Showing posts with label gay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gay. Show all posts

Sunday, September 25, 2016

INTERVIEW: ALLYSON MOYER

(Photo Courtesy of SkySoft Entertainment LLC.)


Anyone who watches Fox — or has even heard of the show — knows that what the creators did was pretty amazing! With distinct lead roles and unusual formatting, the show quickly became the talk of the town!
But Allyson Moyer, who plays the ‘not so adventurous’ Mina Abrams gave us an inside look into the character and behind the scenes.

What’s your favorite part about playing Mina?

Allyson Moyer: I love getting to be the character that’s really showing people, especially younger/teen girl, that it’s ok to love who you love. That it’s ok to be who you are and sometimes it’s ok to be scared but no matter how scared and lost you are, you can yourself up again and be strong and find that confidence within yourself. To me, Mina really embodies that inner strength that sometimes hard to find.

And has that confidence and strength helped her since finding out that Fox wasn’t entirely honest? I wanted to say lie but Fox never told a lie, did she?

I’d say she fibbed a little. [Laughs.] But yes, I definitely think that will help carry Mina through. Sometimes it takes a tough situation to bring that strength out and that’s what Mina’s going through now.

The show is climbing its way up and IMDb is noticing it big time! Fox has kept traditional roles but had changed it up a bit casually by putting a woman in what is normally the role of a man. How do you take the responsibility of portraying Mina, being a part of this in an authentic way?

I know, isn’t it awesome? And yes, that’s something we talked about when they first cast me; we wanted to stay firm on breaking those gender roles. Honestly it was scary at first, I knew there was a fan base already set up and they loved each character so fiercely that it was intimidating! But I’ve done my best to embrace every aspect, even the more negative comments because I really feel just grateful to be a part of this whole thing! I try to stay connected to the fans as well, people are always so surprised that I comment back to them on Instagram or Twitter and it makes my heart so happy that they’d get so excited.

Speaking of negative comments, the show has been getting some criticism as well. Even though, there were only three of you (with the exception of a few guest stars), women are represented by Fox and Mina but men are represented by Xander, who’s the villain. Not just any kind of villain but a man who throws tantrums, seeks revenge and abuses women. Is that intentionally? Is that what men are to be perceived to be like?

Not at all actually, we’ve never even talked about pitting one gender against another. Xander is played by a guy because that’s what fits the storyline. I think it’s natural that we step on some toes because it’s basically impossible to make everyone happy but I can for sure say that we’ve never intentionally put anyone’s gender into negative light.

There is so much secrecy surrounding the show. After doing my research, SkySoft or what was formally Hayden/Teague, didn’t leak any of the show’s plots which is starting to be respected now but this a time where the public feels they are entitled to every bit of information. Does the secrecy ever weigh on you?

I actually kind of love the secrecy! First off, it’s pretty rare for shows to keep quiet about so much and second, it’s so fun to talk to people about it- even friends and family, and have to tiptoe around a ton of stuff. Being in on the secret is a ton of fun, I’m not gonna’ lie!

So you’re contacted not to leak info. Not even to your friends and family?

Basically! And yes everything is locked down! I can say though that even if I was allowed to tell them, I definitely wouldn’t want to! I want them to be just as surprised as everyone else when they’re watching.

How has your life been affected by the show?


I think it’s really made me more confident. This show is the first major, ‘on-camera’ work I’ve done, so it’s boosted how I feel about my acting ability which I’ll forever feel grateful for.

Monday, August 15, 2016

SPOTLIGHT: Nerd Brigade's Favorite LGBTQ Characters on TV!

We always talk about superheroes and just barely touch on some equally interesting topics and that's usually when it involves, well... superheroes. Not today! Because television is something that people can't live without these days and it's a big deal here at Nerd Brigade, here are our favorite LGBTQ characters in no particular order.

Victor Strand (Fear the Walking Dead)


This is comic book-ish related, right? His sexuality was slowly revealed in a chill way and I respected that. We got to know who Victor was before we found out who he was in love with. Victor Strand is played by Coleman Domingo.

Fear the Walking Dead is on AMC

Cosima (Orphan Black)


This show is awesome not just because of the story but the character development and Cosima is a favorite here. Cosima is played by Tatiana Maslany.

Orphan Black is on BBC America

Jamal Lyon (Empire)


Jamal struggles with proving his ability to run the family business has nothing to do with the fact that he's gay. He also has a smoking voice! Jamal Lyon is played by Jussie Smollet.

Empire is on FOX

Sophia Burset (Orange is the New Black)


Sophia has gone through some hard times and her character's story line has brought up some pretty important issues regarding transgender rights. I've always been on her side and wish she would have more screen time. Sophia Burset is played by Laverne Cox.

Orange is the New Black is on Netflix.

Boone Clemens (Scream Queens)


His character didn't bring up anything important but he was funny and supportive. I'd share a room with him. Boone Clemens is played by Nick Jonas.

Scream Queens is on FOX.

Lexa (The 100)


She made, probably the biggest impact in 2016 (so far). I'll let you Google why to avoid spoilers. Lexa is a bad ass leader and warrior who I too, wished had more screen time. I'd actually watch a Lexa spin off but that just me. Lexa is played by Alycia Debnam- Carey.

The 100 is on The CW.

Emily Fields (Pretty Little Liars)


It's been 7 years since the show made its debut! We practically watched her grow and although she and the rest of the liars have changed so much, they all have yet to out grow one thing: lying! It's ok, though. Emily Fields is played by Shay Mitchell.

Danny (Teen Wolf)


He may be human but he can handle more! It was a relief, honestly, to see a gay character in a show full of werewolves, you know what I mean? Danny is played by Keahu Kahuanui.

Teen Wolf is on MTV.

Fox (Fox)



The mysterious Fox is not your typical dream girl in any way. Yes, she may be charming and funny but the girl can kick ass to protect the ones she cares about and she'd even go further for the one she loves. Fox is played by Monroe Hayden.

Fox is on SkySoft.

Yera Greyjoy (Game of Thrones)


The show is a pretty big deal for obvious reasons; it's good. Over the years the show has featured few gay characters but very little lesbians. Yera, the current Head of the House of Greyjoy has a badass demeanor that allows her to fit right in with her male co-stars. Yera Greyjoy is played by Gemma Whelan.

Game of Thrones is on HBO.

Sara Lance (Arrow)


She's a superhero who can take a beating and she's into girls too. Need I say more? Sara Lance is played by Caity Lotz.

Arrow is on The CW.

Friday, August 12, 2016

FREEDOM FIGHTERS: CW Seed Will Debut Series With Gay Lead


Although it's not on the main network and it's not in live- action, this is still a big step for humanity. CW Seed, the network's digital channel will debut Freedom Fighters: The Ray based the characters from DC and will feature a gay lead. This is the first superhero TV/Film series that will feature a gay superhero to lead a series. This is awesome!

I really want this to do well because then live-action films will do the same in due time. Most comic book fans aren't opposed to gay/lesbian characters nor segregate from the LGBTQ community but when comics become films or TV series, our beloved stories and characters are judged by a whole new group of viewers and that can discriminate not only fans of the LGBTQ community but comic book fans as well. I think the CW is doing the smart thing by introducing the idea of  a gay superhero lead as an animated series first. Hopefully, if it does well, they'll incorporate it to their live-action series.

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