In an inspiring display of solidarity, Ncuti Gatwa, acclaimed for his role as Eric in Netflix’s Sex Education, continues to champion marginalized communities. From embodying camp energy in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie to indulging in the vivacity of a live Beyoncé performance with Doctor Who co-star Jonathan Groff, Gatwa has captivated fans with his multifaceted talent. Stepping into the Tardis under the stewardship of showrunner Russell T Davies later this year, Gatwa is poised to lead what promises to be the queerest season of the beloved sci-fi series.
This groundbreaking season not only features notable stars like trans Heartstopper sensation Yasmin Finney and Uncoupled’s Neil Patrick Harris in the three-episode 60th anniversary special in November but also welcomes drag icon Jinkx Monsoon as a formidable antagonist, Pete MacHale as the show’s first trans male actor, and musical theatre luminary Jonathan Groff in a tantalizing and enigmatic role.
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Amidst the speculations about a potential romance between the 15th Doctor and Groff’s character, a heartwarming incident unfolded on social media. A Twitter user named Siobhan shared a screenshot of an Instagram message she received from a troll hurling homophobic abuse at her. The troll branded her a “f**king lunatic” and dismissed the idea of a gay Doctor as “r****ed propaganda” that would purportedly jeopardize ratings.
Siobhan responded to the hate by expressing her hope for Gatwa’s era to be the gayest Doctor Who has ever seen, defiantly challenging the intolerance exhibited by such individuals. To her astonishment, Gatwa himself reached out to Siobhan on Instagram with a heartfelt message, unequivocally affirming his support for the LGBTQ+ Doctor Who fandom. He condemned the perpetrator’s actions, declaring his zero tolerance for such behavior and expressing his concern for Siobhan’s well-being.
Siobhan, deeply moved by Gatwa’s response, proclaimed him as “our Doctor” and expressed her gratitude. In turn, Gatwa reassured LGBTQ+ Doctor Who fans, assuring them that he and the cast would safeguard the essence of the show, rooted in love, hope, and diversity.
Gatwa’s unwavering commitment to combat homophobia has resonated profoundly with fans, who admire his embodiment of a ray of sunshine. With anticipation building for the 60th anniversary special, starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate, Gatwa’s official debut as the Doctor arrives at Christmas, paving the way for an exhilarating new series at the start of the upcoming year.
