“I feel cisgender actors should not play trans characters until we get some equity.
Brian Michael Smith is accustomed to breaking barriers.
Check it out ahead.
“I feel cisgender actors should not play trans characters until we get some equity. There are so few trans roles, and there’s still a very strong bias against a trans person playing a cisgender character."
How do you process that?
Brian Michael Smith:I feel a sense of honor.
There must be something wrong with me if I’m the only person like this.”
Seeing people do certain things on screen allowed me to imagine possibilities for myself down the road.
Did you ever think about what your impact would be as a Black trans actor?
They get to see me play a character who has a full life and is successful.
It’s just a compounding force of positivity that I’m glad I can bring.
Unfortunately, trans people haven’t always been portrayed in a positive light in media.
Laws to prevent trans people’s rights are being written based on mischaracterizations.
Counterbalancing the negativity is my mission, artistry, and life’s work.
Do you prefer playing trans characters?
It’ll be different because I’m going to filter that character through my experiences.
It’s the same thing for Black actors.
What are your thoughts on cisgender actors portraying trans people?
At this time, I feel cisgender actors should not play trans characters until we get some equity.
You becamea household namefrom your role as Toine Wilkins inQueen Sugar.What connected you to the character?
Before joining, I watched Season 1 ofQueen Sugar,and I said, “This is it.”
I loved the characters and the explorations of Black family traditions and dynamics.
I remember feeling like the universe conspired to bring that role to fruition.
[Toine Wilkins] was a Black trans man living in his truth.
He wasn’t necessarily rolling around in the pain of his [trans] experience.
Did you receive any encouraging words fromQueen Sugar’s creator,Ava DuVernay?
Not too long afterward, I ran into Ava again.
We sat down and had a heartfelt conversation.
Having that kind of support from her put the wind in my sails to continue on my path.
People magazine named you asone of the sexiest men alivein 2021.
You’re the first openly trans man to be included in that list.
I know [some] people ascribe values of what it means to be a man through that title.
I never would have thought it would be possible to be recognized amongst cisgender men.
What did that recognition mean to you?
I wouldn’t have had as much shame about my identity for so many years.
It just highlighted how important it is to be visible.
You played sports on the boys football team and girls track teams in high school without controversy.
How did that shape your understanding of allyship?
My school held football tryouts, and anybody could participate.
I have to give credit to the coaches.
What do you say to that?
Sports exist for a reason.
The things that you learn from it are so invaluable.
Sports build character and gamesmanship, and it builds resilience.
It teaches you how to face adversities and move past them.
We should not deprive anyone of that.
What more should be done to combat Black queer and transerasure?
Continue to platform us and provide the funding to the people who [need it].
When authentic stories are told, people connect to them.
Who are other Black trans men you feel deserve recognition for their work?
He’s also an actor and uses his visibility to bring attention to the issues that matter.
Who is your Black queer icon?
She puts other people on.
She’ll executive produce other people’s projects to ensure people have opportunities and platforms.
What do you want your contributions to Black history to be?
Whether through the artists, advocacy, or just showing up to work, and providing for our families.
We are a part of the fabric of Black people, and our voices matter, too.
Thanks for chatting with us, Brian!
Be sure to keep up with Brian Michael Smithhere.
you might read moreBlack, Out & Proudinterviewshere.
