Trace Lysette

“Oftentimes, I feel like, because of my cisnormative look or my aesthetics, that sometimes my talent might get overlooked.”

“Anytime you give a trans person an opportunity, especially an opportunity to be ourselves, you are promoting a shift in the way society sees us.”

“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 feel like if Hollywood can stretch for inclusion and intersectionality, and being intentional with its intersectionality, that that can ripple out past Hollywood into whatever industry and kind of affect society as a whole.”

“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.”

“It was a dream of mine to be in an action film.”

“Everyone has a voice. I mean, that's the good side to the Internet Age and social media. Obviously, there's negatives to it, but I think that the fact that everyone has a voice now is a tool that we can use for good.”

“We have to be intentional with including trans women, all women, all marginalized people. Whether we say 'Me Too' or call ourselves feminists or strive to create a diverse workplace that reflects the world we live in, it's all about being intentional.”

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

“Trans women, and women in general, have so many constraints placed on our bodies. As women, we are told not to show our bodies, and as trans people, we've been told not to exist.”

“I think it's really important to understand that every trans story is not the same, and we are as varied as any other group of people.”

“That is the next step for out trans actors - to just be treated as actors and not 'trans actors.'”

“I used to watch 'Star Trek' on weeknights as a kid while I did my homework for school.”

“I have lived my life putting work first, pushing myself to overcome obstacles to get the job done.”

“Trans women should be accepted and celebrated, whether they look a little bit more on the masculine side of the spectrum or they're the femme of all fems.”

“I got to choreograph a halftime dance with the cheerleading squad, which was all-female, at my high school. And I was the only boy, at the time. We did this whole routine to 'Maria Maria' by Santana, and 'Thong Song' by Sisqo - it was a mix.”

“When we get to a point when trans folks are included in the creative process, the narrative will be much more authentic. Trans actors playing trans roles is a key part of that. But some of the trans talent is not even making it into the audition room, let's be honest.”

“Drag was not only my introduction to womanhood, but my introduction to entertainment. It was the first time I realized that I could move a crowd.”

“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.”

“I always found when I was most focused, that's when I did the best financially.”