Matt Bomer spoke out about the use of stereotypical gay characters in the film industry and the importance of Papi Chulo.
We caught up with the actor at the opening night of the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival at Cineworld and the Irish premiere of Papi Chulo.
The film follows the friendship that grows between lonely gay weatherman, Seán (played by Matt) and Mexican worker, Ernesto (played by Alejandro Patino).
Speaking exclusively to Goss.ie about the importance of the film, Matt said: “I think it goes without saying we’re living in more divisive times.”
“People want to build up walls between each other and this is a movie about people tearing down walls that divide them. Especially Alejandro’s character, Ernesto, he really is the saving grace.”
“He is the hero of the movie for my character. He comes in and allows my character the space to listen to him to let him come face-to-face with the things he hasn’t been able to bear witness to inside himself and he still shows up the next day. So, what more can you ask for from a friend?”
The actor also told us about whether or not he feels the film and television industries are starting to progress on from creating stereotypical gay male characters.
“Yes and no. I see it every now and then. Then I see some stereotypes being perpetuated but that’s just sort of it, change is slow, it’s happening more and more. We’re going in the right direction, that’s what matters.”
Matt wed long-term partner, Simon Halls in 2011, one year before he officially addressed his sexuality in public at the Desert AIDS Project’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards in February 2012.
