Leisha Hailey, Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig, and L-Word: Generation Q executive producer Ilene Chaiken headed to the White House this week — not to demand the renewal of the show (though we would love that) but in celebration of Lesbian Visibility Week.
They took the podium alongside White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the first openly gay woman to hold the position, to discuss the triumphs and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, and how to do the work that will move us toward truer equality.
“As the first openly queer person to hold the position of press secretary for the President of the United States, I see every day how important visibility and representation are,” Jean-Pierre said.
Chaiken followed Jean-Pierre and spoke about the importance of visibility to the queer community. “We learned by the beautiful response to our show how profoundly important it is for people, particularly young people, to see themselves reflected in our entertainment culture, and to know that they’re embraced, valued, and not alone,” Chaiken said.
“But we’re painfully aware that our struggles are far from over,” she continued, speaking of the “new threats against our community,” including the Florida State Board of Education’s ban on classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades last week.
“They may try to erase our stories from classrooms and libraries,” Chaiken said, “but we’re here today, here at the White House. We won’t be erased.”
Hailey opened up about her experience growing up queer in Nebraska and how, with the support of her parents, she was able to grow into the proud, visible woman she is today. “But visibility is not just the act of being seen, it is the ability to see,” she said. “Even if it feels like you’re under attack, know that we see you.”
It was incredibly powerful to see this group of women sharing the podium at the White House and speaking directly to our community. But also, while you have Biden’s ear, maybe just float the idea of another season — or movie — to wrap up all those Generation Q cliffhangers. Just sayin’.
