Questions about Sexuality and Gender Identity
Note: Part of this section specifically covers James, especially as he is perceived in English-speaking fanbases, but I'm proving a point about Team Rocket as a pair here as well.
The Argument I Am Refuting
Many viewers over the years have perceived James, especially in the English dubbed version of Pokémon, to be gay, and thus any romantic tension between him and Jessie is misdirected, or even nonexistent.
The typical fan reasoning is as follows:
- He "sounds effeminate" (especially in the English dub) and acts effeminate;
- He often disguises himself as a woman (as seen in the screencap from "Pokémon Fashion Flash!", above)
However, the same kind of arguments could be made about Jessie being a lesbian, such as:
- She acts domineering and tough, almost butch;
- She often disguises herself as a man (as seen in the screencap from "Pokémon Fashion Flash!", above)
This Argument is Based in Stereotype!
Actions, speaking voices, clothing choices, etc., do not always indicate sexuality or gender identity. Keep in mind, James is in hiding from his family. What better way to disguise himself than to use clothing meant for the opposite sex? For that matter, Jessie may also choose opposite-sex disguises to further Team Rocket's plans rather than to express a sexuality. Not to mention that the "cross-dressing" thing is generally played for humor anyway.
Also, we must take into account the personality dynamic between Jessie and James--Jessie is dominant, loud, and brassy, while James is submissive, quiet, and subtle. This grinds directly against the traditional gender dynamic of "dominant male, submissive female." It is easy to mistake personality as a function of sexual preference or identity, but just because these two characters do not fulfill their "expected" gender roles does not necessarily mean anything further about them.
The Larger Picture: Flipped Gender Roles + Societal Criticism
I personally enjoy how this duo pushes the boundaries of gender roles. The show constantly depicts how well Jessie and James complement each other even as the pair challenges our notions of what makes a man masculine and what makes a woman feminine--rather profound for a "kids' show!"
The duo also presents us with an interesting point: people come in all shades of personality, and the ideas of "masculine" and "feminine" traits are proving themselves to be outmoded. Girls can be dominant, aggressive leaders, boys can be submissive, defensive supporters...basically, people of any gender can possess any character trait and still be considered their gender.
Along with this powerful idea, the fanbase's criticism of James reveals that we as a global society are still overcoming one dilemma relating to gender identity and sexuality: how to perceive and accept a submissive male as still a "man." Many cultures have become more accepting of dominant women like Jessie, but submissive men like James are, sadly, often perceived as "sissies" or "gay." The popular definition of masculinity has narrowed as the definition of femininity has broadened, because for a man to be anywhere close to "feminine" is still considered a "bad" thing, a "weak" thing to be.
Characters like James, however, prove that in a relationship such as the one he has with Jessie, his "effeminate" qualities are just the right balance for her. Jessie is tough but vulnerable; James is anxious but compassionate. Their positive and negative qualities balance each other out, proving that James is most certainly a worthwhile character, even when he looks "weak." (And while James often gets presented as pathetic and afraid, he can also be suave and quietly threatening. Strength does not always mean loud and muscly!)
A Final Point
It actually makes no difference whether one or both of them is later presented in canon as gay or as a different gender from the one we assume for them, because they are still a team--their personalities still balance well together and they are committed to each other. Even though I have been a Rocketshipper from day one (and still see a lot to love about the pairing), I can also appreciate Jessie and James as two characters who are wonderful reliable friends. That oh-so-human bond transcends just about any argument we could make about their sexualities and gender identities.