Should Straight Actors Still Play Gay Characters

Every single time I see a clip or a Tweet about that hideous quasi gay movie, Call Me By Your Name, I cringe at the scenes where straight Armie Hammer plays gay for pay and makes sexual advances toward a character who is a 17-year-old barely legal gay boy. For me it is total cringe. 

With that said, the debate about whether or not actors coming from places of straight white privilege should be playing gay roles continues. I know the argument is, “it’s all about acting.” I’ve heard it a million times before. However, just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should do it. Meryl Streep could most likely play Rosa Parks, but that doesn’t mean she should be doing that. It’s just wrong, morally and ethically, wrong. You don’t do this to marginalized groups of people any more. 

There’s no shortage of celebrities playing queer characters in television and film. But increasingly, LGBTQ actors are getting tapped to play these roles, and many of them feel only they have the authenticity and experience to bring these characters to life.

Here’s more. They get into a lot with this one, and they mention that new Netflix film, The Prom. I can’t comment on that because I will NOT even watch The Prom. I’m done. 

This discussion will continue, and it’s getting more attention now. I remember 10 years ago having it on a romance book blog and the women there jumped on my back for stating what I thought was wrong. If I ever find the link to that one I will post it here.

 

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