Most people agree that gay representation on TV is a good thing, but when it was far rarer than it is today, there were issues. For many straight people their entire knowledge of gay people was what they’d seen on television, creating a somewhat warped perception. It was something many gay people themselves were uneasy with – pleased to see gay characters but concerned that only a small part of the LGBT experience was being shown.

Now Wentworth Miller has being talking about that with The Backlot, relating his experience watching Melrose Place and its gay character, Matt Fielding, the sole non-straight person in an apartment full of the young and the beautiful.

Miler says, “Obviously it’s important for folks in the LGBT community – kids especially – to see themselves reflected onscreen. I can remember watching Melrose Place in college and paying special attention to the Matt Fielding character. Did that help ease the pain of coming out? No. Did I squirm a little wondering if my friends who were watching the show with me were connecting me to Matt? Yes.

“I also knew the actor (Doug Savant) was straight. But I did appreciate seeing some evidence that Hollywood was willing to tell Matt’s story. It wasn’t my story, but I felt a connection. Some representation. We’ve come a long way since then and I’m sure we’ll go a long way still.”

Miller recently took a recurring role on The Flash and was first seen in Episode 4, which aired in the US a couple of days ago, and will next pop up in Episode 10.