Is Boots on Netflix a true story?
Boots is a new Netflix series which follows the lives of two unlikely friends as they join the Marines, but who is the real-life inspiration behind the show?
BOOTS Netflix trailer for new upcoming series
Boots is streaming on Netflix and the series is a military drama chronicling gay teenager Cameron Cope (portrayed by Miles Heizer) as he enlists in the Marines alongside his closest mate despite the dangers.
Situated in the harsh environment of the 1990s US Marine Corps, when homosexuality in the armed forces remained forbidden, the programme tracks Cameron and Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), the offspring of a distinguished Marine, as they become part of a varied group of new recruits.
United, they build unexpected bonds whilst uncovering their authentic identities as they face extreme challenges.
Netflix revealed: "With sharp wit and plenty of heart, Boots is about friendship, resilience, and finding your place in the world - even when that world seems determined to keep you in line or leave you behind."
Greg Cope White is a former sergeant in the US Marine Corps and he worked as a writer and executive producer on the programme.
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He campaigns passionately for LGBTQ+ and veteran rights, and appears in the PBS documentary series American Veteran and has been published in the military publication Zero Dark Thirty.
Looking back on his journey since his Marine Corps days, he posted on Instagram: "At 18, I illegally enlisted in the Marine Corps to find my place as a gay man in the masculine world.
"The book honors my lifelong best friend Dale, who got me through a chaotic childhood, and the Marines who took a chance on me and changed my life.
"And to send a message to others who are bullied: Bullies don't matter. You do. Hold on."
Greg completed six years of service with the Marines, achieving the rank of Sergeant, before relocating to New York City to pursue studies in acting and writing.
He subsequently settled in Los Angeles, where he secured his breakthrough in writing through employment with Norman Lear.
The Pink Marine website details how joining the Marines represented Greg's initial struggle, as he "has to cheat to pass the physical and then lie on the enlistment papers about his sexuality".
The characters Cameron and Ray draw inspiration from Greg and his closest mate Dale, with the website outlining the dangers they both faced.
It states: "It's insanely dangerous for both of them. But as fate would have it, the Few and the Proud turn out to be a bunch of oddballs and eccentrics - and a brotherhood is born."
Boots is available on Netflix.
