At “Trans Takeover” Picket at Netflix, Writers Push for Representation: “Let Us Make You Money”

Hollywood reporter ^ | 19th May 2023 | Katie Kilkenny

[Cronos]

The event from the striking union's Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Writers Subcommittee sought to improve visibility for these members both within the industry and the union.

Picketing at Netflix on Thursday took a celebratory turn as trans and gender non-conforming writers hosted a block party-esque picket at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and Van Ness Ave. aimed at improving their visibility both within the industry at large and in their own guild.

The event from the Writers Guild of America’s Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Writers Subcommittee, called “Trans Takeover Thursday,” featured a “mini ball,” honoring the ballroom tradition originating in queer communities of color (prizes were awarded for “cutest pet,” “best outfit” and “best sign”). Attendees were encouraged to wear blue, pink and white, referring to the traditional colors of the transgender Pride flag. Writers packed the sidewalks surrounding Netflix’s Hollywood offices, with hundreds attending (the Writers Guild estimated 800 appeared). Picket signs with messages like “We’re here, we’re queer and we can do this all year” and “They/them causing mayhem” were hoisted into the air.

It was all in the service of showing “that there are so many of us,” says writer Kam Alyse (Walker), one of the organizers of the event. A key goal of the subcommittee, which only formed officially within the last year at the union, is advocating for more trans stories told by trans writers. “We want to remind people that not only are we out here and we’re supporting our union, but hopefully our union will also be supporting us,” they said.

Trans representation is still generally paltry in entertainment, notes writer and actor Jen Richards (Mayfair Witches, Mrs. Fletcher). “And when it has been there, it’s been non-trans people playing us in shows written by non-trans people and in movies written and directed by non-trans people. ”

[NorthMountain]

Brown stripes on a fag-flag are kind of funny ... doubt they’d aprreciate the humor, though.

[NetAddicted]

I rewatched Matrix Resurrection last night. There’s a line where Corp stooge says, “Matrix is about trans ignorance” (something like that), and another line by Matrix overseer, “Emotions are easier to control than facts.” That trans producer knows what he is doing is ridiculous, and he is declaring it! Tres interessant.