By making the gay character funny and sweet but above all normal, you make a far better, longer lasting statement than you would if you had an entirely gay comedy.

Sue Perkins' quote highlights her belief that representing a gay character in a normal, relatable way is a more effective approach than creating an entire gay comedy centered around stereotypes or niche humor. By portraying the character as funny, sweet, and normal, Perkins suggests that you make a more powerful statement about the LGBTQ+ community—one that reflects their humanity and universal experiences rather than focusing solely on their sexual orientation. This approach moves beyond the boundaries of targeted humor and creates lasting, meaningful representation.

The emphasis on normality in the quote speaks to the idea that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, shares common human experiences. By showing the gay character as just another person navigating life, relationships, and challenges, Perkins is advocating for a more inclusive and mainstream portrayal that avoids making their identity the only focal point of the story. This creates characters who are well-rounded and relatable, rather than being defined by their sexuality alone.

Perkins’ statement also implies that creating a comedy specifically about being gay can sometimes limit the scope of the conversation. It risks reducing a character’s identity to a single dimension, while treating their sexual orientation as a form of humor or exaggeration. By making a gay character part of a broader narrative, the humor feels more organic and integrated into the world of the show or film, rather than being presented as something “other.”

The origin of this quote likely stems from Perkins’ experience as a writer and performer, where she has witnessed the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in media. As someone known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary, Perkins is keenly aware of how humor and representation intersect. Her perspective reflects a broader movement toward authenticity in character portrayal, one that moves beyond stereotypes and embraces characters of all backgrounds as fully realized individuals.