The performers gathered in the West Hollywood City Council Chamber for two presentations of “The Trans Diaries” — monologues that serve as vehicles for trans people to share their stories. These shows Tuesday coincided with Transgender Awareness Week (which runs through Nov. 19) and the Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov.
20), but they also landed soon after an election day that ushered in a new political landscape. Lindsey Deaton , a musician and artistic director who served as West Hollywood’s first appointed transgender commissioner for arts and cultural affairs, created “The Trans Diaries” five years ago. The show, which consists of episodic nonfiction pieces, is directed and performed entirely by members of the trans community.
Each iteration of the show is different, reflecting a cast that changes from year to year. This year’s “Trans Diaries” includes three returning cast members: Seth Gomez, Lee Faelnar Te and Jen Winslow. New performers are B Alexander and playwright Joshua Gerschick, who also served as dramaturg.
This year’s performances are co-produced by the city of West Hollywood and Diversionary Theatre in San Diego, where “Trans Diaries” will be performed this weekend . The Times spoke over Zoom with Gerschick and trans writer-actor Shakina Nayfack, who directed the show. Below are excerpts from that conversation, edited for length and clarity.
Shakina, you and most of this year’s “Trans Diaries” cast members are working actors or.
