Original: Xena and Gabrielle 's relationship ( see Influence on the lesbian community ) has been cited as one of the reasons for the series ' enduring popularity , along with the ambiguity of that relationship while the series was running .
Simplified: Xena and Gabrielle 's relationship has been cited as one of the reasons why the series has been so popular , coupled with the denials of her character 's lesbianism from Lawless while the series was running .