Trans Actor Scott Turner Schofield Challenges Notions of ‘Historic Firsts
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Scott Turner Schofield, a trailblazing trans actor and activist, recently shared his perspective on being labelled for his “historic firsts” in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Despite being recognised as the first openly trans actor to land a role in a daytime soap opera and the first trans man nominated for an Emmy Award for acting, Schofield prefers not to be defined by these milestones. He emphasised that many trans individuals had already paved the way before him, leading him to question the significance of “first” achievements in the broader context of trans history.
The notion of the “transgender tipping point” has been associated with a shift towards increased representation of trans individuals in mainstream media. Schofield, however, believes that being part of this movement is not about being the first, but ensuring that there won’t be a last. As the landscape of LGBTQ+ representation appears to be shrinking, particularly for trans characters, Schofield underscores the importance of storytelling that fosters empathy and understanding in society.
In his role as Nick on ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ in 2015, Schofield made history as the first openly trans actor in a soap opera. Reflecting on this groundbreaking moment, he highlighted the show’s role in challenging Hollywood’s conventional narrative on trans stories. Schofield commended the soap opera for setting a precedent in inclusivity by featuring a cis actress portraying a trans character, Maya, and subsequently casting him, an openly trans actor, in a significant supporting role.
While celebrating recent milestones in trans representation, such as Peppermint’s trans wedding on Netflix’s ‘Survival of the Thickest,’ Schofield drew attention to the progressive storytelling that daytime television had championed years earlier. He shared his enthusiasm for the impact of ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ storyline, which reached millions of viewers worldwide and contributed to shaping a more nuanced portrayal of trans experiences on screen.
Beyond his acting career, Schofield has leveraged his platform to advocate for accurate and authentic portrayals of the trans experience, serving as a consultant on shows like ‘Euphoria.’ He expressed his hope for a future where discussions around trans issues will be so normalized that individuals like himself can exist without the burden of representing an entire community.
Looking ahead, Schofield urged the entertainment industry to emulate the bold storytelling approach of soap operas in addressing complex social issues and diverse perspectives. He emphasised that portraying diverse narratives is not just a matter of activism but a savvy business strategy that resonates with audiences seeking authentic and compelling storytelling.
Schofield’s journey as an actor and activist exemplifies a commitment to promoting inclusivity and fostering meaningful dialogue around trans representation in media. His nuanced understanding of the power of storytelling underscores the transformative potential of entertainment to shape cultural perceptions and drive social change towards a more inclusive future.