Q & A with The OA's Ian Alexander

Trans teen actor debuts in the mysterious new Netflix series. Guest Post by Jes Vu.



In a time where representation is such a hot topic in Hollywood, Netflix's The OA does something few have done: cast an actual Asian transgender teenage boy as an Asian transgender teenage boy. Vietnamese-American teen Ian Alexander is one of multiple Asian actors in The OA's main cast alongside Filipino/Puerto Rican-American Brandon Perea and British Pakistani Riz Ahmed (in a recurring role). Continuing the spotlight from his response to a viral anti-trans photo, Ian makes his on-screen acting debut as Buck Vu in the newly-released show having been cast from an online open casting call in 2015.

Growing up in places including Japan, Hawai'i, and D.C. have helped shape Ian. The fifteen-year-old high school junior has had more experiences than most teenagers his age, and his passion knows no bounds. He's politically-vocal, a huge admirer of actors and filmmakers like Jen Richards (Her Story) and Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) and relentless as a Marvel fanboy (he's "Team Bucky" for those who are curious). Ian had time to sit down and talk about his upbringing and the show (don't worry, there are no spoilers here).

"We cannot separate the conversation between racial justice and LGBTQ justice."

Cross-posted from API Equality-LA



Content warning: suicide, transphobia

On September 28th, 2015, 16 year-old Skylar Lee of Madison, WI took his own life. Lee was a Korean American transboy who was an active and powerful voice in the LBGTQ community. As we reflect on his passing, we are reminded of the ways that racist and transphobic systems create trauma for our communities and that space must always be created in our work to honor our mental health.

If you are a queer or transgender youth and in need of support or just need someone to listen. Please reach out by visiting translifeline.org or calling 877-565-8860. For 24 hours a day help please visit thetrevorproject.org or call 866-488-7386.

Here is a shared photo from GSAFE, an LGBT organization in Madison, WI dedicated to creating school communities where LGBTQ youth and students thrive. Lee worked for GSAFE and was active in addressing the school-to-prison pipeline. We reflect on his work for intersectionality and the urgency of fighting the school-to-prison pipeline as it directly affects queer trans youth of color. He wrote on this in the Power In Partnerships Publication (full report available here.

Read his words below:

Casting Call: Netflix series seeks Asian Transgender Teen

For series regular role on Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling's 'The OA'



Heads up. Got this casting call passed along to me... The creators of a new Netflix series are looking far and wide for an Asian American transgender teen actor (transitioning from female to male) for a major role.

The character, a 14-15 year-old teenager named Buck, will be a series regular on the Netflix drama series The OA, from filmmakers Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling, and produced by Plan B and Anonymous Content. The premise is being kept under wraps, but Netflix reportedly won a bidding war for the top secret series.

Here's the casting call:

Cecilia Chung named 'Woman of the Year' by California Assembly

Assemblyman Phil Ting honors transgender health advocate and civil rights leader



Congratulations to transgender health advocate and civil rights leader Cecilia Chung, who was one of three transgender women recognized by the California state Assembly this week as part of the Legislature's "Woman of the Year" celebration, honoring their important work towards breaking down barriers and fighting for equality.

Transgender activists named 'Woman of the Year'

During the annual Woman of the Year celebration, a woman from each Assembly District is honored in the State Capitol. On Monday, Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) honored Chung, who was introduced on the Assembly Floor and received a resolution recognizing her achievements.

Chung is currently a senior advisor for the Transgender Law Center, a health commissioner at the San Francisco Department of Public Health and a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. She also plays a leadership role in international organizations, including the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and the Sero Project. Her notable "firsts" include: