Day 2 of New York Comic Con has come and gone, but one of the standout panels was the “Trans/Non-Binary Entertainment Panel,” which for the first time was featured on the main stage rather than in the Pride Lounge.
Moderated by Peppermint, an actress, singer, drag queen, and activist who is most known for her debut role in Broadway’s musical Head over Heels, the panel also featured performers Yuhua Hamasaki, Murray Hill, and Dominique Jackson, and Jeopardy! contestant Amy Schneider.
The panel kicked off with introductions and a brief discussion about how 6-10 years ago, there seemed to be a steady growth of progress towards acceptance and trans rights but that progress has suddenly been stagnant due to the changing political landscape. Those in the big cities may not feel the pushback as hard, but those who are trans or non-binary—especially in more rural areas—suffer the hardest.
Jackson pointed out that in these times it is good to be politically active for the community. She also believes that there is so much discrimination now in part due to how the trans and non-binary community has fought to maintain their rights and gain more acceptance in wider society.
She also said the hardest line of the entire panel: “We are under pressure, but how are diamonds made?”
From there, the panel discussed the characters, films, or pieces of media that have been influential and played a big part in their lives and identities. Jackson immediately brought up X-Men and how they “gave me that strength,” especially in regards to Storm, who is vulnerable at times but has the power to manipulate and affect the weather around her. Schneider mentioned Boys Don’t Cry.
Hamasaki’s pick was quite interesting: the Disney animated film, Tarzan. Hamasaki said it’s because it’s a story about someone trying so hard to fit in with a large group who isn’t accepting, but eventually finds someplace where they can truly belong and learn to be who they are supposed to be. It is a nice way to interpret the film’s message and themes.
Hill said The Facts of Life influenced him, then talked about how in media, the trans community doesn’t get the best representation. He said that in his work, he’s glad he can play a trans man who isn’t meant to die off or have something bad happen for the benefit of another romantic couple. Just playing a wholesome regular guy means so much.
Jackson noted that there aren’t many productions led by trans people and most of the time, production members are “butting up against kindhearted ignorance” from their peers.
Toward the end of the panel, conversation pivoted toward horror, which is unfortunately also lacking in trans representation. Jackson brought up the 1986 film Vamp as one of her favorites, due largely to Grace Jones’s memorable performance. Hill said Fright Night is his favorite horror flick, while Schneider cited Suspiria and Hamasaki mentioned one of my favorite modern horror films, Smile.
To conclude, the panel answered three questions from the audience. Peppermint told everyone to stop by the Pride Lounge for photo opps, autographs, and a change to socialize and connect with others.
I should attend panels like this more often. The camaraderie, community, and vibe from the room are infectiously fun and calming. Seeing the “Trans/Non-Binary Entertainment” panel on the main stage was a step in the right direction for the future of NYCC and hopefully other conventions as well.
Stay tuned for more NYCC ’24 coverage from The Beat.
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