Stephen Dobie (he/him), journalist
ueer actors ought to be on every shortlist when a queer role is being cast. Whether they should be the default choice is a tougher topic, as it makes it plausible to argue that straight actors should play straight roles. That approach would have denied some of our best LGBTQ+ performers those vital first steps on their career ladder. I think it’s more pressing that LGBTQ+ films, TV shows or plotlines include someone with appropriate — including queer heroes like Rosie Jones and Mawaan Rizwan — prove how much extra sparkle and (crucially) truth this can bring. And would the wholesome narrative of have been the same with a straight team projecting onto us how they think our dating lives look, rather than Billy Eichner orchestrating it all?
