Evan "Buck" Buckley's sexuality has been one of the most intensely debated and speculated topics in television for years, finally receiving a definitive, canonical answer in the show's seventh season. As of the current date, December 17, 2025, the latest information confirms that the 118 firefighter is not exclusively gay, but rather, he has been officially established as a bisexual character, marking a monumental moment for the series and its dedicated fanbase. This journey, which saw him explore a relationship with a man for the first time, was a long-awaited moment that resolved years of "queer-coding" and fan theories, providing a fresh, new direction for one of the show’s central figures.
This long-anticipated development, which aired during the milestone 100th episode, saw Buck take a significant step in his personal evolution, moving beyond his history of serial monogamy with women to explore a deeper, more authentic connection with a male peer. The revelation has been celebrated by many as a powerful example of a "later-in-life queer awakening," a narrative often underrepresented on network television. The actor who portrays him, Oliver Stark, has openly embraced and championed this new facet of the character.
Evan "Buck" Buckley: A Character Biography and Profile
Evan "Buck" Buckley is a central character in the procedural drama 9-1-1, known for his enthusiastic, sometimes reckless, but always heroic nature. His personal life has been a tumultuous journey of self-discovery, trauma, and deep familial and platonic bonds. His full profile is as follows:
- Full Name: Evan Buckley
- Nickname: Buck
- Portrayed By: Oliver Stark
- Occupation: Firefighter at Station 118 of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
- Family: Philip Buckley (Father), Margaret Buckley (Mother), Madeline "Maddie" Buckley Kendall (Older Sister)
- Key Relationships (Romantic): Abby Clark, Ali, Taylor Kelly, Natalia, Tommy Kinard (Male)
- Key Relationships (Platonic/Found Family): Eddie Diaz, Christopher Diaz, Bobby Nash, Athena Grant, Hen Wilson, Chimney Han
- Defining Character Arc: Moving from a reckless "Buck 1.0" with commitment issues and a need for external validation, to a mature, emotionally intelligent "Buck 2.0" who embraces his true self and deepens his bonds with his found family.
- Canon Sexuality: Bisexual (Confirmed in Season 7)
The Canonical Answer: Buck's Bisexuality and Queer Awakening
For years, the question of "Is Buck gay?" or "Is Buck bisexual?" simmered beneath the surface of the show, largely due to his intense, emotionally intimate, and often co-dependent relationship with his best friend and co-worker, Eddie Diaz. However, the show officially defined his sexuality in Season 7, Episode 4, titled "The 100th," when Buck shared a kiss with former firefighter and current helicopter pilot, Tommy Kinard.
This pivotal moment was not a sudden twist, but the culmination of a long-running character arc focused on Buck's relentless search for identity and belonging. His history of dating women, often serially and sometimes unhealthily, was part of a pattern of seeking external validation. His realization that he could be attracted to a man, specifically Tommy, after years of seemingly straight relationships, is a textbook example of a later-in-life queer awakening, which is a significant and powerful narrative for queer representation.
The actor, Oliver Stark, has been a vocal champion of this development, confirming the character's status as bisexual. On Bisexual Day of Visibility, Stark took to social media to pay tribute to his character, calling it an "honor" to tell this story. He also publicly addressed any backlash, stating that if a character finding a new facet to his sexuality and realizing his bisexuality is a "deal breaker," then those viewers have missed the entire point of the show, which is about "love and inclusion."
The Buck and Tommy Kinard Relationship
Buck's exploration of his bisexuality began in earnest with Tommy Kinard, a former 118 firefighter who reappeared in Season 7 as a helicopter pilot. Their dynamic started with a professional admiration that quickly turned into a romantic interest, initiated by Tommy. The relationship provided Buck with a new sense of maturity and self-acceptance that his previous relationships often lacked.
The relationship was significant because it forced Buck to confront his feelings and finally step outside the heteronormative box he had lived in. It was a crucial step in his journey toward defining his sexual identity. However, the relationship was not without its complications, including the revelation that Tommy had previously been engaged to Buck's ex-girlfriend, Abby Clark, a detail that initially created tension but ultimately highlighted the complexities of Buck's past.
While the pairing, affectionately dubbed "Tommuck," was celebrated for its explicit queer representation, recent developments suggest the relationship has faced challenges, with some reports even indicating a breakup. Regardless of their current status, the importance of Tommy Kinard in Buck's life is undeniable, as he served as the catalyst for Buck’s queer awakening.
Addressing the "Buddie" Dynamic: Buck, Eddie, and Fan Speculation
No discussion of Buck's sexuality is complete without addressing the "Buddie" phenomenon—the intense, years-long fan speculation and desire for a romantic relationship between Evan Buckley and his best friend, Edmundo "Eddie" Diaz.
The two characters share a deep, co-parenting bond over Eddie's son, Christopher Diaz. Buck is Christopher's legal guardian, a testament to the profound level of trust and love between the two men. Their relationship has been characterized by intense emotional intimacy, mutual protection, and dialogue that has often been interpreted by fans and critics alike as heavily "queer-coded."
The show's decision to make Buck canonically bisexual has not diminished the "Buddie" speculation; in fact, it has fueled it further. Many fans see Buck's bisexuality as the final hurdle removed, making a future romance with Eddie a canonical possibility. Even actor Ryan Guzman (who plays Eddie Diaz) has acknowledged the chemistry and the fan desire for the pairing. While Buck's relationship with Tommy was a major step, the show has yet to definitively close the door on a possible "Buddie" romance, leaving it as the ultimate question for future seasons.
In summary, the answer to "Is Buck gay on 9-1-1?" is a resounding "No, he is bisexual." His story is a powerful, modern narrative about self-discovery, proving that identity is a journey that can unfold at any age. The introduction of Tommy Kinard solidified Buck's place in the LGBTQ+ community, while his enduring bond with Eddie Diaz keeps the door open for one of television's most anticipated queer pairings.
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