“I cried when I first read that script, because I saw myself reflected,” Keitel says.
What’s the key to telling authentic stories about trans and queer people?
Why, having trans and queer people tell those stories.
Jesse James Keitel as Ruthie and Devin Way as Brodie in ‘Queer as Folk.'.Alyssa Moran/Peacock
Keitel plays her teenage self before transitioning, something she called a “dream come true.”
“It was truly authentic storytelling.
There were so many parts of that script where I gasped.
Jesse James Keitel as Ruthie in ‘Queer as Folk.'.Peacock
I cried when I first read that script, because I saw myself reflected.
I saw my own lived experience, the nuanced parts of it being brought to life.”
And that is part of my story.
CG as Shar and Jesse James Keitel as Ruthie in ‘Queer as Folk.'.Peacock
And wanting to tell that story is valuable.
And reality’s not always perfect.
So yeah, I’m sure there will be times where people get upset and that’s cool.
Art’s supposed to make people talk."
“So often stories about trans people are not told with delicacy,” Keitel added.
“They’re not told with elegance.
