In this special episode of the They/Them Project Podcast by Brent Dundore, I had the opportunity to speak with Ellie Desautels and their fiance Wren Hallman. Ellie played “Michael” on NBC Rise, and is the 2nd non binary person ever to play a regular role on a national TV show. When I contacted Ellie asking if they would be interested in being part of the project, they said they would really want to include Wren as well. 

Don’t miss this interview! We touch on:

•  What it’s like being in a gender nonconforming relationship.

•  How “masculine” and “feminine” don’t need to mean anything more than descriptive words.

•  How having trans characters on TV can help “normalize being trans,” and the importance behind it. 

•  Trans representation on TV and on stage – and the concept of trans+ actors playing trans+ characters. (Including Scarlett Johansson turning down a recent role.)

•  The concept of me, a cis individual, doing this project about trans+ people.

•  How names are important to trans+ people — and how asking a question like “what was your birth name?” can be extremely hurtful.

•  How using non-gendered language can make a difference in peoples lives and brighten up their day.

•  AND SO MUCH MORE!

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS SHARE THE INTERVIEWS!

EXPERIENCE THE ENTIRE PROJECT AT: TheyThemProject.org.