In a new video interview for Netflix, Wachowski and Clayton reunited to talk about the importance of trans representation across the board in the entertainment industry.
The two also discussed the relevance of Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen, a documentary by Sam Feder focusing on Hollywood’s depiction of trans people and featuring both Wachowski and Clayton, as well as other popular trans actors and creators.
Lilly Wachowski On The Importance Of Nomi
Clayton notably played character Nomi, who also identifies as trans, on The Matrix creators’ sci-fi show, Sense8. While Lana was already out as a trans woman during production, Lilly wasn’t. The filmmaker recalled having helped shape the character of Nomi as someone she “had aspirations to become” and how this process led her to come to terms with her own identity.
“For me and Lana was important to have someone who was trans on the show,” Wachowski said.
She said they were hungry for some kind of trans representation they weren’t seeing on screen and this hunger was infused in Nomi, a layered, complex character whose storyline wasn’t exclusively focused on her trans identity.
Wachowski also opened up on her coming out to Clayton, an emotional moment occurred as they were filming in Berlin. Dealing with Nomi’s coming out and transition, the series felt intense for Lilly, who was still struggling with her identity at the time. She then gave a public announcement in 2016.
“I was sitting behind the monitors, and I was really, really emotionally overwhelmed,” Wachowski said.
“I would have to take walks away from set because I was going through this churning turmoil of rebirth,” she continued.
“It was a long birth,” she joked.
Wachowski Came Out To Clayton In Berlin
Wachowski expressed her gratitude to Clayton, who was one of the first people she came out to.
“I remember the end of our conversation in Berlin and you were so happy for me, and I was just…” Wachowski said as she sighs in relief.
“I so needed to hear that ecause all I had was the angst of the process, it was really so meaningful for me,” the director continued as Clayton tears up.
“I really want the industry to understand that if you are going to tell trans stories that involve transition or parts of transitioning and being trans, you must have trans people who have gone through those things in your writers’ room, on set,” Clayton said.
She also pointed out the importance of having trans crew people on set “so that the actors don’t feel so alone when they’re giving this incredibly vulnerable performances.”
Sense8 is available to stream on Netflix