[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n this day and age, we need as much trans visibility as possible. Yet, it seems like Hollywood always gets it wrong by casting cis gender people as transgender characters. It’s seriously disagreeing to people who are trans. Luckily, Elliot Fletcher has became our beacon of light for trans visibility, he is a trans actor that has been in many TV shows such as “The Fosters”, “Shameless” and “Faking It” as of this year. He’s one of my favorites on The Fosters! I decided to talk to him about being trans, Hollywood and helping others.
Have you always wanted to be an actor?
Mostly, yes. I also always wanted to be a musician.
How did you begin?
Both of my parents are actors, they say it’s just in my blood but I started taking acting classes when I was 9 and then never really stopped. I only started professionally pursuing it last year.
Do you think it’s hard breaking into Hollywood when you’re transgender?
Yes. I don’t like to think of myself at a disadvantage because I’m trans but there is so little representation, it’s hard to find roles. I’ve been very lucky with the roles I’ve played but the trans community is still being perceived as a new concept, so casting directors are scared to cast trans people in cis AND trans roles.
What do you think of the lack of trans representation?
I find it upsetting that there isn’t enough accurate trans representation in media but I’m hoping that that’s starting to change now. I really hope it is.
Growing up, was it hard being trans?
Yes, but not because I’m trans. It was hard because society perceives gender in such a binary way, it was scary to break out of that binary without being thought of as “gross” or “weird” or “wrong”.
What advice would you give to someone who is transitioning?
Never compromise who you are for someone else or for a certain situation. Please, always be unapologetically you.
You always retweet a lot of Gofundme’s for other people who are trans, why do you do that?
My community is my family. They care for me, I care for them. I want my family to get the attention and love they deserve. To put it simply, I just want everyone to be happy.
What’s your favorite role that you have played?
I don’t know if I can really pick. Each experience and character is so individual. But getting to play the stereotypical “bad boy” (Aaron in “The Fosters”) is pretty fun. But both Trevor (“Shameless”) and Noah (“Faking It”) have got some attitude as well so that’s super fun to play too.
