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Sachin Bhatt on “Boots”: Visibility, Vulnerability, and Queer Representation in Netflix’s Groundbreaking Series
READ TIME: 19 MIN.
With the debut of “Boots,” Netflix introduces audiences to a nuanced, deeply resonant queer narrative set against the backdrop of a 1990s U.S. Marine Corps bootcamp. The series follows Cameron Cope, a closeted gay recruit, as he navigates the intense pressures of military training and the constant fear of exposure in an era defined by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Among the ensemble cast is Sachin Bhatt, who portrays Major Wilkinson — a character whose presence adds gravity and nuance to the series’ depiction of LGBTQ+ life within the armed forces .
Before “Boots,” Bhatt was recognized for his performances in acclaimed series such as “Queer As Folk,” “Grace and Frankie,” and “The Company You Keep.” His career, marked by a commitment to authentic and complex portrayals of queer characters, positioned him as a natural fit for the role of Major Wilkinson — a figure described by Out as “very significant” within the show’s ensemble. Bhatt’s casting is notable not only for his acting prowess but also for his South Asian heritage, which brings essential intersectional representation to the series .
In his conversation with Out, Bhatt reflects on the scarcity of nuanced queer South Asian characters in mainstream Western media. He highlights the personal and professional stakes of bringing Wilkinson to life, noting that “visibility matters not just for LGBTQ+ people, but for queer people of color who rarely see themselves reflected authentically in stories about love, trauma, and resilience” .
Unlike the show’s central protagonist, Wilkinson is introduced later in the season but quickly becomes a stabilizing force within the bootcamp’s turbulent environment. Out describes Bhatt’s portrayal as imbuing the character with “warm and caring energy” — a deliberate choice by the actor to counterbalance the tension and anxiety experienced by closeted recruits .
Bhatt explains that Wilkinson’s complexity lies in his ability to embody both authority and vulnerability. “There’s a responsibility that comes with being a leader in this context, but also a quiet solidarity with those who are forced to hide parts of themselves just to survive,” Bhatt shares in the interview . He notes that the character’s warmth is not just a personal trait but a deliberate act of resistance against the institutionalized cruelty of the era.
“Boots” distinguishes itself not only through its storyline but also through its commitment to representation both behind and in front of the camera. The show features multiple out LGBTQ+ actors, including Miles Heizer as Cameron Cope and Max Parker as Sgt. Sullivan, whose personal experiences with coming out lend authenticity to their performances .
Out reports that the series’ creative team drew from real-life accounts and the lived experiences of queer service members to ensure accuracy and emotional truthfulness. This collaborative approach, Bhatt says, “created a unique sense of community on set, where everyone understood the gravity of telling these stories with care and honesty” .
The release of “Boots” has sparked significant conversation among viewers and critics about the enduring legacy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the persistent challenges faced by LGBTQ+ service members . Bhatt tells Out that he has received messages from queer fans — and particularly from South Asian and military backgrounds — expressing appreciation for seeing their experiences acknowledged on screen .
He emphasizes that, while progress has been made, the need for complex, intersectional queer stories remains urgent. “We need shows like ‘Boots’ because they remind us that the fight for equality is ongoing, and that telling the truth about our histories — even the painful parts — is an act of hope,” Bhatt concludes .
With the first season now streaming and a possible second season on the horizon, “Boots” appears poised to continue expanding the conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in military and mainstream narratives . For Bhatt, the hope is that his work on the show will inspire more inclusive casting and storytelling across the industry.
As the landscape of queer media evolves, “Boots” serves as both a reflection of the hardships endured by LGBTQ+ people under discriminatory policies and a celebration of resilience, solidarity, and the ongoing pursuit of authenticity on and off screen.
