Jordan Firstman calls out the sex scenes in Heated Rivalry, saying they lack authenticity and “just aren’t gay,” sparking debate among fans and LGBTQ+ creators.

Firstman Calls Out the Hit Series

December 12, 2025: I Love LA star Jordan Firstman is making headlines after publicly criticizing the sex scenes in the popular series Heated Rivalry, saying they lack genuine queer expression and claiming bluntly that “it’s just not gay.” His comments, delivered during a recent interview, have sparked wide discussion about LGBTQ+ representation, authenticity, and the evolving expectations placed on queer-centered storytelling.

“Queer Sex Should Look Queer — Not Sanitized”

Firstman explained that while he appreciates the visibility the series brings to queer relationships, he feels the execution of intimate scenes caters more to mainstream expectations than to actual LGBTQ+ lived experience.

He argued that the stylized, highly choreographed nature of the scenes fails to capture the rawness, humor, awkwardness, and emotional depth that make queer intimacy unique.

HOLR has the latest news on artists pushing for more honest depictions of queer identity in television.

Not an Attack — A Call for Better Representation

Firstman clarified that his comments were not an attack on the actors or creators but part of a larger conversation. He believes queer storytelling has matured enough that audiences now expect authenticity, not watered-down aesthetics designed to avoid offending general viewers.

“Representation is great,” he said, “but it has to be real. Otherwise, it’s just marketing.”

Fans and Creators React

Reactions online were immediate and divided:

Some praised Firstman for saying what many queer viewers have felt but hesitated to express.

Others argued that Heated Rivalry intentionally uses a heightened, romanticized tone that fits the series’ fantasy-like world.

A few felt Firstman’s comments were unnecessarily harsh, sparking debate about how criticism should be delivered within the LGBTQ+ creative community.

HOLR notes that this debate echoes ongoing discussions about authenticity versus accessibility in queer media.

Why His Critique Matters

As one of the most outspoken queer voices in Hollywood, Firstman has built a reputation for challenging sanitized portrayals of LGBTQ+ life. His comments highlight a common frustration: that queer intimacy is often shaped to appeal to straight audiences rather than reflect queer realities.

For many creators, this moment reflects a shift toward more nuanced expectations of representation.

Firstman’s Own Approach to LGBTQ+ Storytelling

In I Love LA, Firstman portrays complex queer relationships that blend humor, vulnerability, and imperfection — a tone he feels is missing from some mainstream portrayals. He said his goal is always to show “the messiness and humanity” of queer life, not just the polished version.

His critique of Heated Rivalry suggests he hopes the industry will move toward deeper honesty in its queer narratives.

A Conversation That Isn’t Going Away

Jordan Firstman’s remarks have ignited one of the most engaged discussions in LGBTQ+ media this year, raising questions about what modern representation should look like — and who gets to define it.