Should gay characters only be played by gay actors?

[Tom4784]

It's something I've noticed lately, backlashes against straight actors playing gay roles, it started with Nick Robinson in 'Love, Simon' and now it's come into play of sorts with Ruby Rose (who is, as far as I know, bisexual) who has recently been cast as Batwoman (who is a lesbian).

Personally I think it's ridiculous to limit actors in that way plus there's a level of hypocrisy there given that there would be a backlash if the situation was reversed as there's plenty said about gay actors being typecast for gay roles. I think the only time such limitations are right are in the cases of race, whitewashing should be a thing of the past. Even with transgender roles there should be some leeway if the character hasn't transitioned themselves, I think.

I think backlashes like the ones listed above hurt the cause more than it could ever help, it looks as thought the LGBT is cannibalising itselff and it gives ammunition to those that would hinder progress. Regardless of sexuality, everyone understands love and relationships and although a straight person can't truly understand what it's like to be part of the LGBT I think they can gleam a decent enough base understanding to portray a gay character. Plenty of straight actors have done it well already.

[Lostie!]

No, I actually think expecting actors to only play roles that correspond with their real life sexual orientation is absurd. People are so eager to be morally outraged.

[Marsh.]

No. I don't think there should be a limit. I draw the line at Caucasian actors putting on makeup to play Asian or black people obviously. But outside of ridiculous instances like that.

I can kind of understand the backlash against cis people playing transgender simply because transgender actors have so much fewer opportunities, so they should be afforded some of the much fewer available roles they have for them instead of having those taken too.

[Matthew.]

no what a load of rubbish, like lostie said, it’s as if people enjoy being offended nowadays

[armand.kay]

I don't have a problem with it because just as easily as a straight actor can play a gay character a gay character can also play a straight character. Unlike with whitewashing where there are already limited roles available for non white actors and making turning non white characters white is just a slap in the face.

[Marsh.]

They won't have an uproar over gay actors playing straight characters otherwise there'd be about 5 actors left. ;)

[Twosugars]

They won't have an uproar over gay actors playing straight characters otherwise there'd be about 5 actors left. ;)

:laugh: true

[JoshBB]

I don't mind it personally. I mean, casting minorities in general is a good thing and something that needs to be worked on for equality reasons. Also, though, part of being a good actor is being able to portray different roles and that could include a sexuality. I remember people were offended when Eddie Redmayne played the transwoman in The Danish Girl & i genuinely see it as a non-issue.

[Oliver_W]

Ridiculous. If people could only play their own sexuality, the world of theatre would disappear for one thing!

[Tom4784]

No. I don't think there should be a limit. I draw the line at Caucasian actors putting on makeup to play Asian or black people obviously. But outside of ridiculous instances like that.

I can kind of understand the backlash against cis people playing transgender simply because transgender actors have so much fewer opportunities, so they should be afforded some of the much fewer available roles they have for them instead of having those taken too.

I think though, at the same time, there's a lot of people speaking out that trans people get typecast in trans role and should be considered more often for cis roles but you can't have it both ways I don't think. In the case of Scarlet Johansen for example, the trans character she was originally going to play never actually transitioned so I personally don't see a problem with a cis female actress to play that role (someone like the actress who plays Boo in OITNB would fit perfectly) because for me, expecting a trans man to play a female character would be like expecting a cisgender male to pass for female, I just don't think it really works.

I think there's leeway when it comes to certain trans characters and not for others basically.

[Tom4784]

No, I actually think expecting actors to only play roles that correspond with their real life sexual orientation is absurd. People are so eager to be morally outraged.

Yup, I honestly think the extreme sides of it will end up putting us all back years. It's kind of worrying how it seems that we're heading towards 'positive segregation' in some ways.

[Alf]

I think it should be up to the casting director who they cast, and everybody else should mind their own business.

[pontyboi]

If this was the case we never would have had Brokeback Mountain.

Case closed.

[Greg!]

Of course not. Straight people shouldn't only be portrayed by straights as well

[Denver]

I think its more of a problem that people expect the people who play gay characters to be gay

[Ant.]

if we had this silly rule the possibility of david tennant and ryan reynolds making out in gay rom com is impossible and we all don't want that to be impossible

[Marsh.]

I think though, at the same time, there's a lot of people speaking out that trans people get typecast in trans role and should be considered more often for cis roles but you can't have it both ways I don't think. In the case of Scarlet Johansen for example, the trans character she was originally going to play never actually transitioned so I personally don't see a problem with a cis female actress to play that role (someone like the actress who plays Boo in OITNB would fit perfectly) because for me, expecting a trans man to play a female character would be like expecting a cisgender male to pass for female, I just don't think it really works.

I think there's leeway when it comes to certain trans characters and not for others basically.

Oh definitely. I just think until such a time that trans actors being cast as cis (obviously if it works, as you say it won't all the time but then all actors have parts they don't work well in) is more common, giving them more opportunities, I can understand having the small amount of roles they are suited to taken away can be a bit frustrating on their part.

But the actors taking those roles, like Scarlett Johansen, don't deserve anywhere near the sh*t they get for it.

I don't think it's actually offensive for a cis actor to play transgender or straight to play gay, but maybe unfair in trans case to take those limited roles.

[user104658]

I think gay actors should only play straight characters and straight actors should only play gay characters.

Just to keep everyone on their toes.

[Epic.]

Anyone who has watched Modern Family would know that Cameron is one of the funniest characters on the show, and the main reason is how well the actor does the role despite Cameron being gay and the actor being straight, and I'm sure there's plenty of other examples

[Eddie.]

As Long as they feel comfortable doing it...

[jaxie]

It's something I've noticed lately, backlashes against straight actors playing gay roles, it started with Nick Robinson in 'Love, Simon' and now it's come into play of sorts with Ruby Rose (who is, as far as I know, bisexual) who has recently been cast as Batwoman (who is a lesbian).

Personally I think it's ridiculous to limit actors in that way plus there's a level of hypocrisy there given that there would be a backlash if the situation was reversed as there's plenty said about gay actors being typecast for gay roles. I think the only time such limitations are right are in the cases of race, whitewashing should be a thing of the past. Even with transgender roles there should be some leeway if the character hasn't transitioned themselves, I think.

I think backlashes like the ones listed above hurt the cause more than it could ever help, it looks as thought the LGBT is cannibalising itselff and it gives ammunition to those that would hinder progress. Regardless of sexuality, everyone understands love and relationships and although a straight person can't truly understand what it's like to be part of the LGBT I think they can gleam a decent enough base understanding to portray a gay character. Plenty of straight actors have done it well already.

I agree it is ridiculous to demand that actors only play roles to type. The whole idea of acting is being able to play a variety of characters who are not necessarily like you. Being type cast was always considered something to be avoided by actors in the past. These demands are an unpleasant form of bullying which needs to stop before more actors are forced out of roles that don't conform to type.

[Headie]

I don't have a problem with it because just as easily as a straight actor can play a gay character a gay character can also play a straight character. Unlike with whitewashing where there are already limited roles available for non white actors and making turning non white characters white is just a slap in the face.

This ^

[Maru]

No, identity politics is bad for our society and should've been left behind in the 90's/00's as it was not well thought out. If we allowed that type of logic to go much further, then do expect that people who are gay/etc will be told they cannot play straight roles... because that's exactly the way the game is meant to be played if it is all really meant to be "fair". Which is why I think it is flawed. Its only outcome is expanding the cultural gap... not healing its cracks. I think the core of the LGBT have sadly been duped by politicians and misled with false promises, and unfortunately those folk have managed to hijack an otherwise pretty decent movement...

[y.winter]

No, because it's called ACTING.
If the portrayal is true to story, I see nothing problematic about it.

[kirklancaster]

It's something I've noticed lately, backlashes against straight actors playing gay roles, it started with Nick Robinson in 'Love, Simon' and now it's come into play of sorts with Ruby Rose (who is, as far as I know, bisexual) who has recently been cast as Batwoman (who is a lesbian).

Personally I think it's ridiculous to limit actors in that way plus there's a level of hypocrisy there given that there would be a backlash if the situation was reversed as there's plenty said about gay actors being typecast for gay roles. I think the only time such limitations are right are in the cases of race, whitewashing should be a thing of the past. Even with transgender roles there should be some leeway if the character hasn't transitioned themselves, I think.

I think backlashes like the ones listed above hurt the cause more than it could ever help, it looks as thought the LGBT is cannibalising itselff and it gives ammunition to those that would hinder progress. Regardless of sexuality, everyone understands love and relationships and although a straight person can't truly understand what it's like to be part of the LGBT I think they can gleam a decent enough base understanding to portray a gay character. Plenty of straight actors have done it well already.

:clap1::clap1::clap1: A GREAT post FULL of valid points, and the emboldened echoes what I have been saying for a long time.

[thesheriff443]

Where does it leave the bi sexual actors, stuck in the middle.

[thesheriff443]

More LGBT directors producers are needed to make films using pre mentioned actors actresses.

For me it's the best actor actress that makes the part they are playing believable.

[Parmy]

More LGBT directors producers are needed to make films using pre mentioned actors actresses.

For me it's the best actor actress that makes the part they are playing believable.

Dont we have to call them all actors now?

Not really sure what your sexuality has to do with your job myself...but hey ho.:shrug:

[Nicky91]

answer for me to the thread's question would be NO, and i agree with Parmy, also not really sure what your sexuality has anything to do with this


i think we've seen it now quite a few times that straight actors/actresses can easily play gay characters in movies/series


Nick Robinson in Love, Simon is a good example i guess

[Parmy]

Even ben stokes can pull it off.

[ethanjames]

no i think when it comes to actors playing gay characters as long as they do a good job and fully understand what the character is going through then yes its fine. if its white washing though thats different

[Twosugars]

so everybody agrees actor's sexuality is irrelevant to the role

[Northern Monkey]

I’d agree that it should be up to the casting directors.

I’d think a gay person would probably play the role more convincingly though.

[GoldHeart]

I notice people assume or question someone's sexuality when they play a LGBT person, but when a gay actor plays a straight character they're not always questioned .

I don't think it matters, obviously some might get type cast . people like Anthony Cotton who's flamboyant . And I know other people mostly get picked for certain roles based on their real life background .

[Parmy]

I’d agree that it should be up to the casting directors.

I’d think a gay person would probably play the role more convincingly though.

Nah, they would be far to self absorbed and too much of themselves would come out.

[GoldHeart]

I’d agree that it should be up to the casting directors.

I’d think a gay person would probably play the role more convincingly though.

That's why some get type casted , but look at Will & Grace . Eric McCormack was so convincing that people probably thought he was gay in real life. If anything it shows he's a good actor :shrug:.

[Oliver_W]

Somewhat timely thread, as apparently people are chimping out over Jack Whitehall being cast as a gay character (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/anger-as-straight-man-jack-whitehall-gets-homosexual-role-t5xc655kj?CMP=Sprkr-_-Editorial-_-thetimes-_-Unspecified-_-TWITTER).

[Niamh.]

No of course not, who you like to sleep with in real life should have no bearing on an acting job

[arista]

Somewhat timely thread, as apparently people are chimping out over Jack Whitehall being cast as a gay character (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/anger-as-straight-man-jack-whitehall-gets-homosexual-role-t5xc655kj?CMP=Sprkr-_-Editorial-_-thetimes-_-Unspecified-_-TWITTER).


Yes Good on Jack Whitehall
staying in work...............

[Crimson Dynamo]

i doubt there are enough gay actors to fill all the roles so I expect it is out of necessity at times

[Mystic Mock]

No, I actually think expecting actors to only play roles that correspond with their real life sexual orientation is absurd. People are so eager to be morally outraged.

This.

[MB.]

In most cases, no, but to have the first major gay character in a Disney film be played by a straight comedian (in a role that sounds like nothing more than a parody of gay stereotypes) is ridiculous

So really I think it's a matter of how the gay character is being portrayed: if it's a drama or a film in which the character is taken seriously, or at least approached with some degree of complexity (Moonlight, Carol, Brokeback Mountain, Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild! etc) then it doesn't matter who plays them as long as they act the role well. If it's a film in which the character exists only to take the piss out of gay people (like this Jack Whitehall film), leave it to the queers. We know how to make fun ourselves, we don't need the heteros to do our job for us.

[Glenn.]

I thought Jack Whitehall was a gay

[Tom4784]

Somewhat timely thread, as apparently people are chimping out over Jack Whitehall being cast as a gay character (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/anger-as-straight-man-jack-whitehall-gets-homosexual-role-t5xc655kj?CMP=Sprkr-_-Editorial-_-thetimes-_-Unspecified-_-TWITTER).

I'd be more offended over the fact that the role sounds like it's painfully stereotypical and that they hired someone talentless to play it.

It's just outrage for the sake of outrage and saying that someone can't play a role unless they identify with a specific element of that role is just limiting the art form.

[Mokka]

I thought Jack Whitehall was a gay

At the very least bi

[Livia]

If only heterosexuals played heterosexual parts there would be an outcry. Sounds to me like the LGBT community is trying to single themselves out, when what's needed is inclusion.