Before ‘AgathaRio’ and ‘CaitVi’ graced our screens, women-loving-women (WLW) shipping was driven by dedicated fans who could decipher subtle subtext and transform it into epic fan-fiction.
Recently, sapphics have been blessed with a renaissance, with artists like Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and Reneé Rapp representing, along with movies like Drive-Away Dolls, Bottoms, Chuck Chuck Baby, and Love Lies Bleeding, and TV shows such as I Kissed A Girl, Agatha All Along, and Arcane.
However, this hasn’t always been the norm, as queer fans have long suffered through queerbaiting and minimal representation, along with the unfortunate "bury your gays" trope.
It’s no wonder then that lesbians often ship non-canon couples. A look at the top WLW ships on Archive of Our Own shows many of these beloved pairs are not canon but powered by the desires of shippers.
In celebration of Galentine’s Day (February 13)—an unofficial holiday from Parks and Recreation celebrating female friendships ahead of Valentine’s—let’s revisit some fan-favorite sapphic ships that, despite their platonic portrayal, should have shared more than just friendship.
Rachel Berry and Quinn Fabray – Glee
In Glee, while ‘Brittana’—the relationship between Santana Lopez and Brittany Pierce—was the reigning WLW ship, ‘Faberry’ also gained a following. The dynamic of rivals turned lovers, and the tension in moments like Rachel telling Quinn she was "the prettiest girl" she ever met, sparked imaginations. Fans saw through the platonic veil, sensing something deeper.
Emma Swan and Regina Mills – Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time enchanted viewers with its fantasy and drama, but the chemistry between Emma Swan and Regina Mills captured the attention of shippers. Their interactions were electric, with fans longing for the pair to resolve their tension with a romantic twist. Other popular ships from the show, like ‘RedBeauty’ and ‘Sleeping Warrior’, also captivated audiences.
Becca Mitchell and Chloe Beale – Pitch Perfect
Pitch Perfect’s Becca and Chloe, affectionately dubbed ‘Bechloe’ by fans, were a ship that seemed destined for more. The spark between them was undeniable from the iconic shower scene onwards. Anna Kendrick, portraying Becca, even advocated for a romantic scene between the two, hinting at a possible future for the pair in upcoming installments.
Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor – Supergirl
Supergirl showcased the powerful bond between Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor, known as ‘Supercorp’. Their relationship sparked much speculation among fans who saw their devotion to each other as inherently romantic. Lena’s portrayal by Katie McGrath, known for her sapphic roles, only fueled the fan fervor.
Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair – Wednesday
Netflix’s Wednesday introduced viewers to Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair, whose contrasting personalities and deep friendship led to intense fan shipping under the ‘WenClair’ banner. Their dynamic recalled other beloved opposite-pairings and left audiences eager for more exploration of their bond in future seasons.
Shauna Shipman and Jackie Taylor – Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets’ intense narrative brought forth the ship of Shauna Shipman and Jackie Taylor. Their complex relationship, set against a backdrop of survival, resonated with fans, who saw their interactions as loaded with unspoken possibilities.
As we celebrate Galentine’s Day, we’re reminded of the power of shipping and subtext in media. These pairings, while not always canon, inspire creativity and connection within the LGBTQ+ community, keeping the spirit of sapphic storytelling alive.
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