DIVA chats with the filmmaker about their new documentary Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide To Surviving The Plot ahead of SCENE Festival
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY REGAN LATIMER
We all remember the first time we felt seen on screen. It might have been in Buffy, But I’m A Cheerleader or maybe in a show like Heartstopper. We probably also remember the first time our favourite queer character was killed off, cancelled or simply written out of the script.
Regan Latimer’s new documentary Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide To Surviving The Plot tracks the long journey we’ve travelled to getting better representation on screen. Interviewing industry experts, fans and actors of some of your favourite shows, Regan’s candid and informative film tells us how to help keep the next generation of queer characters alive.
Ahead of a screening of this new doc at SCENE Festival (17 August), DIVA caught up with Regan to find out more about why this topic matters so much now.
While the documentary is so seamless, I can imagine it was a massive task to put together. Where did you start?
I began not knowing it was going to be such a massive task. I might have thought twice about starting it if I’d known! I started it at the time when representation was so bad – it was going through the wringer. I figured out pretty early that I wanted to do the film as a guide so that people could understand how to find better representation. I also wanted to make it accessible to a straight audience who might not be aware of these issues.
I loved your engagement with fan movements. Why was that important to you?
The fan community is the backbone of the whole movement, frankly. Without them, there wouldn’t have been the change that we’ve seen. It was the backlash that they started which brought awareness to the press.
Fan movements are often seen as trivial or unimportant. Why is it crucial that we listen to their voices?
There is a misunderstanding or unawareness of the actual mental impact that observing this media and experiencing these shows and these characters have on us.
Do you think representation is improving on screen?
Over the six years of making the film, I did see a big swing of the pendulum towards representation being a lot better. However, with the current political climate that we have moved into, I am very worried that the pendulum is swinging back. Especially with what is happening in the States – with DEI being erased – we’re starting to see how much of the diversity and inclusion was real and how much was because it was mandated.
It’s great to see your own reflections on how TV and film have impacted you in the documentary. Did making it help you realise anything you didn’t know before?
I looked back at things through a more informed lens. Representation is important and can have an impact at any stage of life. We’re one great TV character away from changing the world.
Is there a cancellation of a show that has really devastated you?
A League Of Their Own. I think that was the most painful cancellation because it wasn’t just one queer couple or lesbian character. There were so many different types of queerness in the show.
How can we stop the Bury Your Gays or Cancel Your Gays trend from taking away our favourite shows?
I think we need queer people in the writers’ room, in showrunner roles and, more importantly, above them making decisions at the network. Or at least bring awareness to people in those roles about the impact of this.
Are there any shows or films that you’ve seen recently that you thought had great lesbian or queer representation?
Vigil. Their relationship wasn’t about them being gay, they were just a couple having problems. It was exceptional. I really enjoy a story where it’s not about being gay or coming out.
What is the message you hope people take away from the film?
I didn’t want it to just be us reliving our trauma. Let’s have fun while discussing the issues. The goal was to lift people up and feel hopeful.
What message do you have for younger generations who might not know about the history of representation onscreen?
I’d like to sound very positive, but I think there is an element of the younger generation not having the understanding of the fight that got us here to give them the queer experience that they have currently. Unfortunately, the pendulum is on the backswing and they might have to find out what it’s like to have to do that fight.
You can watch a screening of Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide To Surviving The Plot at SCENE Festival on 17 August. You can get your ticket here.
DIVA magazine celebrates 31 years in print in 2025. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA+ media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
