Alan Cumming, who’s been an out bisexual and a staunch advocate for LGBT rights, has said that his new starring role in Instinct as a gay lead character in a broadcast network drama is important given the fact that Donald Trump has created such hatred against the LGBT community.

The actor says the show comes at a time when “the president is actively condoning, by his silence, violence and persecution against the LBGT community.” Alan also saluted CBS for taking on the series, highly featuring a married gay couple.

“I think it’s actually the perfect time. It needs to be done and I’m glad to be a part of it,” Alan said.

Based on the novel by James Patterson, Instinct is about Dr. Dylan Reinhart (Cumming), an author and university professor who is an expert on serial killers, and is asked by New York police to help solve a case where a criminal is basing his behavior on one of his books.

“There are so many different layers, and I guess the challenge is to make it into one character,” Alan said of the role.

H/T: Page Six