Trans visibility saves lives, but it also endangers them, said actor and trans activist Leo Sheng. He adds that those who do face the majority of consequences from trans visibility are Black, Brown and Indigenous women. What might be amazing for one group, may have side effects for another group.
“We’re also acknowledging that visibility saves lives, but it also endangers lives,” said The L Word: Generation Q actor Leo Sheng.
Leo adds that those who do face the majority of consequences from trans visibility are Black, Brown and Indigenous women. What might be amazing for one group, may have side effects for other groups.
Leo grew up in Michigan and was adopted from China by two women. As he was completing his Master’s of Social work at the University of Michigan and working as a trans activist, he was cast for a film that brought him to Sundance. There, he connected with an agent that propelled him further into Hollywood, with roles on shows like the iconic L Word reboot.
“There’s so much to trans people’s lives that is outside of our bodies–what we do or don’t do to our bodies,” Leo said. “And there’s just too much focus on that.”
Leo and I also talked about:
🔋His obsession with Power Rangers as a kid
📱How documenting his transition on Instagram led him to a community of trans men of color
🦁The meaning behind his name Leo Sheng