Actors Who Publicly Support “Only Queer Actors Play Queer” Rule

There’s a growing conversation in Hollywood about whether LGBTQ+ characters should be played by LGBTQ+ actors. Many performers are speaking out in favor of casting actors who share the same identities as the characters they portray, believing it’s important for fair representation and to address the historical lack of roles for LGBTQ+ actors. They argue that lived experience brings more authenticity and emotional depth to these stories. This push for more inclusive casting is part of a larger movement toward greater diversity in the entertainment industry.

Billy Porter

As a movie and TV fan, I really appreciate Billy Porter speaking up about representation. He makes a great point: if straight actors get to play anyone, queer actors should get the same chance, and vice versa. It’s frustrating that LGBTQ+ performers have been shut out for so long, and he’s right to say things need to change to level the playing field. Seeing his work on ‘Pose’ really showed me how powerful it is when actors actually understand the experiences of the characters they’re playing – it just feels more real and impactful.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw feels it’s important for queer actors to play queer characters more often. He believes this brings a genuine depth and understanding to the role that might be lost otherwise. While he respects actors of all backgrounds, he notes that straight actors are often chosen for these parts. He’s hopeful the industry will become fairer to LGBTQ+ performers. His work on ‘A Very English Scandal’ showed how valuable it is to include queer viewpoints, especially when telling stories about the past.

Darren Criss

Darren Criss recently announced he’ll no longer play LGBTQ+ characters. He wants to open up opportunities for queer actors to portray their own stories. This decision came after his role as Andrew Cunanan, and he recognizes that conversations about representation are evolving. He aims to be a supportive ally and continues to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community through his work and public voice.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne has said he now realizes it was a mistake for him to play Lili Elbe in ‘The Danish Girl’. He explained that a transgender actor should have taken on the role for more accurate and respectful representation. This comes after a long conversation about whether cisgender actors should portray transgender characters. Redmayne now supports casting actors who share the same identity as the characters they play, believing it’s an important step forward for storytelling.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller has decided to stop playing straight characters and will now focus on roles that allow him to portray LGBTQ+ individuals. He explained that he’s no longer passionate about straight roles and wants to use his career to tell genuine and meaningful stories. This decision has been widely praised by fans and colleagues. Miller feels that queer actors are essential for bringing authenticity to queer characters, something that can’t be achieved otherwise. While he’s known for his iconic role in ‘Prison Break,’ he’s now prioritizing accurate and respectful representation in his work.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman strongly believes that queer actors should play queer characters. He feels this will bring more truthfulness to roles and move the industry away from casting straight actors in those parts. His role in ‘The Eternals’ brought attention to the need for better LGBTQ+ representation in superhero movies. Sleiman argues that queer actors naturally bring a deeper understanding of queer experiences to their performances, and prioritizing accurate representation is central to his work.

Jonathan Bailey

I’ve always been so impressed with Jonathan Bailey, especially how outspoken he is about representation. He makes a really powerful point: seeing queer actors play queer characters isn’t just about ‘checking a box,’ it actually feels validating and authentic for the audience. He’s had a fantastic career playing all sorts of roles, and I admire that he uses his platform to push for more opportunities for other queer performers. His work in ‘Fellow Travelers’ was a perfect example – it was incredibly moving to see queer stories, historically, told by queer leads. He’s truly a champion for a more inclusive industry, and I really appreciate his dedication to making that happen.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells has spoken about why it’s important to cast LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles. He believes these actors bring a natural understanding and shared experience to the characters, which helps the community feel genuinely represented. His time working on ‘The Boys in the Band,’ with an all-queer cast, was particularly meaningful, and he urges producers to prioritize casting LGBTQ+ actors when telling LGBTQ+ stories.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey has talked about how casting has changed to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ actors and why seeing queer people play queer characters matters. He feels it leads to more believable and complex stories. Throughout his career, he’s intentionally chosen roles that let him delve into the realities of queer life. His work on the show ‘Looking’ was particularly important for queer representation on TV, starting important discussions about authenticity. He remains a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the entertainment industry.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli is a strong advocate for casting queer actors in queer roles, believing it’s crucial for progress and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. He frequently draws on his own experiences as an openly gay actor to encourage others. His work on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ has made him an important voice for LGBTQ+ representation on television, and he stresses that a queer actor’s personal understanding brings a unique authenticity to a character.

Colton Haynes

As a critic, I’ve been following Colton Haynes’s recent comments, and I really appreciate him speaking out about something so vital. He’s making a strong case for queer actors playing queer roles, and it makes total sense – Hollywood has a history of getting this wrong, and it’s time to fix that. He’s shared his own experiences navigating the industry, and how seeing some representation, even imperfect, impacted him. But he’s rightly pushing for more than just representation; he wants to see queer stories told by queer people, and that’s where the real authenticity lies. Honestly, his willingness to speak up is a great reminder of how important genuine storytelling is in everything we watch.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is a strong voice for more genuine representation in acting, arguing that queer actors uniquely enrich queer characters and connect with audiences. Having gained visibility from his role on ‘Modern Family,’ he uses his platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights and emphasize the importance of queer people telling their own stories. He continues to work towards greater equality within the entertainment industry.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver is a strong advocate for better LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. He feels it’s crucial to cast LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles to create genuine inclusivity. He’s openly discussed how being out impacts his career and the roles he takes. His work on shows like ‘Ratched’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’ demonstrates his commitment to telling authentic stories, and he continues to work towards lasting change in the industry for LGBTQ+ performers.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn supports the idea of casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles. He feels the entertainment industry should prioritize giving opportunities to groups that haven’t been well-represented. He believes using authentic casting makes stories more impactful and believable. Having played a significant role in ’13 Reasons Why,’ Flynn has become a leading voice for young LGBTQ+ people and envisions a future where queer performers are at the forefront of telling their own stories.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a passionate voice for better representation of LGBTQ+ and Latine people in the arts. He strongly believes that queer actors should play queer characters, seeing it as a matter of both respect and honesty. He’s earned praise for his roles in projects that explore LGBTQ+ stories and characters, notably his performance in ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’, which highlighted his talent and dedication to truthful representation. He remains a vocal advocate against the exclusion of LGBTQ+ performers in the entertainment industry.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie has spoken about the importance of LGBTQ+ actors playing LGBTQ+ characters in theater and film. He feels this creates a more welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for all performers, and he’s been a strong voice for bringing authentic LGBTQ+ stories to life on stage and screen. Known for his roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and numerous stage productions, Urie champions casting choices that prioritize an actor’s personal connection to the role and lived experience.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora advocates for casting queer actors in queer roles, believing it leads to more authentic and nuanced portrayals. He feels this is crucial for breaking down harmful stereotypes and offering a genuine look at LGBTQ+ lives. His work on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ was an important milestone for queer representation on TV, and he consistently calls for greater diversity and inclusion in Hollywood storytelling. He continues to be a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ artists.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is a leading voice in conversations about how LGBTQ+ people are portrayed in comedy and on TV. He argues that queer actors offer a special and authentic perspective to queer characters that’s hard to imitate. Through his work on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ he’s been able to share queer humor and viewpoints with a large audience. He encourages the entertainment industry to hire more LGBTQ+ writers and actors, and he continues to pave the way for other LGBTQ+ performers.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster argues it’s important for queer actors to play queer characters to tell genuine stories. He feels that understanding the shared experiences and culture of the LGBTQ+ community is vital for accurately portraying these roles. His film, ‘Fire Island,’ intentionally used a mostly queer cast and crew to achieve this authenticity. Booster believes those with lived experience are best suited to tell queer stories and continues to push for more LGBTQ+-led projects in Hollywood.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett champions authentic representation for LGBTQ+ characters and believes queer actors are essential for bringing those roles to life with genuine emotion and understanding. His nuanced performance in ‘The White Lotus’ earned widespread acclaim, and he’s spoken about how his personal identity shapes his work. He continues to be a strong voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in film and television.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has spoken about why it’s important for LGBTQ+ actors to play LGBTQ+ characters in TV and film. He feels this is a crucial step towards making Hollywood fairer for all actors. Gage has often discussed how his personal experiences shape the roles he accepts. His performances in shows like ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘You’ have made him a well-known actor with a clear point of view, and he consistently champions authentic representation in his work.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has long been a leading figure in bringing LGBTQ+ stories to television. He strongly believes that queer actors should play queer characters, offering much-needed hope and representation. His role in the show ‘My So-Called Life’ was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ young people. Throughout his successful career, he’s consistently spoken out for the community, emphasizing the power of genuine stories to create positive change.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp has consistently championed the idea of LGBTQ+ actors playing LGBTQ+ characters. While he acknowledges the entertainment industry has improved, he feels there’s still significant work to be done to achieve true inclusion. Known for his roles in ‘Rent’ and ‘Star Trek Discovery,’ Rapp is a well-known advocate within the LGBTQ+ community, pushing for more leading roles for queer performers and continuing to fight for equality and better representation in the arts.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén has been vocal about how important it is to see LGBTQ+ people and diverse body types represented in movies and TV. He feels that queer stories are best told by queer actors themselves, ensuring authenticity and sensitivity. His role on ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ has given him a platform to push for more inclusive casting and greater diversity in the entertainment industry, and he remains a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess feels it’s important for LGBTQ+ actors to play LGBTQ+ characters, bringing genuine lived experience to their roles. He demonstrated his talent and dedication to inclusive representation in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ and actively encourages the entertainment industry to write more parts specifically for queer performers. He continues to be a leading voice in the movement for equality.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes champions the idea of casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles, believing it’s crucial for accurate and meaningful representation. He feels the entertainment industry should actively uplift LGBTQ+ voices. His well-known role on ‘Will and Grace’ was a significant step in bringing queer characters to a wider audience, and he’s continued to advocate for more inclusive casting. He stresses that authentic stories resonate more powerfully with viewers.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo frequently speaks about how vital it is to have LGBTQ+ representation in film and television, and to cast LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles. He feels that these actors bring lived experience to their performances, which makes the storytelling more impactful and genuine. His work in projects like ‘Rustin’ and ‘Euphoria’ has been praised for being emotionally powerful and honest. Domingo actively supports fairer casting practices that prioritize LGBTQ+ performers, and remains a strong voice for greater inclusivity in Hollywood.

Billy Eichner

I really admire Billy Eichner and how passionately he’s been fighting for queer actors to actually play queer characters, especially in big movies. He’s right – Hollywood needs to do a much better job of supporting LGBTQ+ talent and giving us leading roles. His movie ‘Bros’ was groundbreaking with its all-queer cast, and it just proves how long we’ve been overlooked. He’s so determined that we, as queer actors, get to tell our own stories, and I think he’s a really powerful voice for getting the representation and equality we deserve in the entertainment industry.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy has frequently discussed how vital it is to have LGBTQ+ characters and stories told by LGBTQ+ people. He argues that casting queer actors in queer roles makes those stories feel more genuine and inclusive. His show, ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ received praise for its realistic and heartwarming depiction of a same-sex relationship. Levy encourages the entertainment industry to embrace more diverse casting choices that accurately reflect society, and he remains a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans champions the idea of queer actors playing queer characters, believing it’s essential for genuine inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. As an openly gay actor himself, he’s shared his personal struggles and used his platform in TV to push for greater LGBTQ+ visibility. He continues to advocate for equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ actors in Hollywood casting.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a strong advocate for casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles, believing they bring valuable, lived experiences to the performances. A well-known Broadway and television actor, he’s become a leading voice calling for more inclusivity in the entertainment industry, urging producers to prioritize queer talent both on and off stage. He remains dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ arts community.

George Takei

As a lifelong film and TV fan, I’ve always admired George Takei, not just for his iconic role as Sulu in ‘Star Trek’ – which was huge for Asian American visibility – but for everything he’s done off-screen. He’s been a really powerful voice for LGBTQ+ rights for years, and he’s always made a strong case for why it matters so much to have queer actors actually playing queer characters – it’s about seeing yourself represented and inspiring others. He truly believes in the power of stories to change how people think and feel, and he continues to fight for equality and genuine representation in media. He’s a true inspiration.

BD Wong

For decades, BD Wong has championed better representation of Asian Americans and LGBTQ+ people in Hollywood. He strongly believes that queer actors should play queer characters to ensure authentic storytelling. His performance in ‘M. Butterfly’ was a landmark achievement, and he’s continued to push for diversity and inclusion in casting across the entertainment industry. He’s a highly respected and influential voice for positive change.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett has often talked about the challenges LGBTQ+ actors face in Hollywood, and how important it is to see themselves authentically represented on screen. He feels that queer actors should be given preference when casting queer characters to ensure those roles are portrayed with accuracy and understanding. Everett has also shared how coming out affected his own career. His role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ is still considered a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in popular film, and he continues to push for a more welcoming and inclusive industry for LGBTQ+ performers.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is a strong supporter of casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles, believing they bring crucial lived experience to those characters and enhance the storytelling. His work, like in ‘The Boys in the Band,’ demonstrates his commitment to authentic representation. He continues to advocate for a more inclusive and fair entertainment industry and remains a leading voice for LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has emphasized the value of seeing LGBTQ+ characters played by LGBTQ+ actors, believing it brings genuine depth to stories. With his own prominent career, he’s using his voice to advocate for more inclusivity in the film industry and encourage casting directors to prioritize authenticity. He hopes to see more leading roles given to queer performers and remains a dedicated ally to the LGBTQ+ community in the arts.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt supports casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles, believing their personal experiences bring genuine authenticity to performances. Having gained prominence through roles in ‘The Politician’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, he’s become a vocal advocate for better representation and more stories created by and starring queer individuals in film and theater. He’s dedicated to achieving full equality for LGBTQ+ performers.

Gideon Glick

Glick is a strong advocate for casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles, believing it’s crucial for authentic and impactful representation. Known for his talent in productions like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and various TV roles, he consistently speaks out about the importance of inclusive casting and creating more opportunities for queer performers in the entertainment industry.

Tuc Watkins

Jonathan Watkins champions the idea of casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles across all media. He feels this authentic representation is crucial for achieving genuine equality in Hollywood. Known for his work in projects like ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’, Watkins is a respected voice within the queer community. He actively pushes for more leading roles for LGBTQ+ actors, allowing them to tell their own stories, and remains committed to accurate and meaningful representation in the arts.

Brian J. Smith

Jamie Smith champions the practice of casting LGBTQ+ actors in LGBTQ+ roles, believing it brings authenticity and respect to storytelling. His work on ‘Sense8’ was a landmark moment for queer visibility worldwide. He frequently discusses the power of living openly and how it guides his career choices, and continues to be a dedicated voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the entertainment industry.

Please share your own views on the importance of authentic casting in the comments.

2026-01-14 05:27