Reactions on social media to the news that Matt Bomer is set to portray a trans sex worker in the upcoming Timothy McNeil film Anything have been been, well, anything but positive.
The trans community and trans advocates expressed outrage that yet another trans role in a Hollywood film was not given to a trans actor.
Jen Richards, a trans actor and director, pointed out that she auditioned for the same film (though a different and smaller role):
She went on to tweet out "reasons not to have cis men play trans women."
Mark Ruffalo, as one of the project's executive producers, was called out specifically:
On Wednesday, the actor took to Twitter to respond directly to the trans community, writing, "I hear you. It's wrenching to see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation."
He mentioned that he originally thought of Bomer for the role after working alongside the actor on HBO's The Normal Heart.
Many people responded by demanding that Bomer be recast, allowing a trans woman to take on the role.
Others thanked him for (hopefully) opening up a conversation.
Ruffalo responded to one person, revealing that the film was "already shot" and that Bomer "poured his heart and soul" into the part.
The actor asked for "a little compassion," adding, "We are all learning."
CORRECTION
Jen Richards auditioned for a part in Anything, but a different role from the part Bomer is playing. An earlier version of this post misstated that Richards auditioned for the same role as Bomer.