Erin Doherty, acclaimed for her role in the series Adolescence, recently expressed her deep commitment to queer representation in media during a podcast conversation. The Emmy-winning actress joined Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place on January 5 to discuss her role in the upcoming second season of Disney+’s A Thousand Blows, where she portrays Mary Carr, a prominent figure in the historical all-female shoplifting gang, the Forty Elephants, that operated in London in the late 18th century.
Doherty shared her enthusiasm after reading the show’s script, commenting, “I want to be a part of that. Like I want to be a part of putting them women on screen and having young women, middle-aged women, older women see them and go, ‘Bloody hell, they’re impressive.’” This sentiment underscores her dedication to highlighting the stories of remarkable women throughout history.
Cotton and Doherty further delved into the topic of queer storytelling. The actress expressed her eagerness to explore such narratives but noted she has yet to encounter a script that resonates strongly with her. Acknowledging the humorously generalized roles often given to queer female characters, Doherty highlighted the need for more depth and complexity, stating, “It’s a bit like, yeah but who are these people? What is their story? What are the complexities here?”
While Doherty has not yet portrayed a queer character, she showcased her own identity at the Emmys, where she won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in Adolescence. In a touching moment, she kissed her girlfriend, Sinéad Donnelly, as she received the award, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation.
Doherty’s passion for authentic queer representation signals a hopeful turn in the television landscape, advocating for richer narratives that reflect the lives and stories of queer individuals, particularly women. Her commitment could inspire future projects to embrace these complex characters, fostering greater inclusivity in media.