Billy Porter says his film 'Our Son' is not just about coming out as he reveals what drew him to the role

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Billy Porter joined the table of co-hosts on the December 12 episode of 'The View' to discuss his latest film 'Our Son.'

Directed by Bill Oliver and written by Oliver and Peter Nickowitz, the film stars Porter and Luke Evans as husbands Gabriel and Nicky, whose relationship evolves from marriage to separation to a custody battle over their young son, Owen.

According to People, 'Our Son' also marks 44-year-old Evan's first lead film role as a queer character.

The actor said, “I've been ready to take that step for ages. I just haven't found the right story (until now)."

Billy Porter discusses the importance of the story of 'Our Son'

Co-host Sunny Hostin told Porter that she felt the couple portrayed in the film could have been any irrespective of their sexuality, to which the star emphatically agreed.

When asked what drew him to the story, Porter explained, "I am a part of the generation that fought for the right to marry - for queer people, for gay people. And with the right to marry, comes the right to divorce."

"These stories need to be told, you know. It's not just about coming out. Once we come out, we actually live full lives."

Why did the role of Gabriel appeal to Billy Porter?

Porter claimed that the role offered to him in the film was very different from his flamboyant off-screen persona.

"The other thing about it is, for me as an actor, it's quiet. It's a quiet space. It's a quiet role. It's something which the world has not seen me do because daddy is not, quite generally," he stated, making everyone burst with laughter.

"So what I loved about it is that it's another color ... that I get to show the world in my ever-expanding blessed life."

The synopsis of 'Our Son' on Tribeca Film reads, "Billy stars as Gabriel, an aspiring artist struggling to find creative and personal spark while caring for the young son he shares with his ambitious partner, Nicky (Luke Evans). Stress and anxiety flare as their relationship gets to an unrepairable place, forcing the couple to head for a divorce."

It further reads, "Now the two must navigate the unenviable position of revealing the news to shared friends and family. Thus begins the journey to find themselves and support their son."