More than a decade ago, you were introduced to audiences as Poussey Washington, an openly gay inmate, on the popular Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Reflecting on that time, what initially drew you to this role and how do you feel about the character today?
Over 10 years have passed since then [laughs]. To be completely honest, during that period, I was a struggling actor in New York, juggling auditions while working as a bartender. Back then, Netflix was primarily known for its DVD rental service. I wish I could say that I carefully analyzed the script and recognized the character’s potential impact, but truthfully, I was just in need of work at that time.
I strongly believe that there was a destined path for me, and Poussey was a significant part of that journey. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have portrayed that character. The influence she had, not only on the global audience of the show but also on a personal level for me, is profound. Poussey truly transformed me as an individual. Her admirable qualities, particularly her loyalty as a friend, have left a lasting impression on me, shaping how I navigate my own life.
Having Poussey in my life has irreversibly changed me — she not only impacted my career but also played a role in me finding love and starting a family. It’s every actor’s aspiration to embody a character like her on a show as impactful as Orange Is the New Black. I am simply grateful that I stumbled into this opportunity.
In a previous interview, you mentioned, “I think falling in love with Poussey, which is a real thing that happened to me, helped me fall in love with myself.” Could you elaborate on what that experience meant to you?
When I first landed the role, I was not publicly out as an actor. This fact is not widely known. Many people assume I was always open about my identity, but back then, before fame found me, I was grappling with questions like whether I could bring my best friend to events. As I started gaining visibility, various voices weighed in on the implications of being open about my identity for my career and personal life.
I had to come to terms with the realization that my responsibility extended beyond acting; it encompassed utilizing my platform authentically. It would have been a missed opportunity not to embrace my true self and let that authenticity resonate with others. Through portraying Poussey, a character comfortable in her own skin, I began to see the radiance within myself. I learned to embrace and love myself, disregarding external influences that once clouded my path.