Russell Tovey, known for his roles in Gavin & Stacey and American Horror Story, plays Brian Paddick, an out gay police officer in the Disney+ series Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Tovey reflects on Paddick's experiences with homophobia in the police force, showcasing his bravery amidst adversity. He emphasizes the importance of shocking society with the truth to foster accountability and progress. Tovey advocates for more queer representation in media, expressing concern over increasing attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, especially in America, reinforcing his commitment to portray authentic LGBTQ+ stories.
I remember seeing him in the press and understanding what he'd experienced with homophobia within the force, homophobia within the press, and he still stayed present and out and proud.
We should be shocked because that makes people sit up and go: 'This can't happen'. The only way we will progress as a society, and for people to be held accountable for bad behaviour, is to shock people, to show you the reality of what it is.
I'm sure there are multiple conversations happening where they're thinking of green-lighting queer characters or queer content... this makes it all the more important to say yes and do it.
Watching the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in America at the moment is f***ing terrifying, adding that it only makes me more determined to push for representation.
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