Russell T Davies says LGBTQ+ community faces ‘new threats’ as he teases next series
Russell T Davies (Image: Getty Images)
Russell T Davies has warned that LGBTQ+ people are facing “new threats”, as he revealed he is already planning and writing another TV project, even though he “doesn’t know if it works yet”.
Speaking at the Attitude Pride Awards ceremony, as per BBC News, the writer said: “As a community, we keep on expanding, we keep facing new threats and keep finding new joys.”
Davies also spoke about his drive to keep telling queer stories, adding: “I think if I can write this stuff forever, then I will. I’m already planning a new one. I don’t know if it works yet, because I haven’t finished writing it, but yeah, there’s always a lot to say.”
His comments came as he reflected on his latest series, Tip Toe, which follows two next-door neighbours: gay bar owner Leo (played by Alan Cumming) and out-of-work electrician Clive (played by David Morrissey). The finale, which saw Leo lynched by a mob egged on by Clive, was branded “harrowing” viewing by fans.
Tip Toe and “new threats”
Davies said the direction of “gay rights and queer rights, and especially trans rights” had shaped his thinking around the show, while arguing its themes should not be treated as niche.
“It’s just the way things are heading in gay rights and queer rights, and especially trans rights, but actually the violence and problems that arise in Tip Toe could apply to almost any group,” he said. “If it was a Jewish drama you wouldn’t blink about the problems being expressed. Women would say ‘that’s our life’.”
Davies has previously described the series as being inspired by “the state of the world”.
Davies history of LGBTQ+ representation
Davies created Channel 4’s Queer as Folk (1999) and later created and wrote It’s a Sin (2021). He is also known for reviving Doctor Who in 2005 and returning to lead the franchise again for its 60th anniversary era. In recent interviews, he has spoken about feeling like “an idiot” for campaigning for gay visibility.
At the ceremony, he said: “My life is this community and I love writing about it, talking about it, thinking about it. It’s who I am.”
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