Dominique Jackson on Pose’s Unforeseen Triumph: From Initial Skepticism to Celebrating Groundbreaking Transgender Visibility

Two years prior to its explosive success, when the F/X series Pose first premiered, many recognized its potential to become a cultural phenomenon. Yet, even among its most talented stars, there were understandable doubts about its ability to truly connect with a mainstream audience. One such individual was Dominique Jackson, the powerhouse actress behind the iconic character Elektra Abundance, who candidly admitted her initial reservations regarding the show’s reception.

“Yes, I am surprised, but I’m very happy for it,” Dominique Jackson, then 44, shared exclusively with HollywoodLife during the Writers Guild Awards in New York City on a Saturday in early February. Her surprise stemmed from a deeply rooted understanding of how society often perceives and reacts to transgender narratives. “Because I never thought that… you see when people talk about being gay or lesbian, a lot of people are like, ‘Okay, I can deal with that.’ And when they talk about, ‘okay, you’re a drag queen, okay I can deal with that’. Because they find that sense of normality and sense of a heterosexualism in it. But when it comes to trans, everyone feels threatened and everything is going to be destroyed and everything is going to be done.”

The Deep Roots of Dominique Jackson’s Skepticism: Facing Societal Transphobia

Dominique Jackson’s initial apprehension wasn’t unfounded; it was a realistic reflection of the historical lack of authentic transgender representation in media and the prevalent transphobia within society. For decades, trans characters were either non-existent, played by cisgender actors, or relegated to stereotypical, often tragic, and misunderstood roles. This pervasive misrepresentation or complete invisibility had trained audiences to see trans identities as niche, controversial, or even threatening, rather than as integral parts of the human experience. As Jackson articulated, other facets of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, such as gay or drag identities, sometimes found a measure of “normality” or a perceived connection to heteronormative structures, making them marginally more palatable to a broader, less informed public. However, the idea of gender identity diverging from assigned sex at birth often triggered a far more visceral and negative reaction.

“So when Pose came out, I had that feeling like as soon as it became this trans thing, they would not see us as the women and the men that we are. And that was very difficult in the beginning,” she confessed. This statement highlights a crucial fear: that the groundbreaking nature of Pose, featuring a predominantly transgender cast playing transgender roles, would alienate viewers rather than enlighten them. There was a genuine concern that the show’s authentic portrayal of trans lives would be met with rejection, overshadowed by prejudice, and that the audience would fail to look beyond gender identity to see the universal humanity of the characters – their struggles, their dreams, their love, and their resilience. This fear underscored the monumental challenge that Pose faced in changing hearts and minds, proving that stories centered on trans experiences were not only valid but also universally resonant and deeply human.

Pose’s Revolutionary Impact: Breaking Barriers and Fostering Empathy

Fortunately, Dominique Jackson’s initial mindset has undoubtedly evolved over the years, as Pose transcended expectations to become a critical and cultural juggernaut. Thousands, if not millions, of people worldwide have embraced the show, its complex characters, and the extraordinary talents of the actors who brought them to life. Pose, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City’s African-American and Latino LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming ballroom culture scene, initially in the 1980s and later expanding into the early 1990s in its second season, garnered immense praise from both critics and fans. It consistently maintained an impressive rating of over 95 percent for its first two seasons on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its compelling narrative and profound impact.

The series was not just entertainment; it was a cultural reset. Co-created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals, with significant contributions from trans writers and directors like Janet Mock and Our Lady J, Pose ensured authenticity at every level. The show’s commitment to casting trans actors in trans roles was groundbreaking, providing unprecedented opportunities and visibility for a community that had long been marginalized and overlooked in Hollywood. This authentic representation allowed for nuanced storytelling that explored themes of chosen family, identity, discrimination, the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the fight for acceptance and survival within a hostile world. Viewers were introduced to the fierce loyalty of house mothers like Elektra Abundance, Blanca Evangelista, and Pray Tell, who created safe havens for their chosen children in a society that offered them little protection or understanding. Through these richly drawn characters, Pose humanized experiences that had often been demonized or ignored, forcing audiences to confront their own biases and fostering a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.

Billy Porter’s Historic Emmy Win: A Beacon of Hope and Acceptance

Among the show’s numerous accolades, one particular moment resonated deeply with Dominique Jackson and the entire LGBTQ+ community: Billy Porter’s historic Primetime Emmy Award win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019. Porter, who portrayed the fabulous and deeply complex character Pray Tell, became the first openly gay Black man to be nominated and win in any lead acting category at the Primetime Emmys. This victory was not merely an individual achievement; it was a powerful symbol of progress and a validation of the stories that Pose worked so tirelessly to tell.

Dominique’s visceral reaction to Billy’s name being announced encapsulated the collective relief and joy felt by many. “My first reaction was finally, thank you, yes, God,” she recalled. This powerful expression underscored the long struggle for recognition and acceptance. Porter’s win transcended the entertainment industry, sending a profound message of hope and visibility far beyond the awards ceremony. As Dominique eloquently put it, “So many people in America right now, are going to be going to their sons and saying, ‘It’s okay for you to be you.’” This sentiment highlights the transformative power of media representation, demonstrating how a single award can inspire countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and can empower parents to offer unconditional love and acceptance to their children, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It marked a significant step forward in normalizing and celebrating queer and trans identities on a global stage, proving that these stories not only deserve to be told but also celebrated and awarded at the highest levels.

Dominique Jackson’s Evolving Perspective: Faith, Humanity, and the Future

For the Trinidad and Tobago native, the success of Pose marked a pivotal turning point, ushering in a new decade on an incredibly promising note. Beyond the accolades and recognition, the show’s impact seemed to solidify Dominique’s personal philosophy and outlook on life. Her experience on Pose, navigating initial skepticism to widespread acclaim, appears to have reinforced a profound sense of faith and purpose. “I am doing a lot and you know what? I got to a place in my life where I just feel like I have faith that the things that are supposed to happen for me will happen as long as I stay on the right path,” she shared with HollywoodLife. This speaks to a journey of self-discovery and resilience, where she has learned to trust in her path and the unfolding of her destiny.

Her commitment extends beyond personal success to a broader understanding of human connection. Dominique emphasized the importance of remaining authentic and true to one’s core values: “And remain the person that I am supposed to be, which is realizing that each and every one of us are human beings.” This powerful statement encapsulates a message of universal humanity and interconnectedness, a theme deeply embedded in Pose itself. It’s a call to look beyond superficial differences, including gender identity, race, or socio-economic status, and recognize the shared humanity that binds us all. Dominique Jackson’s journey, from doubting the acceptance of trans narratives to becoming a leading figure in their celebration, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her ongoing work and advocacy continue to champion visibility and respect for all, embodying the very ideals that Pose so beautifully championed.

The Enduring Legacy of Pose: A Benchmark for Inclusive Storytelling

The legacy of Pose extends far beyond its three highly successful seasons. It has irrevocably shifted the landscape of television, setting a new benchmark for inclusive storytelling and authentic representation. The series proved definitively that narratives centered on marginalized communities, specifically Black and Latina trans women, could not only attract a wide audience but also achieve critical acclaim and win major awards. It offered a window into a vibrant culture often misunderstood and brought essential conversations about identity, prejudice, chosen family, and the AIDS epidemic into homes worldwide.

By empowering a cast and crew primarily composed of trans individuals and people of color, Pose created a platform for voices that had historically been silenced, offering nuanced performances and rich character development that resonated deeply with viewers. Dominique Jackson, with her initial doubts and subsequent joy, perfectly embodies the show’s journey from uncertainty to triumph. Her story, alongside that of her castmates and the groundbreaking series itself, stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of challenging preconceived notions, championing authenticity, and celebrating the diverse tapestry of human experience. Pose will forever be remembered not just as a hit show, but as a pivotal moment in cultural history that paved the way for a more inclusive and empathetic future in media and beyond.