The indie romance series Heated Rivalry has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a surprise streaming sensation particularly among LGBTQ+ viewers.
But not everyone is celebrating.
Openly gay actor and filmmaker Jordan Firstman, known for his raw and unfiltered approach to queer storytelling, is voicing sharp criticism of the hockey-themed romance—and his comments are sparking heated debate across social media.
The 34-year-old I Love LA star recently sat down with Vulture to discuss his work, and he didn’t hold back when asked about Heated Rivalry.
The Authenticity Problem
After watching just two episodes, Firstman concluded that something fundamental was missing from Heated Rivalry.
I’m sorry, I watched those first two episodes of Heated Rivalry and it’s just not gay. It’s not how gay people f–k.
His critique centers on realism—or what he perceives as a lack thereof—in portraying intimate moments between men.
Firstman isn’t speaking from inexperience. His 2023 film Rotting in the Sun featured actual, non-simulated sex scenes, pushing boundaries in ways mainstream productions typically avoid.
What Makes Gay Sex Scenes “Gay”?
For Firstman, authentic queer representation goes beyond bodies on screen. It requires capturing specific emotional textures and behaviors unique to gay intimacy.
He pointed to his own work on HBO’s I Love LA as an example of getting it right.
There’s so few things that actually show gay sex. In the first sex scene, when we both say ‘that part’ after cumming, that’s one of my favorite moments. That is a real thing that is from my life.
He explained how he and his scene partner incorporated genuine moments from their lived experiences as gay men.
Me and this guy were obsessed with saying ‘that part’ for a moment and we both came and just instinctively said it and then laughed a lot. That’s gay to me. A straight guy could not write that. They don’t know what the camaraderie of gay sex is.
The camaraderie of gay sex—that phrase captures Firstman’s core argument. He believes straight writers and actors fundamentally cannot access these nuances.
The Representation Versus Entertainment Divide
When the Vulture reporter praised Rotting in the Sun as potentially “the best gay movie of the decade in terms of feeling honest about what gay life is like,” Firstman used the compliment to further critique Heated Rivalry.
But [people] want to see Heated Rivalry. I go to art to be confronted and to think, but a lot of people just want entertainment or to see two straight hockey players pretending to be gay and f–king.
His comment highlights a tension within LGBTQ+ media consumption: challenging artistic expression versus accessible romantic entertainment.
While Firstman seeks confrontation and authenticity in queer cinema, Heated Rivalry offers something different—a polished, romantic fantasy that happens to feature two men.
The Sexuality Debate
Perhaps Firstman’s most controversial stance involves Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, neither of whom has publicly discussed their sexuality.
When the reporter noted that either actor could potentially be gay, Firstman didn’t soften his position.
Then you know what? I am one of those bitches who says, ‘Then say it.’ A gay guy would say it. I don’t respect you because you care too much about your career and what’s going to happen if people think you’re gay.
This perspective has ignited fierce discussion online. Should actors be required to disclose their sexuality when playing LGBTQ+ roles?
Advocates for Firstman’s view argue that:
- Gay roles should go to openly gay actors who understand the experience
- Ambiguity around sexuality allows straight actors to benefit from queer stories while avoiding any career stigma
- Transparency creates accountability and genuine representation
Others counter that:
- Demanding someone publicly discuss their sexuality violates privacy
- Actors shouldn’t be forced out of closets on anyone’s timeline
- Coming out is deeply personal and shouldn’t be required for employment
The Creator’s Response
The creator of Heated Rivalry has previously addressed this controversy, explaining why he doesn’t believe actors’ real-life sexualities should matter to fans.
His position reflects traditional acting philosophy: performers inhabit characters different from themselves. Requiring sexuality disclosure, he argues, applies a standard not demanded for other identity characteristics.
Why This Conversation Matters
Firstman’s critique touches on larger questions facing LGBTQ+ media today.
Whose stories get told? Mainstream productions with significant budgets increasingly feature queer narratives—but are they authentically queer, or simply queer-flavored content for broad audiences?
What kind of representation serves the community best? Accessible romance series like Heated Rivalry normalize same-sex relationships for wider audiences. Raw, confrontational films like Rotting in the Sun challenge viewers and capture specific queer experiences.
Both approaches have value. Both face criticism.
For Firstman, authenticity isn’t negotiable. His artistic vision prioritizes uncomfortable truths over comfortable entertainment, real experiences over polished fantasy.
Whether audiences agree with his Heated Rivalry takedown or not, he’s sparked essential dialogue about what authentic queer storytelling looks like—and who gets to create it.