In a candid interview with Attitude magazine, the first Black 'Doctor Who' star speaks out on diversity, backlash, and the need for more inclusive representation on screen.
- Apr 21, 2024
AceShowbiz - In an illuminative conversation with Attitude magazine for its May/June issue, Ncuti Gatwa, an LGBTQ Rwandan immigrant to the U.K. and the first Black actor to take on the iconic role of "Doctor Who", sheds light on the ongoing struggle for acceptance and representation in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Gatwa's pioneering casting is more than a personal triumph; it symbolizes a broader shift within the cultural landscape towards greater inclusivity.
During the interview, Gatwa did not hold back on his views about the backlash he has received since assuming the role. "We do see a shift happening in casting, in positions of power, and in the status quo. I mean, not a fast shift, things could tip over the other way a little bit quicker. But you see people kind of malfunctioning because things are changing," he remarked.
Gatwa also addressed the disproportionate expectations placed on Black individuals in the entertainment sector and beyond. "There's so much White mediocrity that gets celebrated, and Black people, we have to be absolutely flawless to get half of [that] anyway," he stated, voicing a powerful call to arms against racial inequity and the pressure to be perfect.
The conversation then navigated towards the U.K.'s handling of gender diversity and trans identities. Gatwa criticized the country's political climate for fostering an environment where attacking marginalized communities has become normalized.
"Everything trickles down from the top, and when you see politicians openly attacking marginalized communities, when you see our politicians openly attacking trans people, it makes it OK for everyone else," he explained. According to Gatwa, these actions not only perpetuate division but also obscure the government's failures by shifting blame onto the most vulnerable.
Concluding his powerful commentary, Gatwa emphasized the critical need for more diversity and inclusion within media representation. "We've got to keep pushing for more. Lots and lots and lots and lots more diversity, lots more inclusion on our screen. Lots and lots and lots of it for all you male gamons out there!" he passionately stated, challenging both the industry and audiences to embrace and demand change.
As an advocate and trailblazer, Gatwa's words are a clarion call for a more equitable and representative entertainment landscape.
