Karla Sofia Gascon, the groundbreaking actress and the first trans woman nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars, has shared her concerns about the global state of freedom for the transgender community and her hopes for returning to the United States despite facing past controversies.
In a recent interview, Gascon opened up about her potential return to the US, expressing apprehension over the challenges she may face as a transgender woman. She highlighted the increasing threats to LGBTQ+ rights, particularly under the executive orders from former President Donald Trump, which targeted transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people. Gascon admitted her worry that she might be denied entry or work opportunities in the US due to her gender identity, stating, “I hope so, but if they don’t let me in or they don’t let me work because they consider that I am not a sufficiently qualified person or they want to discriminate against me because of my sexuality, then it will be very difficult.”
Despite these concerns, Gascon remains hopeful about the future. She expressed a deep appreciation for the freedom that the United States represents, lamenting the global decline in freedoms, especially for marginalized communities. “We are losing it,” she said, referring to the erosion of freedoms worldwide.
Gascon’s career has been marked by a significant role in Emilia Perez, a film that has radically changed her life and will be remembered as a cult classic. Reflecting on the film, she stated, “It has changed radically because it was a film that, for me, is already part of the history of cinema.” However, she acknowledges the responsibility that comes with such a prominent role, particularly given the recent attention on trans people and their struggles. Gascon described herself as one of the first victims of the widespread hate that has surrounded the trans community in recent times.
Alongside her work in Emilia Perez, Gascon has a slew of upcoming projects that showcase her versatility. She is set to star in The Life Lift, an Italian film where she plays a psychiatrist caught between embodying “the devil and god.” Additionally, she has a film in Argentina, one in Spain, and a French film that follows a blues singer attempting to adopt a girl from a refugee camp. These projects further solidify her commitment to diversifying her roles and continuing to advocate for the representation of trans individuals in cinema.
While Gascon’s past tweets—containing anti-Islamic and derogatory remarks about George Floyd and the LGBTQ+ community—led to significant backlash, she has since apologized for her past actions and expressed a commitment to learning and growth. Her comments and actions moving forward reflect a more mature perspective on her past mistakes and an understanding of the importance of using her platform for good.
As Gascon navigates her career and personal life in the spotlight, her story reflects both the challenges and opportunities faced by trans individuals in the entertainment industry. Her voice continues to be one of advocacy for freedom, equality, and the positive representation of trans people in media.