There's something about being in a corset that makes me feel so masculine,' says Gatwa after his cover shoot. It's London Pride, and outside the studio the streets are full of revellers who are equally well-dressed in delightfully subversive outfits. 'Clothes are to play with,' he says. 'I love seeing men in "women's" clothing. There doesn't need to be a label. I believe that fully: that's why I don't like to label myself – and I don't owe it to anyone.'
We're talking about clothes, but we're also not talking about clothes. Success and celebrity often lead to speculation about the private lives of public figures. In the past few years, Gatwa has been propelled from breakout actor to star of some of the most era-defining films and television series. That might sound hyperbolic, but he's appearing in blockbusters (Barbie), British institutions (Doctor Who) and shows that have captured the cultural zeitgeist (Sex Education). He's also been embraced by the fashion industry, not least Tiffany & Co, for which he starred in an advertising campaign for its Tiffany Lock collection. Though he has never publicly disclosed his sexuality, many have drawn assumptions from his portrayal of Sex Education's beloved Eric.
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