Day two of New York Comic Con has come and gone, but one of the most notable panels was the “Trans/Non-Binary Entertainment Panel,” which was on the main stage for the first time rather than in the Pride Lounge.
Moderator MintActor, singer, drag queen and activist known for her Broadway musical debut Fascinatedthe group also invited performers Yuuka Hamasaki, Mount Murrayand Dominic Jacksonand Danger! player Amy Schneider.
The panel began with an introduction and a brief discussion about how six to ten years ago, progress on acceptance and transgender rights seemed to be growing steadily, but progress suddenly stalled due to changes in the political landscape. Those who live in big cities may not feel the pushback as severe, but those who are transgender or non-binary — especially in more rural areas — are being hit hardest.
Jackson noted that in this day and age, being politically active is a good thing for the community. She also believes that there is so much discrimination now, in part because of how trans and non-binary communities have struggled to assert their rights and gain more acceptance in wider society.
She also uttered the most unpleasant line of the entire panel: “We are under pressure, but how are diamonds made?”
From there, the group discusses people, movies or media that have been influential and played an important role in their lives and identities. Jackson immediately proposed X-Men And how they “gave me power,” especially for Storm, who was fragile at times but had the ability to manipulate and influence the weather around her. Schneider mentioned Boy don’t cry.
Hamasaki’s choice is interesting: Disney animated films, Mount Tai. Hamasaki says that’s because it’s a story about a person who struggles to fit in with a large group of people who aren’t accepted, but ultimately finds a place where they can truly belong and learn to be who they’re supposed to be. This is a great way to explain the message and themes of the movie.
Hill says facts of life Influenced him, he then spoke about how the trans community is not best represented in the media. He said that in his work, he was excited to play a trans person who wouldn’t die or have something bad happen to another romantic couple. Playing a healthy regular guy means a lot.
Jackson points out that there aren’t many trans-led productions, and most of the time, production members are “fighting against the benign ignorance of their peers.”
At the end of the panel, the conversation turned to horror, which also unfortunately lacks trans representation. Jackson brought up the 1986 film vamp One of her favorites, largely because Grace Jones’s An unforgettable performance. Hill says horror night is his favorite horror film, and Snyder cited sigh Ayumi Hamasaki mentioned one of my favorite modern horror movies, Smile.
Finally, the panel answered three questions from the audience. Peppermint tells everyone to come to the Pride Lounge for photos, autographs, and a different way to socialize and connect with others.
I should attend panels like this more often. The camaraderie, community and vibe in the room was infectious, full of fun and calm. Seeing the Trans/Non-Binary Entertainment panel on the main stage is a step in the right direction for the future of NYCC and other conferences.
Stay tuned for more coverage of NYCC ’24 beat.
