Producers spoke about how the current administration had given permission to hate-filled rhetoric.
The L Word: Generation Q is set to return to our screens in December, but if it hadn’t of been for the election of a certain orange-coloured president, the reboot could still be a while back on the horizon.
At a press conference, Jennifer Beals, who played Bette Porter in the original, said: “I think this [presidential] administration has given people permission to say really hateful things, and they are perpetrating hateful things.
“We haven’t reached any kind of state of equality. The power of storytelling can help that issue.”
Ilene Chaiken, who created the series, added: “We all felt there was a reason to bring the show back and it would be exciting and meaningful and I was waiting for the right time. But [the 2016 election] really provoked me to make the move and approach Showtime.”
And Marja-Lewis Ryan, the executive producer of the series, said: “Part of what this show was for me was an aspirational queer narrative. Young adults need someone to look up to.”
Gage Skidmore via Flickr
The stars also touched upon how the series will do better for advocating for trans issues, something the original series was criticised for.
Ryan said: “We have had long conversations about [lesbians and trans people] and we are very plugged into the conversations that are coming out of the divide.
“I strongly stand on the side of inclusivity … we don’t have enough teammates to play a full game if we’re not all on the team. We are [also] exploring trans lesbians.”
USA Today reports that it was also confirmed the series would have lesbians who discriminate against the trans community. It was also confirmed there would be trans actors playing trans characters, as well as cisgendered characters.
Beals also spoke about how the show was becoming more inclusive, saying: “What I think what’s interesting about this show is that we’ve extended the discussion of sexuality and gender identity.
“When we started the show, non-binary was a mathematical term … now we’re able to talk about [it].”
Last week, several guest stars for the series were confirmed including trans actress Sophie Giannamore, bisexual actress Olivia Thirlby, lesbian comedian Fortune Feimster and Lex Scott Davis.
The L Word: Generation Q is scheduled to air on 8 December on Showtime.
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