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Trace Lysette goes behind the camera for new docuseries ‘Trans in Trumpland’

The ‘Transparent’ and ‘Hustlers’ star will executive produce the series alongside trans activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

By Thomas Stichbury

Trace Lysette will hold a mirror to the trials and tribulations faced by transgender people across America in an upcoming documentary.

Best known for her roles in Transparent and Hustlers, the trans actress has signed on to executive produce Trans in Trumpland.

The series follows four people on the frontline in the fight for transgender equality in the United States under Donald Trump, whose administration has made repeated attempts to roll back trans protections.

“I’m excited to join this brilliant trans-led team and to showcase the resistance and resiliency of our trans siblings during this trying time.

“I hope this series can make a difference and that we can look back on this period in the future and be proud of the fact that we always find a way, we always push through against all odds,” Lysette said.

The 32-year-old added on Instagram: “I am thrilled to go on this journey and uncover these personal stories from such beautiful and resilient trans folks.”

Joining a recent wave of acclaimed LGBTQ documentaries – including Netflix’s Disclosure, also featuring Lysette – the four-part doc is directed by trans filmmaker Tony Zosherafatain and co-produced by activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy.

Last week, Lysette received a public apology from the dating app Hinge after she was blocked for being trans.

Taking to Twitter, she revealed that her account had been suspended after she was reported by transphobes.

“More transphobic dating fun,” she wrote. “This time from @hinge – so exhausted with these dating apps allowing people to report trans women for no reason. As if dating isn’t exhausting enough.”

Orange is the New Black star and close friend Laverne Cox added, “yeah I was blocked on @hinge too.”

Hinge bossed insisted that moderators didn’t believe the profiles belonged to them, and offered both a “lifetime preferred membership” as a “small token of appreciation.”

Lysette replied: “Thanks for reinstating. Maybe there is some way to ensure it wasn’t people reporting for being trans. I know other trans women have experienced this too. I appreciate your intent for inclusivity. It’s rough out here.”

“Hopefully all the trans folks on your platform who routinely get flagged simply for being trans will get similar treatment,” Cox, 48, urged.

This week, Cox received her fourth Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actress in a drama for her turn as Sophia Burset in the seventh and final season of OITNB.