Tanner Zagarino’s Breakout Role in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Signals a New Era for Queer Representation

As “The Summer I Turned Pretty” enters its highly anticipated third season, audiences are noticing a new face among the beloved cast: Tanner Zagarino, who steps into the role of Redbird, a queer fraternity brother whose storyline is resonating with viewers and critics alike. The series, which has long been celebrated for its heartfelt depiction of young love and self-discovery, is now breaking even more ground by centering an LGBTQ+ character whose identity is woven seamlessly into the plot.

Redbird, portrayed by Zagarino, is introduced as a fellow student at Finch College and a fraternity brother to core character Jeremiah Fisher. Initially, Redbird appears to fit the “playboy, life-of-the-party” stereotype, but as his storyline unfolds, so does his queerness. In a poignant moment early in the season, Redbird comforts Jeremiah after a breakup, referencing his own experience with heartbreak—specifically mentioning another man, Sean. This narrative choice marks a significant shift for the series, which, until now, has focused primarily on cisgender, heterosexual relationships.

Before joining the cast of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Tanner Zagarino was already building a solid reputation in Hollywood with a variety of television and film roles. However, his portrayal of Redbird is widely seen as a breakout moment. Zagarino brings a nuanced, relatable energy to the role, making Redbird both charismatic and deeply human—a portrayal that avoids cliché and instead offers authentic representation.

Industry observers note that Zagarino’s casting and his performance could open doors for more queer characters in mainstream series, particularly those set in spaces—like college fraternities—not always associated with LGBTQ+ inclusion. The decision to depict Redbird’s queerness as just one facet of his personality, rather than his defining trait, sets a new standard for how LGBTQ+ characters can be written and performed.

The introduction of a queer frat bro on a major streaming show is generating important conversations about diversity and authenticity in entertainment. According to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, positive and multidimensional depictions of queer characters are crucial for combating stereotypes and fostering acceptance in broader society. “The Summer I Turned Pretty” now joins a small but growing list of series that are pushing past tokenism in favor of complex, fully realized LGBTQ+ storylines.

Fans have taken to social media to express their appreciation for Redbird’s character arc, with many noting how affirming it is to see a queer character thrive in traditionally heteronormative spaces like college fraternities. Zagarino’s own Instagram presence (@tannerzagarino) further amplifies his reach, as he regularly interacts with fans and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work.

As the series heads toward its finale on September 17, Zagarino’s Redbird is poised to leave a lasting impact—not just on the show’s narrative, but on the culture of LGBTQ+ storytelling in mainstream media. Insiders hint that Zagarino’s performance has already sparked interest from producers and creators eager to bring more diverse stories to the screen.

For many viewers—especially those in the LGBTQ+ community—Zagarino’s Redbird is more than just a character: he represents a step forward in the ongoing fight for visibility and equality. As entertainment continues to evolve, the hope is that more shows will follow this example, ensuring that queer narratives are not only told, but told with empathy and authenticity.