Gabrielle Christian – ClexaCon

By starrymag | April 3, 2017

By: MaryBeth McMahon

Q) ClexaCon was such a groundbreaking event because of the significance it holds for the queer community, what do you hope Con goers took away from their experiences being here?

 

A) I hope it inspired them to befilmmakers! Writing, directing and producing your own content is really the best way to represent your voice and community these days.

 

Q) With the current political climate we are in here in America, how do you think we can keep pushing boundaries for queer content and representation?

 

A) Again, I feel that we need more voices and advocacy coming directly from the community itself. Whether it be lobbying congress, filmmaking or creating grassroots organizations in your own community, we all need to take better advantage of the democratic rights we have in this country.

 

Q) “Spashley” holds such a special place for so many people, what do you think it is about the “South of Nowhere” series that has continued to make it sort of a timeless series?

 

A) I think what’s special about “South of Nowhere” is that it was groundbreaking for its time. There had never been an Ashley (Mandy Musgrave) and Spencer as leading characters on TV, let alone representing the high school years of coming out. ClexaCon reminded me of this as the fans I met were so gracious in telling me their own coming out stories and how “South of Nowhere” was an outlet for them during that special time.

 

Q) When you think back on “South of Nowhere” what have you really carried with you about the show’s message and your character’s impact?

 

A) As an actor, I don’t think there’s a better gift than to play a character who’s going through such a pivotal and transformative time of her life. I’m also humbled that it resonated with young people who needed Spencer’s story at that time.

 

Q) LGBTQ story lines are becoming more prevalent. If “South of Nowhere” was made during these current times, what would you like to see on the show that wasn’t portrayed back then?

 

A) I think we could have dived deeper into the physical and emotional effects of bullying. However, since we were on a cable network for teens, we had to be a lot more careful in how visually descriptive we were able to be.

 

Q) Your short film Bawlin’ showed at ClexaCon. For those who haven’t seen it yet, what can you say about your character and the plot? What was it like having the film shown in ClexaCon’s very first film festival?

 

A) Bawlin’ was so much fun, and even more fun to have screened in front of a live audience! It’s a short film about two moms who can’t get their crying baby to sleep through the night. So, they go through hilarious and drastic measures to get there.

 

Q) Has your experience on “South of Nowhere” affected your life inside and outside of the acting world?

 

A) Oh, for sure. “South of Nowhere” provided me with such a bigger perspective of what really matters in life— compassion, empathy, honest relationships with others and being true to yourself.

 

Q) What was the biggest challenge in portraying Spencer? What was the biggest reward?

 

A) As a straight woman who had never played a lesbian before, some of the physical intimacies felt a bit different! But Mandy has such a great sense of humor and always made me feel comfortable. As for the reward, my friendship with Mandy and the rest of the cast is really the greatest gift. As we were all so young when we went through this journey together, I think we all made a huge impact on the people we have become.

 

Q) Are there any guest starring roles or other upcoming projects we will get to see you in?

 

A) I have two indie films in the works that are still raising money to be made- so finger’s crossed for those!

 

Q) Charity is such a large part of your life, which ones are you working with right now and how can fans become better involved?

 

A) I’m currently pursuing a Social Work degree. My involvement with FAIR Girls opened my eyes to wanting to be a better advocate for education and social justice. If you also want to make a difference you can start by visiting our website! http://www.fairgirls.org/.