Trace Lysette

I'm loving the fact that Hollywood is telling trans stories.

As a trans woman, I have always had to rise up and take the high road.

Trans talent is not even making it into the audition room, and we're not even being afforded the opportunity to tell our own stories. I feel that is problematic.

It felt like home to be working with so many powerful women - Lizzo, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu. I felt so welcome and loved.

There are only so many 'series regular' trans roles on TV.

It's tough advocating for trans visibility and not being pigeonholed as just a trans actress.

I think that trans women have endured a lot and they compromise a lot when dealing with cis hetero men.

It's not fun for an actor to be pigeonholed in any way.

My own experience of dating cis-hetero men has really been a challenge, because of the stigma they have to endure for attempting to love us.

I happen to believe that trans people are anointed, and because of our experiences and the unique way we see the world, we can bring so much to a role. We just need the opportunity to show that.

As much of a privilege as it is to pass, it's painful. You have to compartmentalize your life. That's awkward. Dating can be horrible.

I don't have shame around where I've been or what I've done to survive to get to where I'm at in my life. When you don't have shame around something, it can't hurt you.