Not too long after 'OITB' debuted, I was at NewFest and I saw 'Black Is Blue,' a short film by Cheryl Dunye about a Black trans man trying to make it in Oakland. It was the first time I could… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
Playing a Black trans character on a TV show is a story that needs to be told. — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
I've been acting since I was a child doing church plays and stuff like that. — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
I bought a lot of home fitness equipment for my trailer as I was working on '9-1-1: Lone Star.' — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
People assume that trans people will only be accepted as trans characters, or that there aren't enough trans writers, or that there aren't any… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
If people want to see more representation of trans people you just have to look around, because with the explosion of digital creation, lots… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
When I got to high school and college, I was more involved in athletics then I was in acting. At that time, I was… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
Orange Is the New Black' was a game changer for me; Laverne Cox's Sophia Burset was the first trans series regular character I'd seen.… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
I deeply appreciate the CSA and its initiatives to build equity in the industry by giving a platform to marginalized artists and listening to… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
There's this belief sometimes from people who haven't lived the trans experience that's just like, 'You should tell everyone. You owe it to them.'… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
People who are trans don't owe you their entire history right out the gate, just like you wouldn't walk up to someone and tell… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
That's something I really like about 'Lone Star,' is that they allow my character to just be who he is, while also at other… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
Not too long after 'OITB' debuted, I was at NewFest and I saw 'Black Is Blue,' a short film by Cheryl Dunye about a… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
As I reflect on my own journey, I knew it was important for me to be visible so other people wouldn't have to struggle… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
I've had a sense of self-determination and strength that have carried me through. Hopefully I can bring that into my work and guide other… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
What's really important is people I care I about. My wife and my family and being together, and finding what works for us. There's… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
I wanted to play characters that were going to make me better and really challenge me to raise my skill level up or that… — Brian Michael Smith Copy Share Image
