Doctor Who: how the Sci-Fi Series Became a Haven for LGBTQ+ Fans
Doctor Who has long been a beloved sci-fi series, but for many LGBTQ+ fans, it’s more than just entertainment. The show has served as a safe haven, a source of representation, and a catalyst for community. As Pride Month begins, we explore the profound impact Doctor Who has had on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Wales and beyond.
A Lifeline in Times of Isolation
For Scott Handcock,a script editor who began his Doctor Who journey as a runner in 2006,the series was a lifeline during his formative years. Growing up in the 1990s, Handcock struggled with his sexuality and feeling like he didn’t fit in. “Doctor Who literally changed my life,” he said, emphasizing the sense of family and hope he found within the fandom.
Handcock recalls watching classic episodes and feeling a sense of acceptance. He says the show gave him a “breath of fresh air.” “you could actually take most characters from an episode of classic Doctor Who and their sexual orientation, their gender, how they define, is completely irrelevant… [it] was almost a breath of fresh air.”
Representation Matters
Russell T Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, has also spoken about the series’ importance to him as a young, gay man. He noted the Doctor’s asexuality and lack of interest in romance as something that resonated with him.
Comedian Steffan Alun, who hails from the same street as Davies, initially felt “stressed” about LGBTQ+ representation in Doctor Who. Tho, he soon realized that Davies understood the importance of inclusive storytelling. “He did make it wilder, but it was brilliant and I shouldn’t have doubted him because he understands television, he’s one of our great writers.”
A Landmark Moment
In June 2024, Doctor Who reached a new milestone with its first on-screen same-sex kiss between the doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Rogue (Jonathan Groff).While the scene was celebrated by many, it also drew complaints. The BBC responded by affirming its commitment to diversity and reflecting the world we live in.
Rylan Clark, who recently appeared on the show, praised Doctor Who‘s unapologetic inclusivity. “It’s an iconic show that’s entertaining, but it’s also proud… it’s diverse and it’s inclusive.”
Community and Hope
For many LGBTQ+ fans, Doctor Who has fostered a sense of community and provided hope during challenging times. Paul Robinson, a bisexual fan from aberdare, has made lifelong friends through his love of the show. “I think the biggest thing Doctor Who gives anyone in any kind of situation where they’re feeling lost,they’re feeling alone,they’re feeling they can’t,it gives you hope.”
Jayne Lutwyche, a long-time fan who appeared on the show, says that Doctor Who “makes you feel like you can be you and you can be open about who you are”.
