In a controversial move, Hollywood has announced that it will no longer allow straight actors to play LGBTQ characters in movies and TV shows. The decision was made after a series of protests and petitions from LGBTQ activists and allies, who claimed that straight actors were taking away opportunities and representation from LGBTQ actors.
The new policy, which will take effect from next year, will require all actors to undergo a sexual orientation test before being cast in any role that involves LGBTQ identity or expression. The test will consist of a questionnaire, a psychological evaluation, and a polygraph test. Actors who fail the test will be disqualified from playing LGBTQ roles and may face legal consequences.
The Hollywood spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the policy was a necessary step to ensure diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. “We want to make sure that LGBTQ stories are told by LGBTQ people, who have the lived experience and the authenticity to portray them. We also want to create more opportunities and visibility for LGBTQ actors, who have been marginalized and discriminated for too long.”
The policy has received mixed reactions from the public and the industry. Some have praised it as a progressive and courageous move, while others have criticized it as a discriminatory and absurd measure. Many straight actors who have played LGBTQ roles in the past have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the policy.
One of them is Tom Hanks, who won an Oscar for his role as a gay lawyer with AIDS in Philadelphia. He said that he was proud of his performance and that he did not think that his sexual orientation had anything to do with his acting ability. “I think that acting is about empathy and imagination, not about labels and categories. I think that anyone should be able to play any role, as long as they do it with respect and sensitivity.”
Another one is Scarlett Johansson, who faced backlash for accepting the role of a transgender man in Rub & Tug, which she later dropped. She said that she regretted her decision and that she wished she had the chance to play the role. “I think that art should be free and creative, not restricted and regulated. I think that actors should be able to explore different characters and perspectives, regardless of their personal identity.”
The policy has also raised some questions and challenges for the industry. For instance, how will the policy affect actors who are bisexual, pansexual, or fluid? How will the policy deal with actors who are closeted or in denial?
The Hollywood spokesperson said that the policy was still under development and that more details would be announced soon. He also said that the policy was open to feedback and suggestions from the public and the industry. He urged everyone to respect and support the policy, which he said was for the greater good of Hollywood and society.