Actor Brian
Michaels has spoken openly for the first time about being trans.
On 12 July,
Michaels starred in American TV show Queen Sugar as the trans
policeman Toine Wilkins.
Despite a
career that began in 2011, this was their first time playing a trans character.
In an interview
with GLAAD, he explains: ‘I had concerns disclosing my gender history,
without establishing myself as a strong actor first, would exclude me from
being considered for non-trans roles.
‘I began my
career post-transition and am not “visibly trans”. So I had the privilege of
choosing to disclose or not. I was able to go in for any role that fit my
type.’
Michaels is
happy to see the shift there has been in recent years in trans representation
in TV and film. For this, he thanks the advocacy and work of the likes of
Laverne Cox, Tiq Milan, Janet Mock, Jen Richards, and Jill Soloway.
‘It would
only be a matter of time before the right role surfaced’
Previously,
he’s played roles in Blue Bloods, Person of Interest,
and The Detour. He has also played minor roles in Gossip Girl and Girls.
Michaels
wanted to become comfortable within himself before taking on the role of a
trans character.
On trans
representation, he said: ‘It’s been really encouraging to see independently
produced films and series like Angelica Ross & Jen Richards’ Her Story and
Emmett Jack Lundberg’s Brothers, written and starring trans artists, have
found platforms to reach audiences with authentic representations of trans
people featuring a wide array of narratives.
‘These shows
have created opportunities for better representation in mainstream media. I
felt like it would only be a matter of time before the right role surfaced.’
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