While queer shipping culture (and shipping culture in general) has become a modern-day phenomenon, its beginnings were quite humble. As a practice, queer shipping is the desire for two same-sex characters to be romantically paired within a piece of media. 

Originating in the 1960s, queer shipping began with the release of the sci-fi show Star Trek, where fans began shipping Captain James T. Kirk and Mr Spock. Noticing the deep, platonic chemistry between the characters, fans began writing underground, self-published magazines (called zines) detailing a romantic and erotic relationship between the two. 

To indicate the same-sex pairing, fanfiction writers used a forward slash (ex. Kirk/Spock), thus coining the term ‘slash’. The first published slash story in the Star Trek fandom was made available in September 1974 and was called A Fragment Out of Time by Diana Marchant.      

The Kirk/Spock fanfiction written in these zines was considered taboo and was distributed via mail, at sci-fi conventions, or through private fan networks. Zines popularised the writing of fanfiction into what we see today. 

With the creation of the internet, queer shipping culture began to thrive. In the 1990s to 2010s, fans moved away from writing zines and onto platforms like FanFiction.net, LiveJournal, AO3, Wattpad, and more.

The term ‘shipping’ (derived from relationship) became the more commonly used term when writing and discussing a romance pairing. ‘Slash’ was still used for LGBTQ+ pairings, but definitely not as much.

With the creation of YouTube came fan-made content such as music videos, “their story” videos, and edits. Fans would take both canon (relationships and storylines that are confirmed) and non-canon LGBTQ+ storylines, turning them into ships. With the rise of sites like Tumblr and AO3, pairings like Sterek from Teen Wolf and Destiel from Supernatural rose to immense popularity. 

In the present day, queer shipping culture has exploded and taken on a new life, becoming a dominant force in fandoms.

Platforms like X, TikTok, Tumblr, and AO3 act as the primary hubs for fandoms of all varieties. Fans will regularly write fanfiction, make edits of their favourite ships, and even get into arguments with others about which pairing is best.   

‘Queerbaiting’ is another phenomenon that has come with the current stage of shipping culture. Major media studios and networks occasionally tease same-sex relationships without actually making them canon, leaving fans feeling frustrated, thus coining the term.

The practice has also moved away from just fictional characters, with fans shipping their favourite celebrities and internet personalities, with Larry Stylinson being one of the most notable examples. However, many public figures have come out and spoken about the negative side effects of shipping real people. 

With such a deep history, it’s no wonder that queer shipping culture has become what it is today.

Did you know that this Pride month, you can support GCN by donating €1 when you shop online with PayPal? Simply select GCN at the checkout or add us as your favourite charity* at this link to support Ireland’s free LGBTQ+ media.
*GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity – Charity Number: 20034580.