Rachel Shatto
·2 min read
It's official, Monster High fans: Frankie Stein is nonbinary. Ceci Balagot (he/they), who is starring in the upcoming film Monster High: The Movie, confirmed that their character uses they/them pronouns in a sit-down chat with TikTok dancer Conrad Rocha for Nickelodeon.
Rocha asked Balagot if representation was important for them with their Monster High character, and Balagot confirmed it was “super important” to them. “My character identifies as nonbinary,” he shared. “My goal in life is to be the person that I needed to see on TV.”
Rocha, who identifies as gay, expressed how much he would have loved to have seen that kind of character and story on TV when he was growing up as well.
“I literally had never, ever had that when I was a kid,” agreed Balagot. “I think that causal representation is one of the most important things to me instead of tokens. My character is kind of just like that. That’s who they are. And I think kids need to be able to see that you as a person are special. That being queer is just another facet of life. And I want kids to know that it’s a normal thing.”
The two also opened up about how they want the experience of coming out to change for queer youth. “I think there needs to be less pressure to come out. Especially for youth because growing up on its own is hard,” said Rocha. “And I think being a part of the LGBT community makes it a lot harder. So I think putting less pressure on that and just kind of letting people slowly find out who they want to become.”
Balagot shared some of that process from their childhood, particularly how they knew they were trans from the very beginning. “I knew pretty much that I was a boy right off the bat. I could have told you in kindergarten that something was wrong and that they kept a group with me and with the girls wasn’t right and that didn’t feel right and I think that’s what representation does.”
Watch the full conversation (and a few dance numbers) below. Monster High: The Movie premieres on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ October 6.
As a passionate advocate and expert in the field of LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity in media, I'm thrilled to discuss the recent groundbreaking revelation about Frankie Stein's nonbinary identity in the upcoming film "Monster High: The Movie." The confirmation comes from Ceci Balagot, the talented actor playing Frankie Stein, who uses they/them pronouns. This announcement is a significant stride toward better representation and understanding of nonbinary identities in popular culture.
Balagot's affirmation of the importance of representation, especially for nonbinary individuals, is not only a testament to their commitment to the role but also a reflection of the broader societal shift towards inclusivity. The actor's acknowledgment that their character's nonbinary identity is not a token gesture but an integral part of who they are emphasizes the need for authentic representation rather than mere symbolism.
The conversation between Ceci Balagot and Conrad Rocha sheds light on the crucial role of representation in shaping individuals' self-perception. Balagot's goal to be the person they needed to see on TV speaks volumes about the impact media can have on personal identity and acceptance. Rocha's shared sentiment, as a gay individual, underscores the universal need for diverse and relatable characters on screen.
Balagot and Rocha's discussion extends beyond the character they portray, addressing the broader issue of coming out and the challenges faced by queer youth. Rocha's call for reducing the pressure to come out aligns with the understanding that the journey of self-discovery is already challenging, especially during adolescence. The emphasis on letting people explore their identities at their own pace contributes to a more compassionate and understanding society.
Balagot's personal experience of knowing their gender identity from an early age and expressing that representation played a crucial role in their self-discovery underscores the profound impact that media can have on shaping individual perspectives. The acknowledgment that being queer is a normal facet of life is a powerful message that challenges stereotypes and fosters a more inclusive worldview.
In conclusion, the announcement of Frankie Stein's nonbinary identity in "Monster High: The Movie" is a significant step forward in LGBTQ+ representation. Ceci Balagot's insights into the importance of authentic representation, the challenges faced by queer youth, and the role of media in shaping personal identity make this revelation not just a moment in a film but a meaningful contribution to a more inclusive cultural narrative.
