Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. This not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for young girls to have said example to follow. 

DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I suggest you peruse the contents below with caution. Also, mosey on over to Hulu and binge watch this supremely smort and noice series. You won’t regret it. Cool cool cool cool. No doubt, no doubt. 

Rosa Diaz

Fast Facts:

Pictured: Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz

Rosa Diaz (portrayed by Stephanie Beatriz) is a detective at Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct. Not much is known about her by way of personal facts, as she tends to remain a closed book even around her friends. Even her name is “possibly assumed.” However, we know she did attend the American Ballet Academy where she was a model student, but eventually expelled for “beating up ballerinas.” When she joined the police academy she met Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), and the two formed a close bond. She considers Jake one of her best friends. Rosa also attended medical school for three years and possesses a pilot license. The sequence of events of the aforementioned is unknown. While Rosa is tough as nails and aloof, it is revealed that she enjoys the films of Nancy Meyers and has a soft spot for classic movies. 

Now, in Season 5 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Rosa initially came out as bisexual to Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) in the 99th episode. Then, Rosa asked Jake to accompany her to game night and dinner with her parents. She utilized Jake for emotional support as she revealed her bisexuality to them. She inevitably came out to the rest of her team, and everyone accepted her with open arms. Rosa has had a mix of boyfriends and girlfriends on the series. 

The Real Deal:

Rosa is incredibly intelligent, possessing both “book smarts” and “street smarts.” Not to mention, she’s a trained ballerina and frequently does yoga to keep herself centered. Oh, and remember that pilot license and med school attendance? Rosa is a jack of all trades. She is a recipient of the US Flag Bar, N.Y.P.D. Exceptional Merit and N.Y.P.D. Firearms Proficiency Bar. In short, she’s a bona fide bad***. Rosa is a skilled fighter and excellent partner in the field. She knows the ins and outs of detective work and does it all with aplomb. Rosa is a truly Amazing Detective/Genius. 

Why She Matters:

Pictured: Stephanie Beatriz

Now, why does Rosa Diaz matter? Apart from being proficient at her job as a detective, Rosa is the very definition of strength, both mentally and physically. She is truly a testament of female strength and someone worth admiring. While she appears to hold most people at arm’s length, she undergoes her own personal journey throughout the course of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She does enjoy retaining that aura of mystery and compartmentalizing every aspect of her life. Rosa is very loyal to her friends, though. When she comes out as bisexual in Season 5 you see those dense layers beginning to peel away. She’s still tough, stoic, strong and utterly scary. But, there’s a newly discovered level of vulnerability to her. She’s proof that seemingly formidable female characters can still be vulnerable. We are humans, after all. 

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention her representation of the LBGTQIA+ community on network television. Seldom do you see a female bisexual character coming out on network TV while currently being in a relationship with a woman. Not to mention, the warm acceptance of her friends and coworkers was utterly poignant and just damn beautiful. Seeing a successful coming out story, especially one of bisexuality, on a network like FOX is a milestone. So many firsts! Rosa’s sexuality also doesn’t define her – she still maintains her personality after coming out, and no one treats her differently because she’s bisexual. Rosa is a perfect example of female empowerment and a powerful new addition to the LGBTQIA+ community. 

So, be like Rosa. Love who you love. Spread kindness, but take no s**t. Stand strong in the face of adversity. Never lose your sense of identity in this ever-changing world. Keep your friends close, and never be afraid to ask for support. You’re still strong on your own, regardless if you occasionally need assistance in shouldering your burdens. Oh, and don’t forget to be scary today in honor of Rosa Diaz. It is Halloween, after all. 

RELATED: Looking for another strong female crush? Check out our other Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week here!

RELATED: Top 10 Episodes of BROOKLYN NINE-NINE 

 

Melody McCune
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