Actor Andrew Garfield has voiced his opinion on the ongoing debate around straight actors playing LGBTIQ+ roles.
Speaking to the UK’s Independent, Garfield, who last year played a role in Angels in America on Broadway, says that he agrees with playwright Tony Kushner on the issue.
“I understand the complaint," he said.
"I think Tony Kushner put it best. He said, ‘It’s illegal for me to ask someone who they f**k in terms of hiring them for a job. That’s none of my business who someone sleeps with. The only question I have as the playwright is, are they right for this character?’"
Garfield continued: "He said that if we only let people play who they are, then it’s the death of empathic imagination. I think that’s beautifully put, and I agree with it.”
However, Garfield added that “taking such a role means potentially taking it away from an LGBTIQ+ person. The community has suffered so much oppression."
"As a straight, white male, with so much privilege in this world, I believe my job right now is to pay attention, to listen and to be an ally.”
Last year, Emmy-winning actor Darren Criss said that he would be turning down future queer roles to make way for LGBTIQ+ performers.
“But I want to make sure I won’t be another straight boy taking a gay man’s role.”
