With its last episode, the highly-acclaimed show climaxed in a flare of brilliance spanning three thrilling seasons.
As fans came to terms with the show’s finale, Janet Mock, MJ Rodriguez, and Indya Moore treated fans to a gorgeous Harper’s Bazaar feature where they talked about the show’s impact on their lives and the community.
Janet Mock, who also doubles as executive producer and writer, and one of the show’s driving forces is accompanied by MJ Rodriguez and Indya Moore, who portray Blanca and Angel Evangelista, respectively.
Dominque Jackson (Elekra), a fan favorite, was supposed to be on the cover with the women, but she fell unwell on the day of the shoot. Nonetheless, she manages to join remotely and weighs in on the show’s impact.
Speaking on her personal journey with the show, MJ said: “I had let the world know about my transness before, but it was on a smaller scale. But being a part of something like this? I asked myself: “Are you willing to put yourself out on a limb and also be ready for the possible backlash? Because you are not only a trans woman, but also a Latina and African American woman.
Are you truly ready?” So I was nervous but also diligent in knowing my message and purpose when it came to Pose, which was to show who we are and what we’ve done, not only from 1987 through 1994 [when the show is set] but what we’re capable of now and in the future. And the fact that I got to work with you women and stand in solidarity at these events that people never thought they would see us at, to stand in our power, to stand in knowing who we are and affirming our positions? I was ready. More than ready.”
Indya Moore also revealed on embracing the spotlight, saying: “I’ve always been uncomfortable with referring to myself as a “star.” I’ve never allowed myself to because, I don’t know, I felt like it just wouldn’t be healthy. But when I saw myself on a TV screen as Angel, it was so hard not to feel like, “Oh, my God, I’m a star.””
Janet Mock said about being unapologetic: “I’m so glad that you were able to see yourself onscreen and be like, “B*tch, I am a star.” Because it’s necessary. We have to own that. We have to hold it. Writing and directing for you ladies has been the greatest gift of my life. I don’t know if I’m going to have a more creatively fulfilled experience than working on Pose with you all. It’s the legacy of our foremothers who, when no one offered them anything, made their own shit up and showed up and showed out, and made their dreams come true with no societal acceptance or any kind of resources. To me, Pose is a love letter to those women and to those people who made magic out of nothing.”
And Dominique Jackson shared about her role as Elektra, and her path to arriving with the show. “I had settled into understanding that there were certain levels in life that I would never get to. I did Strut [the 2016 reality show about trans models], executive-produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Leonardis. And I faced the age barrier because I was already 40 years old. Whoopi had to fight for me. People were ready to see me audition, but as soon as they heard my age, they thought: “You’re Black. You’re trans. You’re an immigrant. And you’re 40?” And in my head I’m going, “But just look at me!”
And so I went to the first audition, and I dressed up. I remembered Octavia Saint Laurent and Danielle Revlon, and how they represented and how they came forth, and it was so bold. I went in and I knew every single line off-book. The scene was the read Elektra delivers to Blanca [bragging] about her cheekbones.
[Casting director Alexa L. Fogel] and her assistant just exchanged these looks, and I’m standing there thinking, “Just give me my 10’s and let me move on.” I was not expecting a callback. I thought: “You just got your Green Card, you already have a job, you’ve already been blessed. You’re asking for too much.” And I have to be really intimate with you all right now. At the time I was also in the process of fulfilling a lifelong dream: completing my gender-affirming surgery. [When I got my callback], I picked up my heels, and I said to myself: “If you put on these heels, you could pop these stitches. You could end up back in the hospital.” I didn’t have much money, so I borrowed some for a cab. I was in tears because once I put on my heels, I didn’t feel as comfortable in them as I normally do. I was in pain. But I walked into the room and something just clicked.
I cried going home also, not because I was in pain but because I accomplished something. I showed up. I pushed through. And when I got the call that I had the part, as someone who didn’t have the means to go to acting school, it was the most joyous, most validating accomplishment that any person could have.”
It was no doubt that the show meant a whole lot to many people both starting from the cast to the fans and with such memorable moments shared, ‘Pose’ will continue to live in the hearts and minds of all the people it touched.
[Photo Credit: Harper’s Bazaar / John Edmonds]
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
