Everybody’s Talking About Jamie actor throws down gauntlet for cis gays: ‘Step up for trans people’
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. (YouTube)
Max Harwood, star of the film adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, has explained why it is vital for cis queer people to lift up the trans community.
Speaking to The Independent, Harwood, who takes up his first-ever professional acting role in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, discussed his determination to “use his voice to help” his trans siblings.
He said, lifting up his hand: “Just because I’m there, it’s important to recognise that other people aren’t, so I need to use my voice to help those people. I’m specifically talking about trans people.”
The 24-year-old continued: “Over this past year there has just been some awful transphobia circling the internet and in real life.
“So I think it’s important as a community that we step up and forward for other people in our community, even if we feel like things have become easier for ourselves.”
“We rise horizontally, and we only rise when we rise together,” he added.
This sentiment is brought to life in the film, which includes one original scene not adapted from the hit musical.
In the scene, teenager Jamie receives a queer history lesson from drag mentor Loco Channelle, played by Richard E Grant, in which he learns about the struggles of past generations and the horrors of the AIDS crisis.
Harwood said: “This is very much a generational story about the passing of a torch and carrying history with you…. As queer people, we need to know the shoulders that we stand on.”
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is bypassing cinemas and heading straight to Amazon Prime
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie was originally supposed to hit cinemas in October 2020, but the release date was pushed back twice due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Disney later removed the film from its release schedule entirely, and it was acquired by Amazon Studios.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios said: “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has quickly become one of the most beloved musicals of recent years.
“Jamie’s story is one that resonates across all generations – it’s about unconditional love and we know our global audiences will fall in love with Jamie as he overcomes adversity to truly find his authentic self.
“We are so thrilled to share this joyful and inspirational story with the world.”
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is streaming on Amazon Prime Video now.
