Should Only Queer Actors Play Queer Roles? | Kurt Blankschaen & Travis Timmerman

Brain in a Vat

Was Kit Conner obligated to reveal his queer sexual orientation to play his role as a queer character on ‘Heartstopper’? Timmerman and Blankschaen argue that straight actors can authentically portray queer characters, addressing issues of character versus performer authenticity, potential harm to marginalized actors, and the broader impact on the industry. They respond to various objections and explore the philosophical and ethical nuances surrounding representation in media.

Link to Blankschaen and Timmerman's paper: https://philpapers.org/rec/BLAAOS-2

[00:00] Introduction and Episode Overview

[00:19] Thought Experiment: Kit Conner's Role in Heartstopper

[02:54] Character vs. Performer Authenticity

[10:28] Consequentialist Views on Performer Authenticity

[25:37] Public vs. Private Lives of Actors

[33:29] Alternative Rules for Casting Queer Roles

[37:03] Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity in Casting

[47:01] Optimism in Media Evolution

[49:30] Strongest Objections to the View

[52:03] Extending the Argument to Other Groups

[01:01:10] Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Check out FeedSpot's list of 90 best philosophy podcasts, where Brain in a Vat is ranked at 15, here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/philosophy_podcasts/