“Should Straight Actors Play LGBTQ+ Roles?” Ask Me Anything
In my last “Ask Me Anything” column, I answer a question about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media. Almost immediately the same follow-up question came in from a lot people. So, in something of a “Part 2”, today’s column will answer this contentious question:
“Should straight and/or cisgender actors play LGBTQ+ roles?”
I have read a lot of responses to this question from people across the spectrum. All too often the response is some version of this:
“It’s called acting! We’re pretending professionally. Of course, cishet people are capable of playing LGBTQ roles.”
The problem with this response is that it presumes the problem being addressed is primarily one of capability (which we’ll address a little later) when in truth, it is more about representation. Even when actors in the industry make this point, the headlines and emphasis shift. For example, in recent comments, actor Andrew Garfield weighed in on the question, saying:
“I think it’s two different conversations getting conflated. One is about equality of opportunity, and I’m completely in on…