Portrait of a Character – Frank Todd
Frank Todd makes a point.
Origins
I had been reading more than enough homophobic rants about how gay characters would be too effeminate for Starfleet. It annoyed me enough that I wanted to create a pair of gay characters, and one of them would be a MACO. And so, for There’s Something About Hoshi, I created Franklin Thomas Todd.
Portrayal
Frank Todd is played by Luke MacFarlane.
Luke MacFarlane as Frank Todd
I wanted an impressively physically imposing actor. This guy would be no one’s idea of effeminate.
I also wanted a gay actor. I hope that this would be the kind of role that this actor could be proud of. Frank is no pushover and he is no stereotype.
Personality
Loyal, friendly and passionate, but also fiercely dedicated to his job, Frank is just the kind of guy you want defending the Enterprise and her crew. Jay and Julie trust him, and he has more than earned their trust. Eventually, he rises to the rank of Corporal although I can see him with a lot more responsibility.
Relationships
David Constantine
Dave and Frank have began dating by the time of There’s Something About Hoshi. In Entanglements, they get together after Frank rather loudly comes out. However, by the time of Shell Shock, Frank is picked up at a gay bar in Provincetown. Hence maybe things did not work out as well as the men would have preferred.
Mirror Universe
Mirror Universe Frank (Luke MacFarlane)
I do not yet have a Mirror Universe version of Frank, but there’s no reason why there can’t be one.
I like the idea of him, perhaps, being less rough around the edges on the other side of the pond. Maybe I’ll write him some time.
Quote
“My name is Franklin Thomas Todd.
And while it is nobody’s goddamned business, except for the people I care about, and who care about me, I want you all to know that I am a gay man. I don’t hide. I am not ashamed. (and) I am who I am, and being gay is as much a part of me as having a tattoo on my bicep, or brown eyes or being from Europa originally.”
Upshot
I want more occasions to showcase this character who is far more than his sexuality. I’ll be looking for places for Frank. You haven’t seen the last of him.
