Captain Holt: An LGBTQ+ Icon Embodied by Andre Braugher

He will be fondly remembered for his portrayal of one of the most beloved queer TV characters.

Braugher has been acting since 1989, with unforgettable performances in films like Glory and various roles on Law and Order and Law and Order: SVU. However, he is most recognized for his recent portrayal as Captain Raymond Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. As an openly gay Black police officer, Holt has become an LGBTQ+ icon for many queer individuals, raising the bar for queer TV representation throughout the show's eight seasons.

NBC

Holt never adhered to queer stereotypes

Many queer characters on TV often come across as exaggerated caricatures rather than authentic representations of real-life individuals. This is particularly evident in the portrayal of queer men as overly flamboyant, sassy, and excessively feminine. While these traits are not inherently negative, it can become repetitive and stereotypical when applied to all queer individuals.

Captain Holt did not conform to these stereotypes. He was a stoic, no-nonsense person who took things very literally. While he could appear as standoffish or robotic, he was a complex person with layers. He used his logical thinking to make dry jokes that were beloved by fans and found unique ways to participate in the squad's antics.

Representation of the LGBTQ+ community is crucial because we are diverse and unique individuals. Having someone like Holt on TV was necessary for people like him to feel seen.

NBCAndre Braugher starred as Raymond Hold in Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Holt was an example of an older gay man who lived a full life

In the 1980s, the queer community was under attack as the HIV/AIDS epidemic began to sweep through millions of lives.

In 1995, one in nine gay men had been diagnosed with AIDS, and one in fifteen had died. Many older queer men missed out on full lives due to this disease. Despite this, Brooklyn Nine-Nine showcased a man who survived the AIDS crisis. Holt not only survived, but he was also an openly gay police officer in the NYPD, a department known for its lack of progressive attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community at that time.

While Brooklyn Nine-Nine is undeniably a comedy show in both its definition and execution, what sets it apart from other series is its inclusion of characters like Holt. Holt is portrayed as a successful and respected man in his field of work, who also happens to have a loving, successful husband.

NBC

Holt is a figure that offers hope to both young and older members of the queer community, in contrast to the many real-life individuals facing challenges. While Captain Raymond Holt is a fictional character, he serves as a symbol for millions of queer individuals worldwide. He embodies values such as love, acceptance, tolerance, and loyalty, while also bravely advocating for himself, his team, and the entire community.

Braugher's impeccable work allows LGBTQ+ TV viewers to repeatedly enjoy this character and recognize him as one of the best examples of a queer character in decades. For more of Dexerto’s TV and movie coverage, click here.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and an LGBTQ+ individual, I find Captain Holt to be an incredibly inspiring and relatable character. Andre Braugher's portrayal of Holt is nuanced and authentic, avoiding the stereotypes that often plague queer characters on TV. Holt is a complex and well-rounded individual who happens to be gay, rather than his sexuality defining his entire character. His stoic demeanor and dry sense of humor make him a lovable and unique figure in the show.

The significance of Holt's character cannot be overstated, especially for older queer individuals who may have missed out on living their lives fully due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Seeing a successful and openly gay Black police officer on TV is a powerful message of hope and representation. Holt's character serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ individuals can achieve great things and live fulfilling lives, despite the challenges they may face.