Actor Luke Fetherston reveals he has been told to hide his sexuality (Flowers in the Attic: The Origin/Lifetime)
British actor and model Luke Fetherston says that he was “very recently” advised to hide his sexuality by a fellow actor.
In an interview with Attitude, Fetherston explained that while playing a gay character on his upcoming series Flowers in the Attic: The Origin felt “authentic and genuine”, he has previously been told not to mention that he is gay.
“I’m sure the majority of us have been told to hide our sexuality,” he told the magazine. “I can’t imagine meeting a gay actor that hasn’t been told that.”
He explained that he was told “very recently” by a fellow actor to hide his sexuality.
He said: “Admittedly, she grew up in a different time. So perhaps her views are now maybe slightly archaic.
“But, you know, it’s her opinion, and I appreciate everyone’s opinion. Have I ever worried? Yes, I have worried about announcing it. As I said, it’s not something I think anyone needs to scream and shout about because what does it matter? I’m playing a gay role. And I’m a gay man. Why wouldn’t I say that?”
Fetherston added that until LGBTQ+ actors can be open about their sexuality, “it’s important that gay people are cast as gay characters. It’s the most authentic option.”
Luke Fetherston explained that Flowers in the Attic: The Origin is a “gothic, dark mysterious thriller-drama” which involves his character going through LGBTQ+ conversion therapy in the 1920s and ’30s.
He told Attitude that he took this role seriously, researching conversion therapy in the era as well as attempts to ban the practice in present-day UK.
“It carried a lot of weight. And I didn’t realise how much I didn’t know about what people were put through, and what people still are being put through,” he said.
“So, I had this juxtaposition of, this is really amazing as a career moment, but also heart-breaking for those that had to suffer it.
“I did as much research as I could. And I wanted to give that moment in the series as much weight as I believe that it deserves… I can’t believe that it still is seen as an option.”
He added that despite this, the relationship between his character and his love interest is “the most authentic, natural, genuine portrayal of love in the series”.
Prince Charles confirmed at the State Opening of Parliament in May that while “legislation will be introduced to ban conversion therapy”, the ban will not cover transgender people or so-called “consenting” adults.
Jayne Ozanne, a former LGBTQ+ government advisor, told PinkNews: “By creating a loophole of consent, the government continues to ignore the advice of legal experts and survivors like myself, who know that this will continue to put many lives at risk.
“It is utterly immoral they have omitted trans people from a ban and created so many loopholes, that risk making this is a ban in name only.”