Non-binary actor Sara Ramirez seems to have hit back after a blistering interview with New York magazine who saw them slammed and compared to their hated, social justice-obsessed character in And Just Like That.
The 47-year-old – who uses them/their pronouns – has received mixed reactions from fans about their role as queer stand-up comedian Che Diaz, who has played a central role in the Sex And The City spin-off series in a storyline where iconic character Miranda explores her sexuality.
In a scathing article published by The Cut in June, journalist Brock Colyar mocked Ramirez for appearing to have many of the same opinions as the character they play, without any sense of irony.
Ramirez took to Instagram to share their delayed response to the “Hack Job” article and didn’t hesitate as they objected to the way they were described.
Clapping back: Non-binary actor Sara Ramirez appears to have hit back at sizzling interview by New York Magazine
The statement began: ‘BI thought long and hard about how to respond to The Hack Job article, “written” by a generation Z white non-binary who asked me serious questions but expected a comedic response, I think (?).
“Here’s the good news: I have a dry sense of humor and a voice. And I’m not afraid to use them either.’
They continued: “I trust that those of you who matter, who are not petulant kids, who are smart enough to understand what was actually going on there, can see it for what it is: an attempt to ridicule to float with my thoughtfulness and gentleness. , while rejecting a valid existence and a real human being in favor of criticizing TV shows that belonged elsewhere.”
Ramirez then commented on the way people seemed to put them and the character of Che together as they went on: “I’m not the fictional characters I’ve played, nor am I responsible for the things written for them to be say. I am a human being, an artist, an actor.
“And we live in a world that has become increasingly hostile to anyone who dares to free themselves from the gender binary system, or to disrupt the mainstream.”
The former Grey’s Anatomy star then proceeded to release a few “friendly memories.”
First, that “I can love women (and I do), while not identifying as one.”
The second statement was that “feminists come in all genders,” and third that “if a cis male is in charge and has ultimate control over the dialogue, actors say, and you have a legitimate problem with it, you might should interview. ‘
Public figure: Ramirez has played several gender nonconforming roles in the past, most recently playing non-binary comedian Che Ramirez in And Just Like That
Surprising storyline: Ramirez starred alongside Sex and the City icons during the reboot, including Cynthia Nixon (right)
They then made a final comment on one of the interview’s criticisms: “Another proof that this ‘writer’ knows little more about me than a Google search turns up, I’d love to have smoked that joint with them.”
Ramirez has played several gender nonconforming characters in the past, and before that, they famously starred in hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Madam Secretary.
Opinion: Brock Colyar, a non-binary journalist, denounces Ramirez’s ‘over-the-top’ character
But their role in And Just Like That led to criticism from some viewers.
After meeting in New York’s Central Park, a regular haunt for the show’s characters, Colyar said Ramirez had a style that closely resembled her controversial on-screen role.
Notably, Ramirez’s character introduced himself as a “queer nonbinary Mexican Irish diva” — the same description the actor uses in his Instagram bio.
In the article, Colyar wrote, “Ramírez similarly uses words like trauma, privilege, and social constructs to make the various points. It may feel natural to make such comparisons in your head, but Ramírez denies them and assures me, “I’m an actor. I’m not the characters I play. I’m not Che Diaz.”
When confronted with criticism of their character, Ramirez recoiled gravely and told the journalist that those critics are morally inferior.
Colyar wrote, “Ramírez waves the side-eyes on Che and says, “Anyone who takes advantage of the patriarchy is going to have a problem with Che Diaz.”
Many viewers reported feeling the character was an overt attempt to incorporate waking storylines into modern shows.
Unexpected romance: Ramirez and Nixon’s characters embark on a steamy affair throughout the show, before exploring a relationship together
Colyar wrote that among other queer people they know, disgruntled viewers were angry after finding the character “a hyperbolized, hypercringe representation of non-binary identity.”
When Colyar questioned her about her own “mixed feelings” about the controversial storyline, they said Nixon responded “like a therapist” and asked “will you unpack that for me?”
“Both actors seem to believe the reaction has more to do with a societal discomfort around gender nonconforming people than with the hope of genuine queer people that we’re portrayed as less lame,” Colyar wrote.
Despite some criticism, Ramirez said they stand by their character, emphasizing that it’s “exciting to see Che being a disruption to the mainstream.
“We had witnessed the mass mobilization for anti-racism for George Floyd,” they added.
“So realizing the importance of disruption, realizing the importance of waking people from sleep in their own comfort and privilege, was so important to me that summer.”