Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and More Urge for Improved LGBTQ Representation

“Loot” and “Pose” star Michaela Jaé Rodriguez says while growing up, the Logo dramedy series “Noah’s Arc,” which followed the lives and relationships of four gay men in Los Angeles, was one of the first shows she saw that made her feel represented.

“There were so many people of color on that show,” Rodriguez told Variety. “They did highlight a lot of trans women. It wasn’t as prominent, but the girls were there. I saw a whole encompassing story around all of the LGBTQIA+ community in that show and it resonated with me, it still resonates with me today.”

Rodriguez was honored with the Vanguard Award Friday night at the Critics Choice Association‘s inaugural Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television in Los Angeles. The celebration honored achievements from LGBTQ+ creators and talent within the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera.

“I hope that I can be in spaces where the characters I play are centered more so that it gives hope to the youth, because that’s what they want,” Rodriguez said. “They want to be able to see someone and if they want to obtain any kind of venture, whether it be acting, singing or anything, they can have someone to look to and say, ‘I can achieve that because she got there.’”

Other honorees from the night included “Abbott Elementary” star Chris Perfetti for the Breakthrough Performance Award for television series, “Star Trek” star George Takei…