Netflix’s long-awaited queer military drama Boots has officially landed, and it’s already striking a chord with audiences. The series follows Cameron Cope, a closeted gay man in the early 1990s, who enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps bootcamp and is suddenly faced with the dual challenge of survival — physically and emotionally.
Played by Miles Heizer (13 Reasons Why, Love, Simon), Cameron must hide his identity while navigating intense training, internalised shame, unexpected bonds, and more than a few temptations. But Boots is more than a gay coming-of-age story — it’s a celebration of resilience, queer storytelling, and chosen family.
Based on a True (and Very Gay) Story
Boots is inspired by the memoir The Pink Marine: One Boy’s Journey Through Boot Camp by Greg Cope White, a gay former Marine who shares his real-life experience of joining the military while closeted.
While the show updates the timeline to 1990 (the memoir ends in 1979), both take place before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — a time when being openly gay in the military could result in dishonourable discharge.
“When I was 18, it was illegal for me to enlist in the Marine Corps,” White wrote.
“My best friend changed my life — and stood by me 52 years later while filming this series.”
Boots was originally titled The Corps and was impacted by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. It was also the final project executive-produced by the legendary Norman Lear, who passed away in December 2023 at 101.
Meet the Main Cast
- Miles Heizer (Cameron Cope) – Heizer brings authenticity to Cameron, drawing from his own coming-out experience.
- Max Parker (Sgt. Sullivan) – A closeted leader running from his past, played by Parker, who married actor Kris Mochrie in 2025.
- Sachin Bhatt (Major Wilkinson) – A commanding presence and possible source of warmth in an otherwise cold setting.
- Jack Cameron Kay (Jones) – Chaotic, seductive, and the drama.
- Angus O’Brien (Hicks) – A grounded and emotional character, played by a queer actor who’s spoken openly about navigating tough roles.
- Kieron Moore (Slovacek) – Complex and layered, Moore is already gaining buzz for both Boots and his film Blue.
- Johnathan Nieves (Eduardo Ochoa) – One of the emotional anchors of the season.
- Liam Oh (Ray McAffey) – Based on White’s real-life best friend who helped him join the Marines.
- Dominic Goodman (Isaiah Nash) – A soft-hearted soldier trying to stay tough in a harsh environment.
Behind the Scenes Queerness
What makes Boots even more special is how deeply queer the show is — on both sides of the camera. Many of the cast members are out LGBTQ+ actors, including Heizer, Parker, Bhatt, and O’Brien, and they bring lived experiences to their roles.
The production team also includes queer creatives who were determined to honour White’s original story while making space for broader representation, such as trans, nonbinary, and femme identities that may not be seen in traditional military narratives.
Why Queer Audiences Are Loving Boots
From the Marines but make it gay premise to the emotional complexity of characters who are forced to hide their truths, Boots hits hard — and not just with push-ups.
The show explores themes of identity, chosen family, resilience, and survival under pressure, but also finds moments for humour, flirtation, and tenderness.
“It was such a quick turn from being so closeted to being so free,” said Heizer, reflecting on his own coming out.
“It’s fun to be around people I can actually relate to.”
