Arts & Entertainment
Nicole Maines will be TV’s first transgender superhero on CW’s ‘Supergirl’
The actress will portray Nia Nal (aka Dreamer)
Nicole Maines (Photo via Instagram)
Nicole Maines, a transgender activist and actress, has been cast as Nia Nal (aka Dreamer) on the CW’s “Supergirl” making her the first transgender superhero in the history of television.
The 20-year-old actress’ casting was announced at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. Nia will appear in the upcoming fourth season as a regular. She will work as a reporter alongside Kara (Supergirl).
According to Deadline Nia is “A soulful young transgender woman with a fierce drive to protect others, Nia’s journey this season means fulfilling her destiny as the superhero Dreamer (much like Kara came into her own as Supergirl).”
Maines has appeared in the series “Royal Pains” and the documentary “The Trans List.” She and her family also filed a suit against the state of Maine in 2014 to allow transgender children the right to use the restroom facilities that correspond with their gender identity. Maine’s Supreme Court ruled in her favor changing the state’s law.
In an interview with Variety, Maines says she hopes the transgender community can get better representation in the media.
“We can be whoever we want, we can do whatever we want, we can be superheroes, because in many ways we are,” Maines says. “We’ve had trans representation in television for a while but it hasn’t been the right representation.”
“I think we’re in a time right now where more than ever representation in the media matters. And what we see on television has a very dramatic effect on our society,” she added.
“Supergirl” season four premieres on Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. on CW.
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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