Riverdale star KJ Apa would ‘love’ to be part of a gay storyline
KJ Apa in Riverdale. (Netflix)
2018 just got a little bit better, thanks to Riverdale star KJ Apa.
Apa, who plays heartthrob Archie Andrews in the dark CW and Netflix show, was recently asked about whether Archie could be in a relationship with one of the other male characters.
During a panel at the Oz Comic Con in Melbourne, the 20-year-old actor was asked about Archie’s relationship with openly gay character Kevin Keller, played by Casey Cott.
Many fans believe that the pair would make a good couple, “shipping” them together romantically.
(Netflix)
When asked whether he would ever consider being part of a gay storyline between the two characters, Apa replied: “Love it, let’s go!”
Seeing as the representation of LGBT characters in mainstream media is still woefully low, Apa’s support of representing gay characters in such a popular show is still a huge step.
This isn’t the first time that Apa has spoken out in favour of LGBT rights and representation.
Madelaine Petsch KJ Apa and Camila Mendes (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
In April, the 20-year-old actor hit out at Australian rugby star Israel Folau for saying that gay people will go to hell “unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.”
A number of rugby players condemned his remark, but Folau remained defiant, even tweeting a cryptic Bible verse about ‘persecuted’ Christians.
Apa, who hails from New Zealand, took to his Instagram story to tell Folau in no uncertain terms to “sit down” and stop criticising gay people.
There was nothing Christian about the rugby player’s stance, he said.
Below a screenshot of Folau’s comment, Apa wrote: “Very disappointing comments..our role as Christians is to LOVE not Judge.
“What gives you the right to condemn? Are you perfect?”
Apa plays Archie Andrews in the hit Netflix show (VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images)
Riverdale has explored many LGBT themes over its two-season run, and has recently been renewed for a third season.
In March, Riverdale character Cheryl Blossom, who came out as bisexual, was sent to get gay ‘conversion’ therapy.
The head cheerleader and all-round badass delighted fans by telling Toni Topaz, who also came out as bi earlier this season, that she was once in love with Heather, her best friend in junior high.
The revelation was foreshadowed by Madelaine Petsch, who plays Cheryl on the show about Archie Comics characters, who revealed the week before that Cheryl was “definitely interested in both women and men.”
And in an emotional scene with prominent bisexual lighting, Cheryl opened up about her sexuality to Toni.
Toni Topaz and Cheryl Blossom (Netflix)
Toni and Cheryl are among several Netflix characters to reveal their bisexuality in the past few years, including Darryl Whitefeather on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Adam on Jane The Virgin.
