4 hours ago
Katy O’Brian’s “Xena” Photos Reignite Lesbian Fandom Frenzy
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Photos from actress and bodybuilder Katy O’Brian’s iconic “Xena" photoshoot are circulating widely again, creating a stir across queer social media communities and subreddit threads. First shot in 2020, the images feature O’Brian—known for her roles in "Love Lies Bleeding" and "The Mandalorian"—in a leather bustier and Greco-Roman-inspired skirt, evoking the legendary strength and style of "Xena: Warrior Princess" .
The viral moment began anew after the photos reappeared on the r/actuallesbians subreddit, where users responded with exuberant appreciation. Comments ranged from playful admiration—“She could top me… I mean hug me”—to calls for Hollywood to greenlight a “gayer Xena remake” starring O’Brian herself. The images have been described as “so hot we’re all sweating,” reflecting the intensity of the fandom response .
O’Brian’s appeal to lesbian and queer women is multifaceted: her athletic build, queer identity, and the unapologetically powerful roles she plays have made her a standout in both mainstream and queer entertainment circles. Her ability to blend strength with vulnerability has particularly resonated with audiences seeking broader, more nuanced representation in media and pop culture .
Beyond the “Xena” shoot, O’Brian’s recent fashion spreads—such as her feature in Blanc Magazine—have showcased her versatility, merging traditionally masculine and feminine aesthetics. In the magazine, O’Brian reflected on her career trajectory, noting that she was often typecast in physical or “military-esque” roles due to her martial arts and law enforcement background. Despite this, she emphasized her range: “There are a lot of other sides to me,” O’Brian told *Blanc* .
Her upcoming projects—including starring roles in a "Mission: Impossible" installment, a "Running Man" remake, and the Christy Martin biopic—signal a continued rise in visibility for queer performers in major franchises and biographical dramas .
The renewed interest in O’Brian’s “warrior princess” imagery is more than just a viral moment; it’s a testament to the hunger for authentic, diverse representation among LGBTQ+ audiences. Social media platforms, particularly those frequented by sapphic and queer women, have played a central role in amplifying the impact of these photos, turning O’Brian into a contemporary queer icon .
The outpouring of excitement includes calls for new, explicitly queer narratives in mainstream media, with commentary highlighting the persistent lack of sapphic action heroes and the enduring affection for characters like Xena. Several users have suggested that O’Brian’s image and presence are “exactly what we need” in a media landscape still struggling to fully embrace LGBTQ+ leads in genre fiction .
The “warrior princess” archetype holds a special place in queer pop culture history. Series like *Xena: Warrior Princess* gained a devoted lesbian following in the 1990s and early 2000s, thanks in part to the subtextual romance between its leads and the rare depiction of powerful, independent women . O’Brian’s photoshoot revival taps directly into this legacy, blending nostalgia with a contemporary vision of queer empowerment.
