National Domestic Violence Awareness Project

profeminist:

TV: There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Anissa since she’s a black lesbian superhero, which is like never seen on television. I know they didn’t talk about her sexuality in the premiere, but just to make sure, is she already out in the show?

NW: Oh, yes, she’s fully out. She’s been out since she was a teenager. She’s 22 now. She’s walking boldly and unapologetically in who she is. It’s amazing to watch because I’ve been getting on social media a lot of comments. Not even just black lesbians, just young lesbians everywhere who want to see more of themselves on TV and show what the life of a lesbian is like. You’re gonna go on that journey with Anissa. It’s also cool because my parents on the show, they’re very accepting and open about my sexuality. I hope that parents watching are inspired to support their lesbian or gay child.

TV: Do you feel like that adds a lot of pressure on you?

NW: I wouldn’t say pressure. I think more just excited to be a voice for it and be a part of the change. Again, the producers and the writers, they’ve written a really well fill-out, perfectly fill-out character. It’s about just telling the story authentically. I know with Mara [Brock Akil] and Salim [Akil], that I can trust them with that at the helm, that they’re gonna tell this story authentically the way it needs to be told. I think that takes the pressure off of me right there, knowing that we’re good.”

Read the interview here

Folks, if you get a chance to see Nafessa Williams being interviewed on TV, watch it! I saw her do a couple of shows over the last week and she is really doing a GREAT job talking about the role and why representation matters.