Madison Bailey, who plays Kiara in Outer Banks, has addressed the fact that the Netflix show has gone its entire five-season run without depicting a queer character, saying she hopes fans can find the representation through her. Outer Banks season five officially brings the teen adventure show to a close, wrapping up the story of the Pogues for good. For Kiara, it’s been quite the journey after the love of her life, JJ (Rudy Pankow), was killed by his father in the season four finale. But long before this moment, an ongoing conversation has been about the lack of LGBTQ+ representation. As one Redditor wrote last year, “How is it that Outer Banks, a show that revolves around friendship, rebellion, and breaking society’s rules, still somehow manages to leave LGBTQ+ representation in the dust? We’re four seasons deep, and yet not a single main character is openly queer? In 2025? Really?” The fifth and final season has now confirmed Outer Banks will end without ever depicting a queer character or relationship. And now Bailey, who came out as pansexual in 2020, has reflected on this. Madison Bailey gets candid about queer representation in Outer Banks Speaking to Out, the actress explained that she wished Kiara had come out at some point in Outer Banks. But by proudly embracing her queer identity in real life, she hopes fans can find that representation through her. “Every year I’m like ‘it could be down the road.’ It’s never too late. It’s literally never too late,” Bailey said. But she added, “With the lack of queer representation on the show, I’m really happy that people can still connect to it via me in real life and can connect through the actor and I can represent offscreen.” She explained that there are still “themes” within the Netflix show that are relatable to the LGBTQ+ fans, “especially with the found family, choosing your community, rebelling and picking your own friends.” “Your community has and will always have your back through every hardship that we face. Just remember that your community will always protect you and we will always ride for each other,” Bailey continued. The Kiara star also has a message for the haters who oppose queer representation: “Find some joy in your life. I can only assume it comes from a place of bitterness. “To see people loud and happy, and it doesn’t make you happy? It’s internal. I would say find anything that makes you happy. Find something, damn. Leave us alone.” Credit: Netflix Although Kiara might not have come out in Outer Banks, Bailey teased that she could be getting a queer role in the near future. “Can I tease that [a queer role] might be coming to life right now in real time? It’s on the way. I’ve been manifesting this. I’ve wanted to represent on screen for a long time, and I think I might have an opportunity to do so,” she said. “I don’t want it to be theatrics and sad. I don’t want a dark sad story. I want happy. I want joy. We need to put the community on screen.” For all the latest film and TV updates and hot takes, like our Facebook page. Featured image credit: Netflix Post navigation Next story
