n°1 | In Conversation
Lea DeLaria on Butch Representation, Orange Is the New Black, and Being the First to Ever Do It
In 1993, Lea DeLaria became the first openly gay comic to perform on American television with her groundbreaking performance on The Arsenio Hall Show. That landmark appearance, in which she mentioned the words “dyke,” “fag,” or “queer” 47 times in 9½ minutes, remains one of the most revolutionary moments in modern television. Now 27 years later with a bevy of iconic roles behind her, from Orange Is the New Black to Broadway, Lea DeLaria is still changing perceptions. Kristin Prim and Alexandra Julienne spoke to the enduring icon about being butch, playing Big Boo, and loving the Yankees.
Maisie Richardson-Sellers on Inclusivity, Identity, and Accepting Your Truest Self
Maisie Richardson-Sellers is leading the charge for the representation of young queer women of color. After landing her first role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, she was cast as Rebekah Mikaelson in the hit fantasy drama, The Originals. It was in 2016 that she played her breakout television role of Vixen in the CW series, Legends of Tomorrow. Most recently, she portrayed Chloe Winthrop in Netflix’s hit rom-com, The Kissing Booth 2.
Joy Crookes on Influences, Songwriting, and the Strength in Vulnerability
Joy Crookes forges her own path. The 22-year-old London-based crooner released her debut single “New Manhattan” in 2016 at the age of 17, paving the way for a bright and illustrious career in the world of neo soul. Born to a Bangladeshi mother and an Irish father in Lambeth, Crookes’ music, activism, and lyricism explore the injustices of practices such as racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and gentrification, concurrently melding her passions and talents in a silky, compelling, and pioneering blend.
Abby McEnany on Rejection, Mental Health, and the Absolute Triumph of Work in Progress
Abby McEnany is single-handedly changing the landscape of representation. By landing her first TV deal at the age of 51 for her seminal series Work in Progress, McEnany has brought a new narrative to Showtime – one that is equally as intelligent and sensitive as it is extraordinarily funny.