What is your perspective on the idea that "these characters are fictional, so we can distort them"?

It’s often just an excuse to create nonsensical pairings or even completely alter a character until they no longer resemble their original self. Take "shipping," for instance: forcing a pairing between characters who have absolutely no chemistry or realistic potential for a relationship. But it goes beyond that, it’s about twisting or distorting a character to make them appear queer or inclusive when they actually aren't.

I tried talking to a friend about it, but he just said, "Since they're fictional, who cares?". Fair enough. But I think there’s a lot more to discuss regarding this kind of thing than just dismissing it like that.

The icing on the cake is not just saying that, but actually insisting that a headcanon is canon. I haven't seen anyone act like that myself (though it’s likely out there, given the level of delusion some people have).