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Sara Ramírezis reflecting on their game-changing character onGrey’s Anatomy.
In a recent interview withVariety, Ramírez, who came out as non-binary in 2020 and uses the pronouns they/them, recalled the moment they approached creatorShonda Rhimeswith the fresh idea of introducing Callie as bisexual.
“I wanted to pursue a storyline where Callie would discover that she was attracted to women, as well as men,” Ramírez told the publication.
Rhimes was quick to jump on board with the idea. “She knew I was bi,” Ramírez recalled.
And so, Callie came out as bisexual on the series in 2009. At the time, Ramírez says they knew they were bisexual themselves, but weren’t ready to come out publicly.
“I was really afraid it would hurt my career if I came out as bisexual,” Ramírez told PEOPLE in December. “I was very aware of the bi[sexual] antagonism that exists. But I’m really proud of what we put out in the world. It was definitely disrupting a narrative.”
Danny Feld/ABC
After a brief marriage to Dr. George O’Malley, Callie went on to marry Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) on the show. The relationship proved to be extremely impactful.
During an interview withOut Magazinelast year, Ramírez said the role not only had an impact on the LBGTQ community as a whole, but also their own self-understanding.
“Prior to Callie Torres, I’d never seen myself represented on television,” Ramírez toldthe outlet. “There was so much I didn’t know that I didn’t know. So, I’ve caught up with myself in a lot of ways.”
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Speaking withVariety, showrunner Krista Vernoff expressed similar sentiments about Callie.
Though Ramírez exited Grey’s Anatomy in 2016, and last appeared in the season 12 finale, they said they’re open to aGrey’sreturn in the future.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today without the experience I had onGrey’s Anatomyand my heart is completely open to going back and checking in with Dr. Callie Torres,” Ramírez added. “But that would only happen if the writers' room and the story really organically led them to need a character like Callie to come back. They all know that I support them from afar and that I’m rooting for them.”
Grey’s Anatomyis not the first time Ramírez has broken boundaries with their character. They also starred as Che Diaz, an outspoken, non-binary podcast host and stand-up comic on theSex and the Cityrevival series,And Just Like That…, who ends up being (spoiler alert!) Miranda Hobbes' love interest.
source: people.com
