Trace Lysette is stepping into the limelight. Best known for her supporting role as Shea in “Transparent,” the recent “Pose” guest star will topline and exec produce “Colors of Ava,” Deadline reports.
Described as “an uplifting and authentic love story set in Los Angeles,” the feature will cast all 10 trans roles with trans actors. Lysette is a trans actress and activist, and has spoken out about why Hollywood needs trans actors.
When asked about producers and casting directors ignoring the outcry about cis actors being cast in trans roles, Lysette has said, “If no one grants us the access to do it, how can the rest of them see it be done? Someone has to give us a shot, in order to successfully set the tone,” she explained. “And so I want to know, who is going to be that studio head to say, ‘No! I want this trans person to lead my project, and show the world what this really looks like when it’s done right.’ It’s going to take someone to be the hero I think — somebody to give us access. I want to know, Hollywood: who’s that gonna be?”
Also cast in “Colors of Ava” is Rain Valdez, who appeared in a 2017 episode of “Transparent” as Miss Van Nuys.
Produced by Julie Christeas’ Tandem Pictures, the pic will be directed by Sam McConnell (“The Trans List”) and written by Wayne Mahon (“I Am Jazz: A Family in Transition.”)
