Pose Cast on Trumps Anti-Trans Stance: “Petty,” “Ridiculous,” and “Stupid”

If you thought season one of FXs Pose was over-the-top, think again. Season twos opulent ballroom sequences are covered in sequins, glitter, and feathers, all mixed with catty drama and shocking honesty. As in its groundbreaking first season, Pose once again features the largest cast of transgender actors in any scripted television series in history, as well as multiple trans writers and directors—centering on a community that has so often been ignored.

Season two begins in 1990, after the ball scene has been exposed to the mainstream for the first time due to Madonnas hit song “Vogue.” Meanwhile, central character Blanca (Mj Rodriguez) struggles to find balance while managing her HIV diagnosis; caring for Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain) and the other members from House of Evangelista; and starting a new business venture: her own nail salon.

“Shes still the heart of the show. Shes even more fiercely protective of her family and the people she loves,” said Rodriguez at the shows glitzy premiere in New York on Wednesday evening at the Plaza Hotel. “Family and standing up for yourself and for your community are the big themes this year. Im so proud that people finally get to see a strong, loving woman who just happens to be transgender. We have been working hard and trying to make a difference. With season two, I think people will have more of an understanding that we are just like any other person. We deserve to exist just like anyone else.”

Viewers will soon learn that Blancas HIV virus has advanced to AIDS—and the show will focus more deeply on exploring the diseases devastating effect in season two. “We are going to show some deep, hard, and brutal things that people havent really gotten to see with AIDS,” said Rodriquez. “So many were ostracized, and about 40,000 had passed away in 1990 through 1991. A lot of people today forget that so many people died. At the same time, we are going to show that people can live a happy life despite having the horrible disease, and by doing that I hope we can release the stigma.”

Blanca finds emotional support through Billy Porters ballroom emcee character, Pray Tell, who is also HIV positive. In the new season, Pray Tell finds a new purpose through activism, with the guidance of Sandra Bernhards Judy, who has been upped to a series regular.

“Activism is a big part with Pray Tell. He is fighting to stop the government from spreading lies,” said Porter, who arrived at the premiere in a black-and-white matador-inspired ensemble designed by Francis Libiran—featuring a long, ruffled train that stretched at least 10 feet. “I hope people take away empowerment and knowing that we all have the power to make change. We have to voice our opinions. Get off of Facebook, get off the internet, stopping funneling your politics through likes on social media—thats not being active. We need to be more engaged to make change in our world today. Theres a lot of hate right now, and our rights are under threat. We need to talk about it.”

Just hours ahead of the Pose premiere, Donald Trump appeared on Good Morning Britain, where he promoted his administrations policy banning transgender people from the military. Trump told Piers Morgan that transgender service members need “massive amounts” of drugs such as hormones, and the U.S. military has a zero tolerance drug policy.

“His reason is just so ridiculous,” said Dominique Jackson, who plays Poses shrewd Elektra Abundance. “In our worldwide community, people rely on all types of drugs—from Viagra to mental-stability medication that can help you function. So to say that a trans person shouldnt be able to serve because we are on drugs is just coming from a financial view, and not from a human perspective. Let me tell you this: If you are in the trenches and theres bombs falling over you, youre not thinking about if someone has a penis or not. Bombs are falling around you, and youre not going to go, Oh my God, hes trans or shes trans! People are so afraid of things that they miss their own thoughts.”

Rodriguez agreed with Jackson, saying it is “unfair” for Trump to ostracize transgender people for using hormone drugs.

“I think thats stupid, because theres a lot of people who have numerous amounts of disability that are also in the military and need drugs and medication to help them protect the country. Its the same with trans people,” said Rodriguez. “It shouldnt be an excuse. Its hormones, not something like heroin. Its drugs that enhance us and evolve us in the way that only helps us. It doesnt prohibit us from anything. His answer is a blanket statement and its petty. Hopefully one day I get to talk to him, and we can have a conversation about what the hell he is thinking.”

Indya Moore, who plays Angel, a sex worker longing for love and acceptance, is excited for her characters arc this season. This year, shes breaking into spaces that werent created for her—like the cutthroat world of modeling.

“Its incredibly powerful, and its revolutionary for my character to break down walls,” said Moore, who in real life was featured in the Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2019 look book, alongside fellow FX star Michelle Williams. “I first read the script for Angel this season [and] I went, Oh my God! Its going on, girl. Im looking forward to seeing that happen for more trans people, and for us to acquire the best potential in everything we pursue.”

Moore is also thrilled that Angel is slowly realizing her self-worth. “Shes a lot more confident with the help of her family this season. Shes now able to see herself for who she is,” said Moore. “Shes been able to take those steps. Its very hard for someone to be confident about themselves while not seeing examples of where they want to be in life, especially in the areas of modeling. Angel realizes that she has to be that first step. Its very bold of her to take on.”

As Elektra Abundance, Jackson once again steals scenes with her cutting zingers and formidable stares—and continues to feud with her frenemy Blanca. This year, Elektra is as tough as ever, and takes on a surprising job in the sex industry to earn money and to remain queen of tRead More – Source