts surrounding hetero relationships as far as 1st grade (I remember what playing house was like when I was that age LOL). It's a real disservice to them, and to our society, to not normalize m/m and f/f relationships early on in childhood, and it honestly leads to bullying and discrimination. So I'm super glad that an author like Riordan, with such a young audience exists! He deserves pats on the back.

[[deleted user]]

I'm a christian, and therefore will never approve of gayness, but I'm rooting for Nico still. I wonder if Cupid had anything to do with this relationship???