Bryan Safi and the Power of Authentic LGBTQ+ Representation on 9-1-1

Bryan Safi’s portrayal of Josh Russo on 9-1-1 is far more than an acting gig—it’s a beacon of authentic representation in mainstream media. Through humor, vulnerability, and emotional depth, Safi brings to life a character that resonates universally while shining a spotlight on the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. By doing so, Safi ensures that Josh Russo is not only memorable but meaningful, fostering empathy and understanding among viewers.

A Personal Connection to Josh Russo

For Safi, the role of Josh Russo is deeply intertwined with his own journey. Growing up in a closeted environment, Safi spent years hiding his true self. Coming out, he says, changed everything.

“Once I came out of the closet, that’s when my humor really started to form. That’s certainly where my confidence began.”

This evolution mirrors Josh’s confident, vibrant personality. Safi’s performance is infused with his own experiences, lending authenticity to every scene. Yet, he’s quick to point out that Josh isn’t just an extension of himself.

“I think Josh might be a little better of a guy than I am,” Safi says with a smile. “But I admire the hell out of him.”

That admiration shines through in Josh’s determination and warmth, whether he’s managing the chaos of emergency dispatch or navigating the complexities of personal relationships.

Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Growth

One of the many ways 9-1-1 excels is by presenting characters like Josh Russo and Buck as more than their labels. The show captures the fluidity of identity and the universal journey of self-discovery, breaking free from outdated molds. For Bryan Safi, this is a powerful reflection of today’s evolving cultural landscape.

“It’s nice that we have the freedom to figure out our own path now, even if it looks different than somebody else’s,” Safi explains.

In the context of sexuality, career paths, and personal growth, Safi believes we’ve entered an era that celebrates individuality and continuous discovery. Gone are the rigid frameworks that once defined life’s milestones, replaced by a culture that encourages exploration and reinvention.

“One wonderful thing about sexuality and discovering who you are is that things aren’t like they used to be. There is space to explore. You don’t have to sign up for one job for the next 50 years and then retire with a watch.”

This ethos is beautifully embodied in Buck’s storyline on 9-1-1, where he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that feels authentic and relatable. Safi, who has portrayed his own character’s evolution with similar authenticity, finds Buck’s experience particularly inspiring.

“That’s why I think Buck’s adventure is so exciting. There’s a lot of firsts, and there’s a lot of finding things out on the go. And that’s really the only way to grow—constant discovery. I love that he’s going through this right now.”

This narrative resonates deeply, not just for LGBTQ+ viewers, but for anyone who has navigated the uncertainty of forging their own path. By showing characters who are growing and evolving in real-time, 9-1-1 captures the essence of humanity—our ability to learn, adapt, and embrace the unexpected.

A Model for Representation

Safi’s character Josh Russo reflects the same spirit of authenticity and growth. Josh is not confined by stereotypes; he’s portrayed as a complex, capable individual whose sexuality is just one part of his story. As Safi puts it:

“Josh does have his own soul and his own life and his own experiences.”

What sets 9-1-1 apart is its commitment to crafting characters like Josh who defy stereotypes. Josh Russo isn’t reduced to a cliché or comedic sidekick; he’s a fully realized individual with his own storylines, struggles, and triumphs.

This representation is groundbreaking, especially for LGBTQ+ audiences who have long been underserved by mainstream media. For Safi, it’s a milestone moment.

“It’s something I wish I had when I was younger. And I’m so thrilled that people have it now. 9-1-1 is a massive show with massive appeal. And to know that communities who are underserved in terms of representation get this giant TV hit in their living rooms—it’s incredible.”

The Ripple Effect of Relatable Characters

The show’s impact extends beyond its core audience. Safi shares how even his own family’s perspectives have shifted thanks to the show’s nuanced storytelling.

“My parents don’t necessarily know people like this in their daily lives. They might not have thought about turning on the television to something like this before I was on it, but they’re totally hooked on the show. They’re invested in the storylines.” 

This ability to foster empathy and understanding is what makes characters like Josh Russo so important. By focusing on Josh’s humanity rather than solely his identity, 9-1-1 bridges divides and creates connections.

“The idea that these characters in these situations are totally human makes them also totally relatable, even if you might not know people like this in your real life. You can still identify with them.” Safi explains.

A Moment That Resonates Deeply

One of Josh’s defining moments came in a heartfelt scene where he spoke with Buck about the “luxury of coming out.” For Safi, the scene hit close to home.

“It was such a lovely, gentle way of saying, freedom is so priceless,” Safi recalls.

He credits showrunner Tim Minear for crafting a script that felt deeply authentic, reflecting conversations Safi has had in his own life. It’s moments like these that balance the show’s high-octane drama with emotional resonance, creating a series that is both thrilling and meaningful.

“9-1-1 sets out first to deliver an amazing show and to be action-packed and something that you can have fun with and also feel for,” Safi says.

Representation Beyond Identity

At its heart, 9-1-1 succeeds because it humanizes its characters, even in extraordinary circumstances. Josh Russo’s story isn’t just about his identity as a gay man—it’s about his humanity. Safi explains the show’s approach:

“I think the people you see on this show are going through extreme circumstances, and it’s completely relatable and empowering.”

For LGBTQ+ viewers, Josh offers representation that feels authentic and affirming. For others, he becomes a bridge to empathy, showcasing that while identities differ, the core of human experience is shared.

“We live in a time where everything feels like it’s rolling back. It’s the classic one step forward, two steps back,” Safi observes.

Despite the challenges, 9-1-1 pushes forward, offering hope and progress through its storytelling.

A Legacy of Inclusion

Bryan Safi’s work on 9-1-1 is a reminder of the transformative power of authentic representation. Through Josh Russo, Safi brings humor, heart, and relatability to a character who inspires and connects with viewers of all backgrounds. Safi’s pride in the show and its mission is unmistakable.

“I’m so proud to be on a show like this with a character who is so good and passionate about his job and passionate about his friends, and also is living the life that he wants to be living.”

By presenting LGBTQ+ characters as complex individuals with universal struggles and triumphs, 9-1-1 redefines what representation can achieve. Josh Russo isn’t just a character; he’s a testament to the progress that can be made when storytelling embraces authenticity. Through Safi’s performance, 9-1-1 has become more than just a show—it’s a platform for change and understanding, ensuring its impact will be felt for years to come.