http://janamelie.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] janamelie.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] reddwarfslash2014-10-07 09:52 pm

Head Canons And Lister's Sexuality

We all have them, but some are more deeply entrenched than others.  The recent plethora of BDSM fic (thank you, Kronette and Felineranger) made me realise that I have problems imagining Lister as a natural, dyed in the wool submissive, which *spoiler* is a major aspect of "Lessons In Heroics", even though it's an alternate version of him.

(Kronette, this is not a criticism of your fic in any way.  You can write whatever the hell you like and I'm finding the story riveting regardless.) :)

Those who are following this story will know that, on the list of disquieting aspects, an alternate version of Lister being an enthusiastic sub is so far down it shouldn't even register, but somehow it does for me.  I think it's because his usual character is so anti rules and regulations that it's hard to imagine BDSM being a fundamental part of his sexuality.  Which isn't to say I can't see him enjoying it (as in "FSOS") but enjoying and needing are different.

I apologise in advance if my ramblings offend anyone.  I don't mean to imply that there's anything wrong with being a natural sub or Dom, just that it's not how I interpret his character.  I can imagine either of Rimmer though.

Does anyone else have head canons which you thought were casual until you read a fic which contradicted them?

[identity profile] kahvi.livejournal.com 2014-10-07 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, that's just it - cared for. Of course he cared for her, but I have such a hard time seeing that affection as sexual or romantic. Even if I had seen the character as having any sort of attraction to women.

Not to go off on a tangent - though I suppose it's still perfectly on topic - LONG before I was into slash or even fic; when I first saw that episode as a child, and later as a young teen, the idea that Rimmer would somehow fall in love with Nirvanah that quickly never sat right with me. I distinctly remember being utterly annoyed by the implication. So I think it's clear that it can't be love, though I'm equally certain that someone like Rimmer, so canonically inexperienced and uncertain about his identity on so many levels, and so eager to be normal and conform, might see it that way.

Hee, I'll see what I come up with. :)