Oscar Martinez from The Office is regarded as one of the most successful gay character by Remezcla and NewNowNext. Not only is Oscar gay, he is also a Latino, which made him even more controversial nearly two decades ago. However, regardless of your sexual orientation, you would probably like this character, once the ONLY LGBT+ person of color character on a regular series according to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and here’s why.
To audience, Oscar is a very positive and realistic portrayal of a gay man. Unlike what Michael thinks gay men actually sound like, Oscar is no any canonically flamboyant and stereotypical gay figure, which would adversely affect LGBT+ people. Rather, he is just an ordinary man – he goes to work, goes on dates with his love interests, and laughs when someone is pranked. This is a realistic portrayal of a gay man who does not want his homosexuality to define his personality although other people view his homosexuality as a defining personality. That said, while his sexuality is embraced by his colleagues, it is his personality that makes him loved by his fellows.
In one recent study, Hispanics are found to least likely identify themselves as heterosexual compared with other groups. Despite the deeply rooted family values, the Hispanic community has been seen willing to take progressive steps to embrace LGBT+ members among them. However, it is noted that Hispanic people do not like the word “Latinx” which seemingly blends the gender of a subject; they think it is purely Americanization of their language and should not be advocated. Therefore, if you see a female, you should call her a “Latina.” Sexuality is a spectrum.
What we truly love is not glorification of the names of “gay” or “trans;” we are promoting the affirmation of whom LGBT+ people really are and celebrating diversity after all.