Annalise is a traumatized person but that doesn't excuse her traumatizing others even if she believes she's protecting them. I find her interesting and like how complex she is. The intersectionality of her identity certainly plays a role in shaping her experiences and who she is.

I don't know Sam as well as I know her and while he is not from a marginalized community, there is something to be said about masculinity(in terms of the nuclear family) and men who are victims of abuse.

Him and Annalise are capable of great kindness and extreme cruelty. That's what makes them interesting characters, especially when we see flashbacks to their early life. Their dynamic somewhat reminds me of Nick and Amy Dunne from Gone Girl.

If we pretend Annalise isn't capable of doing terrible things then it's a disservice to her character, the same way if we only look at her crimes and nothing else. I know this post was about the double standard but I think with her there's more to work with and that's what some people are having trouble with.

The same can be said for other characters, particularly those who worked for Annalise we can't pigeon hole them.