Netflix’s new series, “The Residence,” presents a fictional White House where the president, Perry Morgan, portrayed by Paul Fitzgerald, is openly gay and married to First Gentleman Elliot Morgan, played by Barrett Foa. The mystery-thriller follows Detective Cordelia Cupp, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, as she investigates a murder within the presidential residence, where every staff member and state dinner guest is a potential suspect.
The series, which premiered recently on the streaming platform, has garnered attention for its portrayal of a queer couple in positions of high political power. Fitzgerald and Foa, in interviews with The Daily Beast, expressed a sense of pride in their roles and the significance they hold for the LGBTQ+ community.
Fitzgerald, who identifies as a gay man, emphasized the importance of showcasing the diversity within the queer community. “I’m a queer man myself, and probably very straight-presenting,” he said. “I’m someone who’s very comfortable in my sexuality. I loved just being myself. I didn’t feel like I had to act straight or anything. … Ultimately, I want to represent that gay people are a multiplicity of things. We can be deadly serious and straight-acting, and we can also jump out of our fucking seat at Kylie Minogue.”
Foa, whose background includes Broadway and musical theater, spoke about his journey of self-acceptance in Hollywood. “I started in musical theater and Broadway and was out and proud. But then when I got to Hollywood and started on NCIS: Los Angeles, I didn’t know how I’d be received in this town,” he explained. “I didn’t know if I needed to retreat and hide some of myself. It took years to figure out I can let myself be me however that might manifest. And here I have this role that I can bring my whole self to and not have to hide any shades of me. It’s really lovely living your truth.”
The actors highlighted the timeliness of their roles, particularly in a political climate where LGBTQ+ rights are often under scrutiny. Fitzgerald stated, “I feel profoundly proud to create this representation. It’s lovely to imagine we’re in a post-representation or post-identity politics space, but I think that this new administration has disabused that idea.”
The series arrives amid ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Recent political discourse has seen increased focus on legislation impacting transgender individuals, specifically.
Fitzgerald added, “TV plays a really important role in helping people see a future that they may not have otherwise seen. If Barrett and I representing this can enlarge the culture of imagination by seeing it mirrored in real life, it would be the proudest moment of my entire career.”
The portrayal of a gay presidential couple in “The Residence” offers viewers a glimpse into a fictional reality where LGBTQ+ individuals hold prominent positions of power. This representation, according to the actors, serves as a powerful message of inclusion and visibility.
The series, created by a diverse team of writers and producers, delves into the intricate dynamics of the White House, blending political intrigue with elements of mystery and drama. The performances of Fitzgerald and Foa have been praised for their nuanced portrayal of a loving and supportive partnership within the high-stakes environment of the presidency.
The streaming platform, known for its diverse programming, continues to expand its offerings with content that reflects a wide range of experiences and perspectives. The inclusion of a gay presidential couple in “The Residence” adds to the ongoing dialogue surrounding representation in media.
“The Residence” is now available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
