Brienne of Not In This Lifetime

Look, there are a lot of issues with “Game of Thrones.” Its gender politics, its sexual politics, its equalization of the female gender. I could go on and on. But I continue to watch because, well, dragons – but also the female characters who have managed to survive are almost – to a woman – amazing. They’re complicated and interesting and incredibly kick ass. Yes, even Cersei (p.s. A rewatching of Season 1 has – surprisingly – made me even more sympathetic to her – or perhaps it was the recent rewatch of “Imagine Me & You.”)

Also (hello, spoilers if you’re two episodes behind) Khaleesi.Is.FIRE.

Anyway, what I really wanted to talk about is the unexpected (well, maybe not all that unexpected) kinship all us gay ladies have with Brienne of Tarth this season. Granted, most of us clocked her from the start. That stance, that scowl, that swordplay.

But now that Brienne has finally found Sansa and made it to The Wall, our connection to her has grown even stronger. Why? Because now she has to deal with something most of us – and really all women, gay or straight – have had to deal with: Unwanted Male Attention. Wildling commander, resident red-beard and Amazonian-lady aficionado Tormund has been making eyes at our Brienne since she got there. And the “relationship,” such that it isn’t, is entirely one-sided.

Lots of folks are already shipping it, and have named them “Torienne.” But for me, I hope they never get together. Not that there’s anything wrong with Tormund – I rather the guy (also did you know the actor is in those Wyndham hotel commercials?). But, clearly, Brienne is not into it. Not at all.

Whenever Brienne sees Tormund smiling at her it’s every lesbian everywhere when a dude hits on us at the club. Or the coffeeshop. Or the train. Or the anywhere.

Brienne, girl, we feel you. We feel you. Stay strong for all of us.