--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Having trans people play trans roles show…" description: "\"Having trans people play trans roles show that we are valid in our identities, and we exist.\" — Nicole Maines" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e17/nicole-maines-12524_exist_having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-sho_2247617.jpg" --- # Having trans people play trans roles show that we are… ![“Having trans people play trans roles show that we are valid in our identities, and we exist.” quote by Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e17/nicole-maines-12524_exist_having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-sho_2247617.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e17/nicole-maines-12524_exist_having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-sho_2247617.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e17/nicole-maines-12524_exist_having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-sho_2247617.jpg) > “Having trans people play trans roles show that we are valid in our identities, and we exist.” [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Seeing trans actors in trans roles validates identity and affirms existence. **In simple terms:** Representation validates identity. Key Takeaway Support authentic casting. Themes identity representation validation inclusion media Mood inspirational hopeful assertive Type activist personal cultural When to use this quote - casting decisions - media production - community events - educational workshops - policy advocacy Key Concepts visibility empowerment social acceptance authenticity Questions to Reflect On - How does authentic representation affect self‑esteem? - What barriers remain for trans visibility? A Different Perspective Limited roles may still stereotype or marginalize. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Actors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actors/) [Exist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exist/) [Having Trans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/having-trans-5120584/) [Identities Exist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identities-exist-5120583/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Our](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/our/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Show](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/show/) [Trans People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trans-people-272271/) [Trans Roles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trans-roles-428103/) [Valid Identities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/valid-identities-5120585/) ## Related quotes > [When we have a trans woman playing a trans woman, then you see, 'Oh wait, this is what trans really is. This is what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/when-we-have-a-trans-woman-playing-a-trans-woman-then-you-see-oh-wait/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [Cisgender actors don't take trans roles out of malice. I think it's just failure to realize the context behind having cisgender people play transgender…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/cisgender-actors-don-t-take-trans-roles-out-of-malice-i-think-it-s/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [It's about time we had trans actors in trans roles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rebecca-root/it-s-about-time-we-had-trans-actors-in-trans-roles/) [Rebecca Root](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rebecca-root/) > [There are no trans roles, and if there are, they go to Jared Leto or Eddie Redmayne or Elle Fanning... Will there ever come…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hari-nef/there-are-no-trans-roles-and-if-there-are-they-go-to-jared-leto-or/) [Hari Nef](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hari-nef/) > [I think I had something to prove to myself, that I could book a cis role and then if I did come out one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trace-lysette/i-think-i-had-something-to-prove-to-myself-that-i-could-book-a-cis/) [Trace Lysette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/trace-lysette/) > [There are only so many 'series regular' trans roles on TV.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trace-lysette/there-are-only-so-many-series-regular-trans-roles-on-tv/) [Trace Lysette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/trace-lysette/) > [When we get to a point when trans folks are included in the creative process, the narrative will be much more authentic. Trans actors…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trace-lysette/when-we-get-to-a-point-when-trans-folks-are-included-in-the-creative/) [Trace Lysette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/trace-lysette/) > [So often, trans roles don't even go to trans actors. Most of the fabulous trans roles that have won people Oscars, we didn't get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laverne-cox/so-often-trans-roles-don-t-even-go-to-trans-actors-most-of-the/) [Laverne Cox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laverne-cox/) > [I'm not getting into rooms for cis roles. I started my career auditioning for those roles, and then I went to play trans roles.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trace-lysette/i-m-not-getting-into-rooms-for-cis-roles-i-started-my-career/) [Trace Lysette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/trace-lysette/) > [Historically, we have seen cis men play trans women and vice versa. That casting breaks through the fourth wall, and it gives people the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/historically-we-have-seen-cis-men-play-trans-women-and-vice-versa/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [More than anything, I want fans to take away an understanding of trans people that we can be anybody.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/more-than-anything-i-want-fans-to-take-away-an-understanding-of-trans/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [I think, for all trans people, it's not our only defining feature, but it is a defining feature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/i-think-for-all-trans-people-it-s-not-our-only-defining-feature-but/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [I think kids need to watch 'Supergirl' for Nia, because there are more and more trans people coming out younger and younger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/i-think-kids-need-to-watch-supergirl-for-nia-because-there-are-more/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [That's one of the biggest fears a lot of trans people have if they decide to come out, that they're making themselves unlovable and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-jane-grace/that-s-one-of-the-biggest-fears-a-lot-of-trans-people-have-if-they/) [Laura Jane Grace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-jane-grace/) > [Certainly, not all trans people like my writing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/torrey-peters/certainly-not-all-trans-people-like-my-writing/) [Torrey Peters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/torrey-peters/) ## More by Nicole Maines > [There are infinite combinations that people can experience, because no two people are alike, and no two people's identities should be expected to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/there-are-infinite-combinations-that-people-can-experience-because-no/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [For a number of years at my public elementary school in rural Maine, I was treated like all the other girls in school. That…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/for-a-number-of-years-at-my-public-elementary-school-in-rural-maine-i/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [When I was first trying to explain to my parents that I was really a girl, my father didn't know what to do. He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/when-i-was-first-trying-to-explain-to-my-parents-that-i-was-really-a/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [I did a guest episode of 'Royal Pains,' and then right after that, 'Supergirl' happened, and I was like, 'How did I get here?'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/i-did-a-guest-episode-of-royal-pains-and-then-right-after-that/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [Historically, we have seen cis men play trans women and vice versa. That casting breaks through the fourth wall, and it gives people the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/historically-we-have-seen-cis-men-play-trans-women-and-vice-versa/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [At some point, I want to create a family and help them on their journey like my family helped me on mine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/at-some-point-i-want-to-create-a-family-and-help-them-on-their/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [It's OK not to understand the whole trans thing. That's alright. My dad didn't understand it. I still don't know everything. What's important is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/it-s-ok-not-to-understand-the-whole-trans-thing-that-s-alright-my-dad/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [Family has been really important to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/family-has-been-really-important-to-me/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [Growing up, I was from kind of Nowhere, Maine. And, so, now having thousands of people reaching out to me via social media and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/growing-up-i-was-from-kind-of-nowhere-maine-and-so-now-having/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [Separate but equal does not work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/separate-but-equal-does-not-work/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [I knew that I was trans when I was three years old. Well, I didn't know 'trans' because I didn't know there was a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/i-knew-that-i-was-trans-when-i-was-three-years-old-well-i-didn-t-know/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [My family knew that they loved me, and whatever this 'I want to be a girl' business was, it certainly wasn't about to change…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/my-family-knew-that-they-loved-me-and-whatever-this-i-want-to-be-a/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [I hope I can help convince people there that being transgender is not a big deal and that we are just average people trying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/i-hope-i-can-help-convince-people-there-that-being-transgender-is-not/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [I know from first-hand experience that separating transgender students from their peers can cause many to leave school, hide who they are, or even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/i-know-from-first-hand-experience-that-separating-transgender/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) > [Children are a lot smarter than we give them credit for.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/children-are-a-lot-smarter-than-we-give-them-credit-for/) [Nicole Maines](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) [Explore all 54 Nicole Maines quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/) ## More Actors quotes > [Women still, when they have breast cancer, go to work; they still lead their lives. They have to. I just did what I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monica-potter/women-still-when-they-have-breast-cancer-go-to-work-they-still-lead/) [Monica Potter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monica-potter/) > [I'm trying to write a film with my friend. I'd love to get the thrill of speaking actors making my work even funnier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-howard/i-m-trying-to-write-a-film-with-my-friend-i-d-love-to-get-the-thrill/) [Russell Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-howard/) > [A lesser complaint: hair extensions. There are moments on 'All My Children' when half the women actors, young and old, seem to be afflicted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/camille-paglia/a-lesser-complaint-hair-extensions-there-are-moments-on-all-my/) [Camille Paglia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/camille-paglia/) > [I'm very used to working with first time actors - you can just look back at 'E.T.' with Drew Barrymore, and Christian Bale from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-spielberg/i-m-very-used-to-working-with-first-time-actors-you-can-just-look/) [Steven Spielberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-spielberg/) > [Forget the credit, they (male actors) take all the money as well. We don't get paid even one-third of what male actors get. It's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kangana-ranaut/forget-the-credit-they-male-actors-take-all-the-money-as-well-we-don/) [Kangana Ranaut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kangana-ranaut/) > [I love film people and actors and I am in the right world because I am one of those people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ewan-mcgregor/i-love-film-people-and-actors-and-i-am-in-the-right-world-because-i/) [Ewan McGregor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ewan-mcgregor/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) > [What we're supposed to do as actors is be able to portray real human beings and emotions. And if you grow up in this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-browning/what-we-re-supposed-to-do-as-actors-is-be-able-to-portray-real-human/) [Emily Browning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-browning/) > [When we watch a film as actors, you have to understand that we always see much more than what's on screen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kunal-khemu/when-we-watch-a-film-as-actors-you-have-to-understand-that-we-always/) [Kunal Khemu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kunal-khemu/) > [As actors, you become an expert at starting over.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lupita-nyong-o/as-actors-you-become-an-expert-at-starting-over/) [Lupita Nyong'o](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lupita-nyong-o/) > [The whole concept of stage fright is fascinating. Actors get stage fright, but they wouldn't be on the stage in the first place if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-greene/the-whole-concept-of-stage-fright-is-fascinating-actors-get-stage/) [Robert Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-greene/) > [No actor wants to choose - they just want all of the options available to them all the time; we tend to be pretty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gillian-jacobs/no-actor-wants-to-choose-they-just-want-all-of-the-options-available/) [Gillian Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gillian-jacobs/) > [A rapper is about being completely true to yourself. Being an actor is about changing who you are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-smith/a-rapper-is-about-being-completely-true-to-yourself-being-an-actor-is/) [Will Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-smith/) > [I've been a professional actor for almost 40 years.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-perlman/i-ve-been-a-professional-actor-for-almost-40-years/) [Ron Perlman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-perlman/) > [American actors are coy. We all have pricks and cunts, or are you different from the rest of us?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-greenaway/american-actors-are-coy-we-all-have-pricks-and-cunts-or-are-you/) [Peter Greenaway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-greenaway/) [Browse all 11,394 Actors quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actors/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Having trans people play trans roles show that we are valid in our identities, and we exist.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Nicole Maines" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-show-that-we-are-valid-in-our/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Actors" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-show-that-we-are-valid-in-our/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e17/nicole-maines-12524_exist_having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-sho_2247617.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e17/nicole-maines-12524_exist_having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-sho_2247617.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e17/nicole-maines-12524_exist_having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-sho_2247617.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Having trans people play trans roles show that we are valid in our identities, and we exist.” — Nicole Maines", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Nicole Maines", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-maines/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Having trans people play trans roles...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-show-that-we-are-valid-in-our/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-maines/having-trans-people-play-trans-roles-show-that-we-are-valid-in-our/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```