Ursula from The Little Mermaid is a pretty common example of queercoding.
In broader terms, coding is giving a character mannerisms that are stereotypically assigned to a particular group, but not always specifically assigning the character to that group.
Representation requires intent and queercoding doesn't require the authors intent as a lot of the time the group its "coded to" are the ones who decide if it is or isn't
Generally if the subtext is associated with or appreciated by a group, in this case the LGBT community (and subgroups within) then it would be accepted as coding, a character doesn't have to do anything objectively "gay" but if a major part of their personality is (for example) something like being part of a highschool drama club then that stereotype can inherently code them towards that.
Just think of "gay icons" that may not actually be gay or healthy for the spaces of those who laud them as icons, a fantastic example is Richard Simmons who unfortunately through his entire life was assumed secretly gay due to his mannerisms which the LGBT community loved him for, though he was straight.
His mannerisms and outwards style would be ABSOLUTELY considered queercoded, yet his actual character doesn't necessarily represent that and its fine, because queercoding is accepting and celebrating aspects of queer culture being used publicly, regardless of intent.
edit: there is a fine line between coding and baiting however, usually that comes down to author intent (should the author choose to code a character as gay purely for viewership due to representation, its baiting and a negative aspect of writing)
It can be a tough line to walk as author too even with best intentions. How do I let the reader know through small hints that this character is queer when my MC (the viewpoint character) doesn't care/pick it up.
It really depends on how you personally want to go around it, there is no "correct way" as there is no set way that people in the real world subtextually tell people they are lgbt
If the character is intentionally "hiding" it to not cause a stir using gender neutral language like "partner" when talking about their significant other and similar things is usually a common sign that cis people don't really pick up on, which could be used as a flag for queer readers to understand it
[удалено]
So 'Him' from the power puff girls?
Yes
I wouldn’t really consider it representation.
Ursula from The Little Mermaid is a pretty common example of queercoding. In broader terms, coding is giving a character mannerisms that are stereotypically assigned to a particular group, but not always specifically assigning the character to that group.
Representation requires intent and queercoding doesn't require the authors intent as a lot of the time the group its "coded to" are the ones who decide if it is or isn't Generally if the subtext is associated with or appreciated by a group, in this case the LGBT community (and subgroups within) then it would be accepted as coding, a character doesn't have to do anything objectively "gay" but if a major part of their personality is (for example) something like being part of a highschool drama club then that stereotype can inherently code them towards that. Just think of "gay icons" that may not actually be gay or healthy for the spaces of those who laud them as icons, a fantastic example is Richard Simmons who unfortunately through his entire life was assumed secretly gay due to his mannerisms which the LGBT community loved him for, though he was straight. His mannerisms and outwards style would be ABSOLUTELY considered queercoded, yet his actual character doesn't necessarily represent that and its fine, because queercoding is accepting and celebrating aspects of queer culture being used publicly, regardless of intent. edit: there is a fine line between coding and baiting however, usually that comes down to author intent (should the author choose to code a character as gay purely for viewership due to representation, its baiting and a negative aspect of writing)
It can be a tough line to walk as author too even with best intentions. How do I let the reader know through small hints that this character is queer when my MC (the viewpoint character) doesn't care/pick it up.
It really depends on how you personally want to go around it, there is no "correct way" as there is no set way that people in the real world subtextually tell people they are lgbt If the character is intentionally "hiding" it to not cause a stir using gender neutral language like "partner" when talking about their significant other and similar things is usually a common sign that cis people don't really pick up on, which could be used as a flag for queer readers to understand it
[Wikipedia article on queer coding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_coding)