“There are so many different ways to be gay!” Our Flag Means Death's Kristian Nairn & Nathan Foad share their connection with the queer community

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Our Flag Means Death has gained praise from critics and fans alike for its meaningful queer representation, telling LGBTQ+ stories through the lens of humor beyond same-sex relationships, from its central romance to the portrayal of Vico Ortiz’s character, the nonbinary Jim Jimenez. In this way, Our Flag Means Death has garnered a deep connection with its LGBTQ+ fan base. And that relationships shows up when the cast members talk about the show.

When asked by a fan during their Emerald City Comic Con 2022 panel, 'If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?' Our Flag Means Death cast member Kristian Nairn, who plays Wee John Feeney) replied with a story about his difficult time as a teenager because of how different he looked. “Being different is your power,” he said, referring to both his past and the success of the show.

When asked if there was any thought put into making the characters more queer, Nairn replied “There are so many different ways to be gay…It’s a good way to demonstrate to the world who still doesn't get it that we come in all shapes and sizes!” Continuing the conversation about depicting queerness, Nathan Foad (Lucius Spriggs) recalled a time in theater school when he was pressured to present as straight, which led to him feeling like he was acting in a straight jacket. Foad cheerfully added, “It’s so special and cool to work on a show where my gay voice and gay hands have made me an f-ing star baby!”

Watch the full panel and see Kristian Nairn, Nathan Foad, and Con O'Neill chat their camraderie, friendship, bad acting advice, and more at Emerald City Comic Con 2022.