New Netflix series ‘Boots’ explores life as a gay Marine before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
– 2 min read
Netflix’s latest original series, Boots, is a poignant and powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and camaraderie set against the backdrop of the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1990s - a time when being openly gay in the military was not just taboo, but illegal.
Inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, the eight-episode drama follows Cameron Cope (played with quiet intensity by Miles Heizer), a closeted gay teenager who enlists in the Marines alongside his best friend Ray (Liam Oh). What begins as a classic boot camp narrative quickly evolves into a layered coming-of-age tale, confronting the brutal realities of military life and the emotional toll of hiding one’s true self.
Set in the pre-“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, Boots captures the fear and isolation felt by LGBTQ+ recruits, while also celebrating the friendships and moments of solidarity that help them survive. Cameron’s internal struggle is cleverly externalised through a dual persona - a voice of his hidden gayness - that debates and challenges him throughout training. It’s a device that adds psychological depth and a touch of surrealism to the otherwise gritty realism of boot camp life.
The series is helmed by Andy Parker (Tales of the City) and co-showrunner Jennifer Cecil (One Tree Hill), with the late Norman Lear serving as executive producer. Lear, known for his trailblazing work in television, championed the adaptation before his death in 2023, recognising its potential to shift cultural narratives around LGBTQ+ service members.
Authenticity is a cornerstone of Boots. The production team included Marine veterans in the writers’ room and on set, ensuring the depiction of boot camp was both accurate and emotionally resonant. Scenes were filmed in a meticulously recreated squad bay, complete with functioning toilets and impromptu head-shaving rituals that immersed the cast in the experience.
While Boots doesn’t shy away from the harshness of military training - the shouting drill instructors, the punishing physical tests, and the ever-present threat of violence - it also finds space for humour and heart. Cameron’s journey is marked by moments of tenderness, unexpected alliances, and a growing sense of self-worth. His relationship with Ray, and later with fellow recruit Joshua Jones (Jack Kay), underscores the importance of allyship and emotional support in hostile environments.
