Christian Gabriel grew up in Miami, Florida, as the youngest of three boys in a neighborhood with a strong immigrant population, known for its tough gangs and frequent fights. Navigating that environment meant always staying alert, but the out actor never let it deter him from his love of performing. Whether on stage or staging impromptu backyard productions, Gabriel embraced every opportunity to entertain.

At 18, the Hollywood hopeful moved to Los Angeles, where he met director Mark Schwab, who cast him in the LGBTQ films, Shadows in Mind and Brotherly Lies. Now, the two are collaborating once again on Schwab’s latest release, Exteriors, which begins streaming March 3rd on GayBingeTV. We sat down with the young actor to learn more.

By Shane Gallagher

Wyatt faces a complex dilemma in Exteriors. How did you prepare for the emotional role?

Christian Gabriel:  It was empowering to embody someone so determined to shape his narrative.  In my mind, what Wyatt faces isn’t so much an emotional dilemma as it is a conscious decision. Wyatt walks into a room with the mindset that Shane is his man.  Even if Shane hasn’t thought about him in years, he’s going to make Shane think about him now.  Wyatt’s choices are deliberate and powerful, even when others don’t understand them.

Did you find any personal parallels between Wyatt’s experience and your own life?

CG:  Definitely. I based part of Wyatt’s character on someone in my life who’s been through similar situations. I have a deep love for this person, even though their choices have created distance between us. Bringing that connection into Wyatt made me love the character, flaws and all.

Can you share any memorable moments or behind-the-scenes stories from working on Exteriors?

CG:  On the first day of filming, Mathew Bridges, who plays Logan, and I were eating pizza for lunch when a swarm of wasps decided to join us. We tried to stay calm, but it was terrifying. Luckily, they didn’t sting us— all they wanted was my chicken wings. But there were hundreds of them!

What do you hope viewers take away from Wyatt’s story?

CG:  I hope they look beyond Wyatt’s actions and see his vulnerability.  Deep down, I believe he truly deserves a sweet, beautiful man.

Someone like Logan?

CG:  Oh yes!  I hope viewers root for Wyatt and Logan to end up together. Working so closely with Mathew was incredible.  Our chemistry was electric, and I hope audiences feel that.

As an out actor, how do you feel your identity has shaped the roles you take on?

CG:  For me, acting is a passion and a craft.  It’s not necessarily shaped by my identity. I’m a thug with a heart of gold and a spine of steel.  I haven’t seen anyone on screen who fully represents my story.  While I love the roles I’ve played and the subtlety I bring to them, I wouldn’t call myself subtle in real life. I’m still waiting for a character who feels truly like me.

What excites you most about the increasing representation of LGBTQ+ stories in film and television?

CG:  Honestly, I’m not entirely excited about the current state of LGBTQ+ representation. Too often, we’re still treated as accessories, the punchline sidekick, or the overly sexualized character.  There’s potential for so much more. I’d love to see rom-coms with the energy of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days or The Proposal. While there are amazing LGBTQ+ indie films being made, I don’t think they’re getting the attention they deserve.

How has playing Wyatt impacted you as an actor or personally?

CG:  Playing Wyatt came at a time when I needed an escape. Filming Exteriors let me step out of my daily life and into a new headspace, which was exactly what I needed.  I’ll never forget the video call where Mark offered me the role. I had been crying for days before, but that call felt like a turning point. Since then, my life has blossomed, and I see that moment as a marker of growth.

If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQ+ actors just starting out, what would it be?

CG:  Criticism is inevitable, whether it’s about how you sound, look, or present yourself. While it’s tempting to dismiss harsh feedback, take a moment to reflect on whether it might actually help you grow.  Acting isn’t about being yourself.  It is about becoming someone else. Nobody’s unfiltered personality translates perfectly on camera, which is why even reality TV has scriptwriters. Be adaptable, stay strong, and don’t be afraid to evolve.

Exteriors is produced by Diamond in the Rough Films.  It begins streaming on Gay Binge TV on March 3.