Asia Kate Dillon is leading the charge to break down gender stereotypes in Hollywood. The actor is the first gender non-binary character to appear on television. On Billions, Asia plays second string to the show’s conniving hedge-fund manager.
But Asia is the star for a new conciousness when it comes to the archaic divisions set between men and women. The television star also indentifies as a gender non-binary in real life and hopes to set an example for those who are scared of being discriminated due to their gender.
“I’ve always been comfortable being the first person at a party, metaphorically speaking—being the first person on the dance floor, saying, ‘This is where it’s happening, people, and if you don’t think so, that’s cool, but I think you’re missing out,” Asia told Vanity Fair about being the person who is at the forefront of this change.
Yesterday, Asia presented the first non-binary MTV Movie and TV Award. MTV, along with the Grammys, are the first two award-giving bodies to do away with the traditional distinctions for men and women. “I have so much gratitude to be presenting the first acting award that is based solely on performance, based neither on sex nor gender identity,” said Asia. Emma Watson received the first Best Actor Award in a Movie at the MTV Awards. In her speech, she also expressed how the new categories were significant and very much needed.
Moreover, Asia maintains that such progress can only be for the better if it continues. “I’m honored and humbled and really proud that MTV has joined the conversation about breaking down binaries, because binaries—whether it be man or woman, actor or actress, black or white—were created to separate us, and to create an ‘us’ and a ‘them.’ Without binaries, there is only ‘us,’ which means we’re actually all equal.”
[Vanity Fair]
Photo courtesy of Asia Kate Dillon’s Instagram account
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