When we have gay characters on TV, they're just, kind of, gay for the sake of being gay. That's their personality. That's their whole backstory, that's their future story, that's their present story - it's just gay. Nobody's just gay.

Ncuti Gatwa’s quote critiques the stereotypical and one-dimensional portrayals of gay characters in television. By stating, "When we have gay characters on TV, they're just, kind of, gay for the sake of being gay," Gatwa points out how these characters are often reduced to their sexuality, without any depth or complexity. He suggests that when a character’s entire identity revolves solely around being gay, it becomes a limiting and oversimplified representation that fails to capture the true essence of human diversity.

Gatwa further emphasizes that the portrayal of gay characters is often confined to being their "whole backstory," "future story," and "present story." In this context, he highlights how the character’s sexual orientation is treated as their sole defining trait, rather than as one aspect of a multi-faceted identity. This critique calls attention to the lack of nuanced storytelling, where gay characters are not allowed to have the same complexity and diversity in their personalities as their straight counterparts.

The statement "Nobody’s just gay" challenges the notion that sexual orientation is the defining feature of a person’s entire life or personality. Gatwa is advocating for more realistic, three-dimensional portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters, where their sexuality is one part of a broader, more diverse and authentic identity. By saying "Nobody’s just gay," he underscores the importance of presenting LGBTQ+ characters who have depth, with their own backstories, futures, and unique experiences that are not solely defined by their sexuality.

In essence, Gatwa’s quote calls for greater representation and inclusivity in media, where gay characters are not reduced to stereotypes but are allowed to be fully developed individuals with rich, complex lives. It challenges the industry to move beyond surface-level portrayals and create characters whose stories and personalities are multidimensional and relatable, just as with any other character.