Actress and Transgender Advocate: Pooya Mohseni
Pooya Mohseni is an Iranian American actor, writer, filmmaker, and Transgender activist. You may recognize her from roles in Big Dogs and Madam Secretary. We were so honored to work with her on High Herstory where she tells the powerful story of transgender pioneer Lucy Hicks Anderson. In her mission to spread love and the awareness of every human being’s innate worthiness, Pooya has found a voice as an advocate as well as actor & writer. She talks to us about Lucy, her new feature film, and her journey to advocacy.
High Herstory: Tell us about yourself, what are your passions?
Pooya Mohseni: I’m an actor, a story teller, a trans advocate and activist, an immigrant, a woman, a human. I want to touch the world. I want to reach inside people’s hearts and hug them. I have a need to feel that I’m doing something to make the world a bit kinder, a bit more self aware, a bit brighter and definitely more inclusive for all people, not just some. That’s what gets me up in the morning and helps me through ups and downs.
High Herstory: You tell the Story of Lucy Hicks Anderson in Season One. Why do you feel her story needs to be told?
Pooya Mohseni: Lucy is a trailblazer. She knew who she was, even when the world kept telling her that she was wrong. She persevered, even when all she had was that feeling in her gut, telling her, pushing her to keep going. That is strength. That is resolve. That is a human being who is not being seen and respected for who she is, but she doesn’t give up her fight and now, decades after her passing, she’s an inspiration, a role model. People like that should always be looked at and studied, because in their journey, we can find the strength to follow our truth, our path.
High Herstory: Do you have a favorite moment from being on set with High Herstory? What was the funniest moment?
Pooya Mohseni: I loved every moment of it, so I won’t pick just one! I was among people I love and respect. People who inspire me, support me and extend their friendships to me. That has great value to me. I don’t know what the funniest moment was, but the funnest moment was when I looked into the camera and could feel Lucy running through my thoughts as I directed the court with her truth, her strength and her humanity. Did I say Sass? That Too! That was incredible!
High Herstory: As an actress and storyteller what made you want to be a part of a project that is pro-cannabis?
Pooya Mohseni: I believe in the magic of cannabis and its healing powers. There has been so much propaganda around cannabis and political legalities around it, that most people don’t see the amazing things it can do. Also, as someone who has survived trauma and eating issues, I personally know the benefits I have felt, so it felt like a great fit for me as a storyteller and a human being!
High Herstory: How has history wronged the transgender community? How can representation help?
Pooya Mohseni: History has tried to erase us or portray us as villains, or victims that are somehow ill or confused. But, when we show people members of this community who embody resolve, determination and humanity, we humanize our community and we change the message from “them” to “us”. Through representation, good representation, we can change the narrative from “those people we’ve never met” to “our neighbors, our friends, our family members, co-workers and lovers”. In short, we TAKE DOWN THE WALL!
High Herstory: You are a fierce advocate for transgender right, immigrants, and women tell us about that journey?
Pooya Mohseni: I never set out to be an advocate. I didn’t think I was the right person for it, because I’m just me. But as I keep moving forward and finding myself, as we all do, I have come to realize that what I have gone through is not that unique, as a woman, as an immigrant or as a trans individual. So, if my lived experiences and what I’ve learned can help anyone, then it brings me great joy and pride to be able to use my knowledge and talents to make sure that others feel a little better about who they are and know that they are worthy of love and respect, regardless of their journey or their color.
High Herstory: What advocacy work are you focusing on now?
Pooya Mohseni: I’m a member of the advisory board for Ackerman Institute’s Gender and Family Project, which focuses on giving support, community and education to families with gender variant children. I believe that children from our community are most vulnerable, especially with all the legal arguments about bathroom use or sports in schools. However, I invite people to find what is true to them. I love children and want to protect trans and non binary kids from people who want to make them disappear. That’s me. But if you feel more strongly about immigrant support or transgender equality, by all means, support them. If we all follow our hearts and do what is right, then the world can be better. This is what is important to me. I invite you to find yours.
High Herstory: As an actor & writer tell us about what you are working on now? How can we support your work?
Pooya Mohseni: Our feature film See You Then, written by Mari Walker & Kristen Uno, directed by Mari Walker and co-starring the amazing Lynn Chen just made its premiere at SXSW. The reviews are great, but this is just the beginning. For an indie film to have life, we need word of mouth. There are going to be more festivals down the line, like: DisOrient, Atlanta FIlm Festival and more. I believe in this movie, its message and everyone who worked on it. I want people to see it and hopefully they will love it and connect with it. Then I ask you to tell your friends about it and share it with your network. That’s how you can support our movie and other indie filmmakers who want their message heard.
High Herstory: Who is an important woman to you, that we would all benefit from knowing more about?
We’re always looking for celebrities, but I find we can find inspiration from everyone. Our mothers, aunts, neighbors, friends. I find the stories of the women in my family inspiring. I don’t want to be them or even be like them, but I have found things in their journeys that give me strength. Their hurdles, their regrets, their resolve. I love people who don’t give up in the face of adversity. If I was going to mention one woman who is well known, it would most probably be Michelle Obama. Her combination of strength, resolve, grace and intelligence is for the books! She inspires me with one single quote “When they go low. We go high”. That is the essence that I try to carry in all I do. Maybe that resonates with you, maybe it doesn’t. Again, I invite you to seek the light that rings true for you. Our truths don’t have to be the same, so long as our truth brings us strength, clarity and contentment. Much love.