‘9-1-1’ Star Fires Back at Anti-LGBTQ+ Trolls

By Caitlynn McDaniel

Posted on April 8, 2024

In the thrilling world of TV drama, 9-1-1 has taken a giant leap forward and introduced a queer storyline for one of its existing characters.

That’s right 9-1-1 fans! Buck has confirmed his bisexuality with a steamy kiss.

Meanwhile, Oliver Stark, who plays the fearless firefighter Evan ‘Buck’ Buckley, has hit back at the naysayers upset over his character’s journey.

About the Kiss

In a landmark moment during the show’s 100th episode, Buck shared a significant kiss with his new pal Tommy (portrayed by Lou Ferrigno Jr.). While some fans were hoping for a romantic spark to ignite between Buck and his best buddy, Eddie (Ryan Guzman), this twist still had the show’s loyal queer audience cheering.

Tommy initiating the kiss was not in my bingo card, but it was kind of cute and Buck deserve to be chased instead of chasing so yeah pic.twitter.com/JkyTAcBWjF
— Angy 🚒 | 9-1-1 spoilers 🚨 (@Angy__Fa1) April 5, 2024

Stark told Entertainment Weekly that the kiss was “a long time coming” and said he was onboard from the start when he got the call from showrunner Tim Minear.

Facing the Trolls Head-On

However, not everyone was throwing confetti. A few trolls crept out from under their bridges, crying foul and calling the show “woke” for embracing diversity. But here’s the thing – 9-1-1 has always celebrated inclusivity, featuring a cast portraying all walks of life.

Stark himself wasn’t having any of the negativity. He’s over the moon with the love and support for Buck’s storyline and is more than ready to brush off any grumbles.

“Humbled and overwhelmed by the positive reaction to Buck’s storyline,” he wrote. “I’ve read so many of your messages and I couldn’t be prouder.

“If you are one of the smaller group of people commenting on my posts about how this has ruined the show, I would like you to know that I truly don’t care.”

Love Wins on 9-1-1

9-1-1 isn’t just about thrilling rescues and heart-stopping emergencies; it’s a show with a big heart. It’s highlighted various queer relationships over the years, like the touching marriage between Hen and Karen in season five.

“If one other character finding a new facet to his sexuality and [realising] his bisexuality is your deal breaker — I fear you’ve missed the entire point of the show,” he concluded. “You are not required to announce your departure.”

Online, many fans are puzzled that the kiss has caused any shock at all.

picking up 9-1-1 again and ppl saying buck being bi is gonna ruin the character when this has been him from day 1 ?? pic.twitter.com/7GOe6dEIOM
— ~shishi 🪐🥥 saturn’s unit (@saturnscoded) April 7, 2024

What’s Next for Buck and Eddie?

Amidst all this, there’s still the fun tease about Buck and Eddie’s evolving friendship. The dynamic duo, as Stark and Guzman hinted, might find their bond deepening in unexpected and exciting ways. The actors have promised some juicy developments, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

So, buckle up for more heartfelt storytelling as Ryan Murphy’s 9-1-1 continues to blaze a trail, showing that when it comes to telling compelling stories, embracing change is key.