I’m not gay or transgender but I can guarantee you those who are would hate to see their lifestyles and struggles deemed “too controversial” to be depicted in escapist fantasy.

You know what helps these things to he less controversial? Normalization and representation. Treating people not as taboo subjects to be avoided in polite conversation but as human beings worthy of the same respect and recognition as straight white guy you and me. 40 years ago people would have raised a stink about John Boyega being the lead in an escapist blockbuster film–hell, people raised a stink JUST LAST YEAR–but thanks to Hollywood giving actors like Will Smith and Morgan Freeman a chance Boyega’s casting isn’t controversial, or not nearly as much as it might have been.

Avoiding “controversial” subjects in mainstream entertainment only continues to ostracized the oppressed and maintain the status quo. With The Force Awakens, Star Wars is now a relatively progressive franchise for the first time in its existence (even more so than Star Trek) and it would be great to see it keep going down this path with sensitivity and care.