The new era of the BBC sci-fi series kicked off last month, with Ncuti Gatwa fully stepping into the shoes of the 15th Doctor. On Saturday’s Bridgerton-themed episode (8 June), the Doctor falls for a dashing anti-hero named Rogue (Jonathan Groff) after a night of flirting and ballroom dancing.
In a dramatic climax, viewers were treated to a historic kiss scene between Ncuti Gatwa and Jonathan Groff, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation on television. The episode evoked powerful reactions from fans, sparking discussions about diversity and inclusivity in media.
Nurturing Inclusivity
This isn’t the first time Doctor Who has made strides toward representation. The show has long been celebrated for its inclusive themes and characters, from [Vastra and Jenny] are a married, inter-species, lesbian couple living in London during the Victorian era
, to more recent additions like Bill Potts, a openly gay companion.
Breaking New Ground
Ncuti Gatwa becomes the first Black actor to portray the supernatural time-traveller in Doctor Who. This casting is momentous within the franchise. Critic Ed Power notes, ‘Rogue’ is certainly an improvement on the Jodie Whittaker/Chris Chibnall years, which skirted the possibility of the Doctor being attracted to assistant Yaz – but never had the chutzpah to go the distance.”
Echoes from the Past
A rich history of diverse storytelling backs this poignant moment. John Barrowman’s portrayal of Captain Jack Harkness in the 2005 revival symbolizes one of TV’s early and significant steps towards inclusivity. Barrowman himself shared, Putting on Jack’s coat and setting foot back on the set of Doctor Who was just like going back home…
A Reflective Legacy
From Waris Hussein, the pioneering director who helmed the original series in 1963, to Russell T Davies’ transformative vision upon his return as head writer, significant contributions shaped today’s iteration of Doctor Who. Davies highlighted his experiences:
Doctor Who’s first director was a gay Asian man…
Community Reflections
The Gallifrey Cabaret performances by queer artists highlight how deeply these inclusive narratives resonate within LGBTQ+ communities. Reece Connolly fondly recalls working on unique performances like their fan-favorite Weeping Angel act:
This adaptation reflects an ongoing effort to make Doctor Who a space where everyone feels represented and welcomed.
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