Justin Suarez
{{short description|Fictional character}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Justin Suarez
| series = Ugly Betty
| image = JustinSuarez.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Mark Indelicato as Justin Suarez
| portrayer = Mark Indelicato
| creator = Silvio Horta
| first = "Pilot"
(episode 1.01)
| last = "Hello Goodbye"
(episode 4.20)
| species = Human
| gender = Male
| family = Santos Reynoso (father; deceased)
Hilda Suarez (mother)
Bobby Talercio (stepfather)
| significant_other = Austin Marley (boyfriend)
| children =
| relatives = Betty Suarez (maternal aunt)
Ignacio Suarez (maternal grandfather)
Rosa Suarez (maternal grandmother, deceased)
Yolanda Sálazar (maternal great-grandmother)
Mirta (maternal great aunt)
Clara (maternal first cousin-in-law once removed)
| nationality = American
| religion = Roman Catholic
}}
Justin Suarez is a fictional character on the American comedy-drama series Ugly Betty (2006–2010). Portrayed by actor Mark Indelicato, Justin is raised by his single mother Hilda, both of whom live with his aunt Betty and grandfather Ignacio. A musical theatre and fashion enthusiast, Ugly Betty follows adolescent Justin as he matures and navigates school, while exploring his sexual orientation. Although the character exhibits stereotypically gay interests and flamboyant mannerisms, the show does not address his sexuality until its fourth season, despite constant speculation and support from his family.
Justin was created by series creator Silvio Horta, who partially based the character on his own upbringing as a gay teenager raised by a single mother. The character was created to serve as a comedic foil and advisor to Betty. Deciding Justin was too young to be sexualized, the show's producers opted to leave his sexual orientation undisclosed for much of the series. Indelicato was 11 years old when he was cast as Justin, having auditioned for the role while he was performing in a school musical production. Justin's coming out storyline mirrored Indelicato's personal life; the actor was confronting his own sexual orientation while his character was preparing to come out on the series. Instead of immediately coming out to his family, Justin confides in Betty's openly gay co-worker Marc St. James, who helps him cope with high school bullies and dating. Justin finally affirms that he is gay by dancing with his new boyfriend, Austin, at his mother's wedding at the end of the series.
Before Justin came out, Ugly Betty fans heavily speculated about the character's sexual orientation for most of the show's duration. One of the youngest gay characters on television at the time, Justin was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised the subtlety of his coming out storyline. Critics were also very receptive towards Justin's acceptance by his family, which was welcomed as a refreshing representation of a Latino American family, as well as his friendship with Marc. Several media publications have since cited Justin among the greatest LGBT characters in television history.
Role
Ugly Betty revolves around main character Betty Suarez (America Ferrera), an unglamorous young woman, and the challenges she faces working at MODE, a fashion magazine.{{Cite web|date=January 28, 2020|title="Ugly Betty" is canceled|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=https://www.vol.at/ugly-betty-wird-abgesetzt/1897475&prev=search&pto=aue|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520022228/https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vol.at%2Fugly-betty-wird-abgesetzt%2F1897475&prev=search&pto=aue|archive-date=May 20, 2021|access-date=May 19, 2021|website=VOL.AT|language=German}} Justin Suarez is introduced as Betty's 11-year-old nephew, the flamboyant and fashion-obsessed son of her older sister Hilda (Ana Ortiz).{{Cite web|last=Crosbie|first=Eve|date=February 24, 2021|title=Where are the cast of Ugly Betty now?|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/film/gallery/20210224107625/ugly-betty-cast-where-are-they-now/7/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516080644/https://ca.hellomagazine.com/film/gallery/20210224107625/ugly-betty-cast-where-are-they-now/7/|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=Hello!}}{{Cite web|last=Fernandez|first=Maria Elena|date=April 7, 2010|title='Ugly Betty': Justin comes out as the ABC series heads toward its finale|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/04/ugly-betty-justin-comes-out-as-the-abc-series-heads-toward-its-finale.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515234905/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/04/ugly-betty-justin-comes-out-as-the-abc-series-heads-toward-its-finale.html|archive-date=May 15, 2021|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=Los Angeles Times}} Justin is thrilled when Betty is hired as the personal assistant of Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius), editor-in-chief of MODE.{{Cite web|last=Moghbelpour|first=Zarreen|date=May 15, 2015|title=Ugly Betty: All Main Characters Ranked By Likability|url=https://screenrant.com/ugly-betty-main-characters-likability-ranked/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517001850/https://screenrant.com/ugly-betty-main-characters-likability-ranked/|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=Screen Rant}}{{Cite journal|last=Temples|first=Dawn|title=The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: How the Television Show Ugly Betty Depicts Fashion Magazine Journalists|url=https://www.ijpc.org/uploads/files/IJPC%20Student%20Journal%20-%20Dawn%20Temples.pdf|journal=Image of the Journalist in Popular Culture|pages=10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713102235/https://www.ijpc.org/uploads/files/IJPC%20Student%20Journal%20-%20Dawn%20Temples.pdf|archive-date=July 13, 2020}} Originally estranged from his father Santos,{{Cite web|title=Ugly Betty: After Hours (TV)|url=https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=all&p=472&item=T:90635|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530194140/https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=all&p=472&item=T:90635|archive-date=May 30, 2021|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=Paley Center for Media}} Justin reunites with him when Hilda begins to date him once again. Santos (Kevin Alejandro) originally struggles to accept Justin's effeminate ways,{{Cite web|last=Acosta|first=Belinda|date=December 22, 2006|title='Heroes' and Zeroes|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/2006-12-22/431153/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224173408/https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/2006-12-22/431153/|archive-date=February 24, 2021|access-date=May 20, 2021|website=The Austin Chronicle|quote=Justin's errant father shows up for the holidays, only to walk out again when he observes his son thrilled by tree trimming instead of wanting to throw a football "like a normal kid." The walkout was played just out of sight of Justin, who already knew it was coming.}} but their relationship gradually improves. Although Justin's mother, aunt and grandfather Ignacio (Tony Plana) assume that Justin could potentially be gay, his sexual orientation goes largely unaddressed, apart from occasional hints due to his behavior and interests.{{Cite web|date=April 8, 2010|title=How Justin Suarez Came Out to Mom|url=https://www.queerty.com/how-justin-suarez-came-out-to-mom-20100408|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519014900/https://www.queerty.com/how-justin-suarez-came-out-to-mom-20100408|archive-date=May 19, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Queerty}} Despite his family's support, Justin opts to keep his attraction to boys secret from them, instead choosing to confide in Betty's openly gay co-worker Marc St. James (Michael Urie), who becomes a friend, mentor and "surrogate big brother" to the young Justin.{{Cite web|date=November 12, 2009|title=Michael Urie, Carving Out A Character On 'Ugly Betty'|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120325162|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517032353/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120325162|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=NPR}}
As Justin matures during the fourth season, he struggles to accept his own sexuality. He befriends a jock who shares his interest in musicals, only for the jock to publicly dismiss Justin when the latter's athletic friends tease him about their friendship.{{Cite web|last=Hudson|first=Waymon|date=November 22, 2008|title=Ugly Betty: Young Gay Lovev|url=http://bilerico.lgbtqnation.com/2008/11/ugly_betty_young_gay_love.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516225609/http://bilerico.lgbtqnation.com/2008/11/ugly_betty_young_gay_love.php|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=LGBTQ Nation}} Justin is forced to enroll in public school after he is rejected by the performing arts high school of his choice. Bullied by his schoolmates, he is disparagingly crowned homecoming queen,{{Cite web|date=December 11, 2009|title=The Good, the Bad and Ugly Betty|url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/television/2009/12/11/good-bad-and-ugly-betty|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516190342/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/television/2009/12/11/good-bad-and-ugly-betty|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=The Advocate}} which he embraces by bestowing the crown and title upon his mother.{{Cite web|last=Stevenson|first=Alexander|date=October 7, 2013|title=The 50 Greatest Gay TV Characters|url=http://www.newnownext.com/greatest-gay-tv-characters/10/2013/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518034155/http://www.newnownext.com/greatest-gay-tv-characters/10/2013/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 17, 2021|website=NewNowNext.com}} Marc advises Justin to befriend his school's cheerleaders for protection from bullies.
Marc guides Justin towards gradually coming out of the closet. Originally, Justin briefly asserts his "heterosexuality", pretending to like his classmate Lily, whom he kisses in a school production, before accepting his feelings for male friend Austin (Ryan McGinnis) upon kissing him shortly afterward.{{Cite web|last=Ganz|first=Caryn|date=March 18, 2010|title=Ugly Betty: The Kiss|url=http://tinychampions.co.uk/2010/03/ugly_betty_recap_the_kiss.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519032213/http://tinychampions.co.uk/2010/03/ugly_betty_recap_the_kiss.html|archive-date=May 19, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Vulture}} Hilda's new fiancé, Bobby Talercio (Adam Rodriguez), discovers them kissing but promises not to tell Justin's family. Stopping his family from holding a surprise coming out party for Justin before he comes out himself,{{Cite web|date=April 8, 2010|title=Ugly Betty Review: "The Past Presents the Future"|url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/2010/04/ugly-betty-review-the-past-presents-the-future/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516192852/https://www.tvfanatic.com/2010/04/ugly-betty-review-the-past-presents-the-future/|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=TV Fanatic}} Marc advises them to simply allow Justin to come out to them at his own pace.{{Cite web|last=Jung|first=E. Alex|date=January 13, 2017|title=On One Day at a Time, We Finally Get the Parents' Side of the Coming-Out Narrative|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/01/one-day-at-a-time-tells-the-parents-side-of-the-coming-out-narrative.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517010015/https://www.vulture.com/2017/01/one-day-at-a-time-tells-the-parents-side-of-the-coming-out-narrative.html|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=Vulture}} Shortly after beginning to date Austin, Justin finally decides to come out as gay at his mother's wedding in the penultimate episode of the series.{{Cite web|date=April 6, 2010|title=Justin Comes Out on Ugly Betty|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/justin-comes-out-on-ugly-betty-201064/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517041549/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/justin-comes-out-on-ugly-betty-201064/|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=Us Weekly}} Instead of publicly announcing his sexuality, Justin quietly leads Austin onto the dancefloor, where they dance among his family.{{Cite web|last=Nicolaou|first=Elena|date=June 12, 2019|title=The Best (& Worst) Coming Out Scenes In Pop Culture History|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/03/145883/coming-out-as-gay-movies-tv-shows#slide-8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516173005/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/03/145883/coming-out-as-gay-movies-tv-shows|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=Refinery29}}
Development
= Creation and casting =
Series creator Silvio Horta conceived Justin "as an effeminate 11- or 12-year-old" boy, which is how he was described in the show's early stage directions. Although the show originally opted not to address Justin's sexual orientation, Horta – who was gay himself – decided the character should experience a gradual journey as he matures.{{Cite web|last=Keck|first=William|date=February 8, 2007|title=Making a Mark on 'Betty'|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-02-07-mark-indelicato_x.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803051214/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-02-07-mark-indelicato_x.htm|archive-date=August 3, 2018|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=USA Today}} However, Horta did not write Justin with the intention of creating television's first gay child character, but simply as "a humorous foil for Betty", serving as a young advisor for the main character. Justin was partially inspired by Horta's own life and upbringing,{{Cite web|last=Pierce|first=Robbie X|title=The Best LGBT Sitcom Characters of All Time|url=https://www.advocate.com/television/2016/8/31/best-lgbt-sitcom-characters#slide-8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519012334/https://www.advocate.com/television/2016/8/31/best-lgbt-sitcom-characters|archive-date=May 19, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Advocate|date=31 August 2016 }}{{Cite web|date=March 18, 2010|title=Ugly Betty's Justin's Gay Kiss|url=https://www.mambaonline.com/2010/03/18/ugly-bettys-justins-gay-kiss/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519112637/https://www.mambaonline.com/2010/03/18/ugly-bettys-justins-gay-kiss/|archive-date=May 19, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=MambaOnline}} therefore he was particularly fond of the character and approached his coming out arc delicately.{{Cite news|last=Butler|first=Bethonie|date=January 8, 2020|title=The late creator Silvio Horta saw himself in 'Ugly Betty,' and as a result, we saw ourselves|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/01/08/late-creator-silvio-horta-saw-himself-ugly-betty-result-we-saw-ourselves/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111004621/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/01/08/late-creator-silvio-horta-saw-himself-ugly-betty-result-we-saw-ourselves/|archive-date=January 11, 2020|access-date=May 16, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post}} Specifically, Justin and Hilda's relationship is based on Horta's experience growing up with a single mother.{{Cite web|last=Betancourt|first=Manuel|date=June 20, 2016|title=The Cast of 'Ugly Betty' Got Back Together at an Austin TV Fest and Now We Have #HuluBringBackBetty|url=https://remezcla.com/features/film/ugly-betty-cast-reunion-atx-austin/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518045612/https://remezcla.com/features/film/ugly-betty-cast-reunion-atx-austin/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Remezcla}} Having come out to his own Cuban-American family at age 19, Horta saw some of himself in Justin,{{Cite web|last=Butcher|first=Sophie|date=June 15, 2020|title=100 Great LGBTQ+ Characters and Couples|url=https://flipscreened.com/2020/06/15/100-great-lgbtq-characters-and-couples/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301035549/https://flipscreened.com/2020/06/15/100-great-lgbtq-characters-and-couples/|archive-date=March 1, 2021|access-date=May 20, 2021|website=Flip Screen}} elaborating, "Growing up, I certainly felt like an outsider at times. But there's this sweet innocence in Justin that sees the positive." Similar to Justin, Horta also preferred the arts over sports, particularly excelling in writing.{{Cite web |last=Jensen |first=Michael |date=September 30, 2008 |title=Interview with "Ugly Betty'"s Silvio Horta |url=http://www.newnownext.com/interview-with-ugly-bettys-silvio-horta/09/2008/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516222838/http://www.newnownext.com/interview-with-ugly-bettys-silvio-horta/09/2008/ |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2021 |website=NewNowNext.com}}
{{rquote|left|'Ugly Betty' has definitely helped me cope with issues I would have never been able to cope with if I wasn't a part of a show that has such unique characters ... that's why people can relate to Justin -- because he's like that too. They can see that he does feel different and he gets made fun of for the clothes he wears. To see him finally accept and be happy with who he is and who he has become is a great message for any teen to learn from a character, and that's just something that is crazy and great for me."|Actor Michael Indelicato, on his character Justin's impact on both himself and viewers. }}
Justin is portrayed by American actor Mark Indelicato,{{Cite web|date=January 27, 2010|title=ABC Cancels Ugly Betty|url=https://people.com/tv/abc-cancels-ugly-betty/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520021118/https://people.com/tv/abc-cancels-ugly-betty/|archive-date=May 20, 2021|access-date=May 19, 2021|website=People}} who was 11 years old when he was cast in the role.{{Cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Sandra|date=June 12, 2016|title=5 things we learned at the 'Ugly Betty' cast reunion|url=https://mashable.com/2016/06/12/ugly-betty-reunion-atx-fest/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142026/https://mashable.com/2016/06/12/ugly-betty-reunion-atx-fest/|archive-date=November 8, 2020|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=Mashable}} Passionate about performing from a young age, the actor answered a casting call for the character who was described as "not a buff typical Latino boy", while performing in his school's production of the musical Forty-five Minutes from Broadway.{{Cite web|last=Keck|first=William|date=March 4, 2007|title=Actor Mark Indelicato gives bite to 'Betty'|url=https://tulsaworld.com/archive/actor-mark-indelicato-gives-bite-to-betty/article_0909875f-0373-5693-bdb7-871ebefbf9de.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516001410/https://tulsaworld.com/archive/actor-mark-indelicato-gives-bite-to-betty/article_0909875f-0373-5693-bdb7-871ebefbf9de.html|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=Tulsa World}} Apart from commercials and theatre, Indelicato had only had two guest television roles before being cast in Ugly Betty,{{Cite web|title=Mark Indelicato|url=https://www.metacritic.com/person/mark-indelicato|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206074438/https://www.metacritic.com/person/mark-indelicato|archive-date=December 6, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2021|website=Metacritic}} which would become his breakthrough performance.{{Cite web|last=Elkin|first=Michael|date=June 21, 2016|title=Langhorne's Indelicato goes From 'Ugly Betty' to summer horror series|url=https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/article/20160621/NEWS/306219878|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521175253/https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/article/20160621/NEWS/306219878|archive-date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 20, 2021|website=Bucks County Courier Times}} Describing Justin as a great character, Indelicato was drawn to the role due to its inspirational arc. Horta recalled that Indelicato nailed his audition, crediting the actor with making Justin "a real character and a real performance" while identifying him as one of the show's best early surprises. Indelicato believes the writers initially did not quite know what to do with Justin's character, since he was originally envisioned as little more than the show's "funny, flamboyant, kind of questionable kid",{{Cite magazine|last=D'Arminio|first=Aubry|date=June 12, 2015|title=Gay Teens on TV: A Timeline|url=https://ew.com/gallery/gay-teens-tv-timeline/?slide=340259#340259|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517010441/https://ew.com/gallery/gay-teens-tv-timeline/?slide=340259|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} created mainly "to counter Betty in a humorous and touching way". In fact, Indelicato was surprised when actress America Ferrera, who portrays Betty, suggested that Justin might be gay by saying he reminds her of her own gay nephew.
Agreeing that the pre-adolescent character was too young to sexualize, Horta decided Justin's sexual orientation should not factor into the series until much later, believing this would in turn support the show's message that a character’s sexuality is inconsequential. Ugly Betty
Indelicato avoided reading Ugly Betty forums online, in which fans often wrote unkind comments about his character. Indelicato was exploring his own sexual orientation during Justin's coming out arc prior to coming out himself,{{Cite web|title='Ugly Betty' stars: Where are they now?|url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/entertainment/tv/ugly-betty-stars-where-are-they-now/ss-BBwLABE#image=9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517033704/https://www.msn.com/en-au/entertainment/tv/ugly-betty-stars-where-are-they-now/ss-BBwLABE|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=MSN}} personally identifying with the storyline. Despite crediting the series with helping him cope with his own coming out, Indelicato claims he did not commit to the storyline for himself, but rather "for everyone out there that doesn't have a person to talk to ... [we] went into [filming] saying this is history". Whereas Horta was concerned about pushing Indelicato's acting "too far" because he and his character were going through similar experiences simultaneously, Indelicato's female co-stars went to great lengths to ensure the actor felt comfortable on set, which Ferrera likened to Justin's family hosting a surprise coming out party for him. The actor was nervous to film his character's first kiss because he was unsure if it would be well-received upon airing. Despite concerns that the show would treat Justin's coming out as a "dramatic breakdown crying moment", Indelicato ultimately praised the writers for approaching Justin's self-discovery in a graceful, unclichéd manner, hoping the scene would encourage closeted youth to be themselves among their family and friends. In a 2016 interview, Indelicato revealed that he had not yet realized "the impact that the story would have on other young people or on people who wished that they had a character like that on when they were going through that process." Ferrera complimented the maturity with which Indelicato approached Justin's material and surrounding press as a young actor. In 2021, the actor said he did not realize how important his portrayal and character became until he was 25, and is grateful to have been a part of changing the perception of queer people on television "over the last 15 years".{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Christina Dugan |date=December 17, 2021 |title=Mark Indelicato Didn't Know What Playing a Gay Character on 'Ugly Betty ' 'Would Mean to So Many' |url=https://people.com/tv/mark-indelicato-didnt-know-what-playing-a-gay-character-on-ugly-betty-would-mean-to-so-many-people/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824075850/https://people.com/tv/mark-indelicato-didnt-know-what-playing-a-gay-character-on-ugly-betty-would-mean-to-so-many-people/ |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=People}}
= Characterization and themes =
Indelicato considers Justin to be a dynamic character who is "far more than just his sexual orientation."{{Cite web|last=Turnbull|first=Michael|title=Mark Indelicato|url=https://www.loverboymagazine.com/mark-indelicato/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519013131/https://www.loverboymagazine.com/mark-indelicato/|archive-date=May 19, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Loverboy Magazine}} Justin is passionate about Broadway musicals and fashion. A devoted fan of MODE, he idolizes creative director Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams). The character's interest in fashion serves as a foil to his aunt Betty who, despite working for a fashion magazine, is initially clueless about fashion.{{Cite web|last=Betancourt|first=Manuel|date=October 9, 2020|title=12 Latinx LGBTQ TV Characters Who Made Us Feel Seen|url=https://www.etonline.com/12-latinx-lgbtq-tv-characters-who-made-us-feel-seen-154398|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516214348/https://www.etonline.com/12-latinx-lgbtq-tv-characters-who-made-us-feel-seen-154398|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=Entertainment Tonight}} Despite exhibiting stereotypical personality traits commonly associated with gay men, such as a strong interest in fashion and Broadway,{{Cite web|last=John|date=October 11, 2014|title=Hollywood's Best Coming Out Scenes|url=http://www.newnownext.com/hollywoods-best-coming-out-scenes/10/2014/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521063850/http://www.newnownext.com/hollywoods-best-coming-out-scenes/10/2014/|archive-date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 21, 2021|website=NewNowNext.com}} as well as sometimes worrying about gaining weight, the word "gay" is rarely used to describe him until later into the final season.{{Cite web|last=Lawson|first=Richard|date=April 7, 2010|title=TV's Gay Teens Are Having a Moment|url=https://gawker.com/5511806/tvs-gay-teens-are-having-a-moment|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517041539/https://gawker.com/5511806/tvs-gay-teens-are-having-a-moment|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 17, 2021|website=Gawker}} The closest the Suarez family comes to labeling Justin's sexuality is referring to him as "mighty festive". The character struggles with uncertainty and denial before embracing his sexuality,{{Cite web|last=Malone Méndez|first=Chris|date=December 19, 2019|title=The Best Queer Love Scenes of the Decade Show LGBTQ+ People at Their Most Tender Moments|url=https://www.popsugar.co.uk/entertainment/best-queer-love-scenes-in-tv-movies-decade-47037181?stream_view=1#photo-47037172|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517010441/https://www.popsugar.co.uk/entertainment/best-queer-love-scenes-in-tv-movies-decade-47037181?stream_view=1|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=PopSugar}} exploring the challenges of "Being that overtly camp kid at school". Another early hint occurs when Marc tells Betty "I’m sure your nephew is tired of being in the closet", after Justin spends much of the afternoon working in MODE
Due to Justin's young age, the show avoids sexualizing the character despite his unapologetic flamboyance.{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=June|date=May 9, 2016|title=Inside The Gay Teen TV Revolution|url=https://www.advocate.com/current-issue/2016/5/09/inside-gay-teen-tv-revolution|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517064416/https://www.advocate.com/current-issue/2016/5/09/inside-gay-teen-tv-revolution|archive-date=May 17, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=The Advocate}} Commenting on the character's age, Slate
Describing the character as "precociously smart", Urie identified Justin's family as a "beautiful example of how people across this country could deal with a situation that's maybe outside their comfort zone." Calling Justin "an update to the gay Latino teen", Manuel Betancourt of Remezcla considers the character to be a successor to Rickie Vasquez from My So-Called Life, explaining, "where Vazquez struggled with family acceptance, Justin was born into, and eventually came out to, a happy, supportive family who loved him no matter what."{{Cite web|last=Betancourt|first=Manuel|date=June 14, 2016|title=20 LGBT Latino TV Characters To Celebrate This Pride Month|url=https://remezcla.com/lists/film/20-lgbt-latino-tv-characters/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208151301/https://remezcla.com/lists/film/20-lgbt-latino-tv-characters/|archive-date=February 8, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Remezcla}}
Critical response
Justin established himself as an early favorite among Ugly Betty fans.{{Cite web |last=Mills |first=Robin |date=October 25, 2017 |title=5 of the Most Memorable Coming Out Scenes on TV |url=https://attitude.co.uk/article/5-of-the-most-memorable-coming-out-scenes-on-tv-1/16159/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518042552/https://attitude.co.uk/article/5-of-the-most-memorable-coming-out-scenes-on-tv-1/16159/ |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Attitude |quote=A firm favourite with Ugly Betty viewers ...}} In 2006, The Austin Chronicle
In September 2007, Slate identified Justin as one of the characters the magazine looks forward to watching during the fall 2007 television season, calling his family's support a lovely but fantastical scenario. In a 2007 article, the Tulsa World
Justin's coming out storyline was widely praised by critics. Writing for the GLAAD website, Lauren Mattia said Justin "sheds a much needed light on the struggles that gay teens face as they try to come to terms with their newly discovered identity."{{Cite web|last=Mattia|first=Lauren|date=April 7, 2010|title=Will Tonight's Ugly Betty Bring the Big Justin Moment We've All Been Waiting For?|url=https://www.glaad.org/2010/04/07/will-tonights-ugly-betty-bring-the-big-justin-moment-weve-all-been-waiting-for|access-date=May 29, 2021|website=GLAAD}} Describing Justin's first kiss as well-handled, Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly commended producers "for putting something so brave and progressive on network television. I can’t think of another series that has tackled coming out with someone so young. It’s an important and delicate issue that should be addressed more often."{{Cite magazine|last=Stack|first=Tim|date=March 18, 2010|title='Ugly Betty': Justin kissed a boy last night...and we liked it!!!|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/03/18/justin-kiss-ugly-betty/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516173558/https://ew.com/article/2010/03/18/justin-kiss-ugly-betty/|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Describing the kiss as historic, Vulture's Caryn Ganz praised Indelicato's performance for perfectly capturing "the murkiness of the moment". Joking that Justin's sexuality was television's worst-kept secret for four years, Joe Reid of NPR commended Ugly Betty for "always handl[ing] the Justin story with great care".{{Cite web|last=Reid|first=Joe|date=April 7, 2020|title='Ugly Betty' Brings Justin Out|url=https://www.npr.org/2010/04/07/114605089/ugly-betty-brings-justin-out|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516174534/https://www.npr.org/2010/04/07/114605089/ugly-betty-brings-justin-out|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|website=NPR|quote=Ugly Betty has always handled the Justin story with great care and precision, rarely (if ever) saying the 'g' word.}} Commending Horta for realistically conveying "the gay teen story", Reid lamented that the show's impending cancellation would deprive audiences of one of television's "most forward-thinking depictions of gay characters". Alexander Stevenson of NewNowNext.com praised his coming out as a "poignant yet powerful gesture" in which "Justin became the man we all were hoping for." Queerty wrote that while some critics might dismiss Justin's acceptance by his family as fantastical, they congratulated the writers for depicting "a Mexican-American fey kid coming out to his mother in front of millions of viewers" in a non-chintzy manner. Richard Lawson of Gawker wrote that although Justin can sometimes resemble a stereotypically gay teenager, "it's a stereotype for a damn reason. People like Justin exist, and Ugly Betty wanted to do that kind of character, so god bless 'em." Lawson continued, "Justin's steps toward coming out have been both painful and silly, the way life usually is. He's a kid that everyone had figured out long ago, but the show correctly urges us to remember that Saying It (or in Justin's case, Dancing It) still matters, despite how 'obvious' it might be." According to Metacritic, "Indelicato instantly won the hearts of viewers and ... sparked an interesting public discussion about sexual orientation in adolescents."
While the show was airing from 2006 to 2010, it was still considered "taboo" to show a gay minor on television. Citing Justin as an example of gay teenagers dominating television by 2010, The Guardian's Morwenna Ferrier reported that Justin came out to millions of American viewers weeping, with gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell recognizing Justin's coming out as "a landmark moment" and "sign of the huge social progress we've made".{{Cite web|last=Ferrier|first=Morwenna|date=April 11, 2010|title=How gay teenagers took over TV|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/apr/11/gay-teenagers|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520030412/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/apr/11/gay-teenagers|archive-date=May 20, 2021|access-date=May 19, 2021|website=The Guardian}} Shortly after Justin's coming out episode, NewNowNext.com crowned Justin "Gay of the Week", narrowly beating Marc by earning two-thirds of the vote.{{Cite web|last=Stevenson|first=Alexander|date=April 13, 2010|title=Meet Your Gay of the Week: Justin Suarez|url=http://www.newnownext.com/meet-your-gay-of-the-week-justin-suarez/04/2010/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516110912/http://www.newnownext.com/meet-your-gay-of-the-week-justin-suarez/04/2010/|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=NewNowNext.com}} Writer Alexander Stevenson praised the show's writers and Indelicato "for bringing this endearing character’s coming out journey to a satisfying and truly hopeful conclusion." Entertainment Weekly television critic Tanner Stransky wrote "The fact that the show so smartly and subtly portrayed the coming out of 16-year-old Justin last week is reason enough to love this show and understand why it was so important for network television."{{Cite magazine|last=Stransky|first=Tanner|author-link=Tanner Stransky|date=August 3, 2020|title='Ugly Betty': Why it mattered|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/04/14/ugly-betty-why-it-mattered/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126161207/https://ew.com/article/2010/04/14/ugly-betty-why-it-mattered/|archive-date=January 26, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}{{Cite web|last=Stransky|first=Tanner|author-link=Tanner Stransky|date=April 14, 2010|title=Why 'Ugly Betty' mattered|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/why-ugly-betty-mattered-wbna36513493|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521043101/https://www.today.com/popculture/why-ugly-betty-mattered-wbna36513493|archive-date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 21, 2021|website=Today}} Reviewing "The Past Presents the Future", Stransky credits moments such as Justin's coming out with helping "Ugly Betty go down in television history."{{Cite magazine|last=Stransky|first=Tanner|author-link=Tanner Stransky|date=April 8, 2010|title='Ugly Betty' Bites: 18 juicy lines from 'The Past Presents the Future'!|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/04/08/ugly-betty-recap-wedding-justin/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516222832/https://ew.com/article/2010/04/08/ugly-betty-recap-wedding-justin/|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Autostraddle television critics named Justin one of their favorite "baby gays" of all-time, believing Ugly Betty approached his storylines better than some of its successors, calling it "near perfection" and deserving of more attention.{{Cite web|last1=Bernard|first1=Riese|last2=Phillips|first2=Carmen|last3=Kumari Upadhyaya|first3=Kayla|last4=Anne|first4=Valerie|last5=Gregory|first5=Drew|last6=Hogan|first6=Heather|date=July 26, 2018|title=TV Team Roundtable: Seeing Our Baby Gay Selves in Our Favorite Baby TV Gays|url=https://www.autostraddle.com/tv-team-roundtable-seeing-our-baby-gay-selves-in-our-favorite-baby-tv-gays-427201/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518054115/https://www.autostraddle.com/tv-team-roundtable-seeing-our-baby-gay-selves-in-our-favorite-baby-tv-gays-427201/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Autostraddle}} Screen Rant
Impact and legacy
Several media publications have recognized Justin as one of the greatest and most influential LGBT characters on television.Several prominent sources citing/ranking Justin among television's greatest LGBTQ characters:
- {{Cite web|last=Butcher|first=Sophie|date=June 15, 2020|title=100 Great LGBTQ+ Characters and Couples|url=https://flipscreened.com/2020/06/15/100-great-lgbtq-characters-and-couples/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301035549/https://flipscreened.com/2020/06/15/100-great-lgbtq-characters-and-couples/|archive-date=March 1, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=Flip Screen}}
- {{Cite web|last=Anest|first=Angelique|date=June 1, 2020|title=The Greatest LGBTQ TV Characters of All Time|url=https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/the-greatest-lgbt-tv-characters-of-all-time/67/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518025627/https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/the-greatest-lgbt-tv-characters-of-all-time/67/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=TV Guide}}
- {{Cite web|date=October 8, 2013|title=Staff Picks: Greatest Gay TV Characters|url=http://www.newnownext.com/staff-picks-greatest-gay-tv-characters/10/2013/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518032412/http://www.newnownext.com/staff-picks-greatest-gay-tv-characters/10/2013/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=NewNowNext.com}}
- {{Cite web|last=Henderson|first=Taylor|title=The 25 Most Important LGBTQ Characters on TV|url=https://www.pride.com/tv/2017/6/14/25-most-important-lgbtq-characters-tv|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518031242/https://www.pride.com/tv/2017/6/14/25-most-important-lgbtq-characters-tv|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=Pride|date=14 June 2017 }}
- {{Cite web|last=Brandt|first=Whitney|date=April 28, 2017|title=30 of Paste's Favorite Gay TV Characters Since Ellen|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/ellen/pastes-30-favorite-gay-tv-characters-since-ellen/?p=2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518031234/https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/ellen/pastes-30-favorite-gay-tv-characters-since-ellen/?p=2|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=Paste}} NewNowNext.com's Alexander Stevenson wrote that Justin provided "mainstream audiences" with "an effeminate and nontraditional teen who is proud and confident and whose family loves him unconditionally, delivering a beautiful message of acceptance of gay or questioning youth."{{Cite web|last=Stevenson|first=Alexander|date=December 11, 2007|title=Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Betty|url=http://articles.newnownext-q.mtvi.com/the-year-in-gay-television-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-betty/12/2007/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518055152/http://articles.newnownext-q.mtvi.com/the-year-in-gay-television-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-betty/12/2007/|archive-date=May 18, 2021|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=NewNowNext.com}} Entertainment Tonight
's Manuel Betancourt believes the character has had a positive impact on an entire generation of LGBT teenagers who "found strength in Justin’s self-assurance". Identifying Justin as one of "12 Latinx LGBTQ TV Characters Who Made Us Feel Seen", Betancourt called the character "a welcome vision of what a supportive family can look like", highlighting Justin's supportive relationship with mother Hilda as "refreshing". Elle writer Gabe Bergado believes "If you were a gay kid in the closet during the ‘00s, the love Hilda had for her son gave you the much-needed hope that everything would be all right."{{Cite web|last=Bergado|first=Gabe|date=July 2, 2020|title=Love Victor's Ana Ortiz Is Everyone's Favorite TV Mom|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a33024152/ana-ortiz-love-victor-interview/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516005839/https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a33024152/ana-ortiz-love-victor-interview/|archive-date=May 16, 2021|access-date=June 2, 2021|website=Elle}} According to Betancourt, Justin's coming out "further solidified his iconic status." Decider.com ranked Justin the 18th "Most Important LGBTQ TV Character of All-Time".{{Cite web|last=Reid|first=Joe|date=June 7, 2017|title=The 50 Most Important LGBTQ TV Characters of All Time|url=https://decider.com/2017/06/07/deciders-50-most-important-lgbtq-tv-characters-of-all-time/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213163600/https://decider.com/2017/06/07/deciders-50-most-important-lgbtq-tv-characters-of-all-time/|archive-date=February 13, 2021|access-date=May 17, 2021|website=Decider}} STYLECASTER cited Justin among 20 millennium-defining LGBTQ characters, with Jason Pham writing that Ugly Betty deserves as much praise for Justin's characterization as the show's positive depiction of a Latino family. Gay Times named Justin one of television's 30 most iconic queer characters, with author Sam Damshenas describing him as "incredibly influential".{{Cite web|last=Damshenas|first=Sam|title=The 30 most iconic queer characters in television history|url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/a-definitive-list-of-the-30-most-iconic-queer-characters-in-tv-history/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430170651/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/a-definitive-list-of-the-30-most-iconic-queer-characters-in-tv-history/|archive-date=April 30, 2021|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=Gay Times|date=17 June 2019 }} Parade 's Mary Margaret recognized Justin as one of television's most groundbreaking gay characters, commending the show for approaching his developing adolescent sexuality "humorously and tenderly."{{Cite web|last=Margaret|first=Mary|date=July 6, 2012|title=TV's Groundbreaking Gay Characters|url=https://parade.com/131217/marymargaret/gay-characters-on-tv/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127024811/https://parade.com/131217/marymargaret/gay-characters-on-tv/|archive-date=November 27, 2020|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=Parade}}
In 2013, NewNowNext.com ranked Justin television's 28th greatest gay character, one of only seven men of color on the list. Identifying the character as a precursor to Glee
Some fans have called Indelicato a gay icon since the show's conclusion. Dr. Phil's website states that the actor's role "became an iconic character for a lot of gay, lesbian, transgender teens." Indelicato received fan mail from young fans thanking him for his portrayal, claiming they had "never seen themselves represented on television before." In 2007, Indelicato recalled that his fan mail primarily consists of "kids that don’t really fit in [because] people don’t really understand them", thanking him for "helping me to be understood by my peers,’ and anybody else who doesn’t understand them. That touches me. I’m glad that I’m reaching such a large amount of people.” The actor said he had not realized how groundbreaking his character was until after the show was canceled, explaining that he had just been having fun with the role prior. As of 2020, actress Ana Ortiz, who plays Justin's mother Hilda on the series, portrays the mother of the titular character in the teen drama series Love, Victor, another Latinx teenager learning about his sexuality.
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Ugly Betty}}
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Category:Child characters in television
Category:Fictional characters from Queens, New York
Category:Fictional Hispanic and Latino American people
Category:Fictional LGBTQ characters in drama television series
Category:Teenage characters in television
Category:Television characters introduced in 2006
Category:Ugly Betty characters