It seems to be a double-edged Catch 22… some gay actors decry straight actors stealing gay roles, while at the same time, feel entitled to compete on a level playing field for straight parts.

Acting, by definition, is basically pretending, after all. In my opinion, an actor’s sexual orientation in real life should have no bearing on their opportunities to perform believably in a fictional world. Then again, as you so astutely point out, Perkins’ private struggle added great depth and nuance to his portrayal of Norman Bates.