#25 Moving mountains and the importance of visibility with Rain Valdez

In this episode, we are joined by Rain Valdez to talk about her journey from the Philippines and Guam to the Emmy-nominated actress and producer she is today. We talk about her Emmy-nominated show, Razor Tongue, as well as her recent work on Disclosure highlighting the impact Hollywood has had on the trans community. We have a beautiful conversation with Rain about trans talent and the importance of visibility and stories in media.

Rain Valdez is an Emmy nominated actress most notably known for Razor Tongue, Transparent and Why Women Kill. She's an award-winning filmmaker and an out and proud transgender woman and activist. Rain is also the founder of ActNOW, the first and only LGBTQIA+ acting class in Los Angeles that teaches beyond the binary.

 

On this episode we talk about:

COVID-19 check-in and finding motivation to get fit during quarantine

Her story growing up in the Philippines and Guam

Finding pride in her heritage and how it translates into her work

Knowing her dream to become an actress early on and getting started with her career

The struggles of finding work as an Asian and trans actress

When she quit acting and boomeranging back

What she asks herself when she questions her dreams

Her response to Disclosure on Netflix and why we need to raise trans voices now more than ever

What the Emmy nomination means to her, especially as the very first Filipina trans actress

Giving trans talent access to more opportunity to tell different stories

Why being accessible and creating a loving set is critical towards equity

Rain’s inspiration behind her acting class, ACT NOW

“Move mountains with the people that you love. Find people in your community that you want to move mountains … you’ll find joy in creating with those people because you’re doing it together." 

Show notes:

Fitness classes with Chloe Tang: chloeting.com | @chloe_t

Disclosure on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81284247

Razor Tongue (Rain’s Emmy Nominee!) https://www.noweverartists.com/razortongue

Pose on FX: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/pose

ACT NOW: https://www.noweverartists.com/act-nowever

 

You can find Rain Valdez at:

http://www.rainvaldez.com/

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (@RainValdez)

 

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