In a candid interview, Dominique Jackson, best known for her role as Elektra Abundance in the hit series Pose, has shared her deeply personal experiences as a trans woman facing violence and adversity. The actress and model disclosed that she carried a heavy burden of fear after surviving a violent assault in 2014, and even while enjoying the success of Pose’s premiere in 2018, she was subjected to death threats.
Facing Fear and Resilience
Jackson spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on the dual experiences of joy and negativity that accompanied her rise to fame. She revealed, “There’s this thing that happens where one or two comments come in amid all that joy and those comments [are] very negative or contained death threats.” However, she remained resolute, refusing to let fear hold her back from what was important and the cause she had fought for throughout her life.
Recounting the harrowing incident from almost a decade ago, Jackson revealed, “Another thing that happened to me was in 2014, I was strangled within moments of my life. I carried a lot of fear with me after that.” As a result, she takes extra precautions and avoids traveling alone in the current climate, where the safety of trans women is still a concern.
Resilience in the Face of Trauma
Jackson also bravely shared that in 2018, she survived an attempted rape while vacationing in Aruba with her then-husband. These traumatic experiences led to her grappling with agoraphobia, a condition characterized by anxiety and avoidance of public spaces. She described how it sometimes manifests: “It’s something that happens a lot in the sense of right before I go out, I get a little panicky or nervous. But I have overcome it.”
Despite the challenges, Jackson’s determination shines through. She emphasized, “I will always get there even if it means that once I’m home, I’m a mess on the floor, crying hysterically.”
Speaking Out for Trans Rights
In the interview, Jackson also addressed the current political climate in the United States, where some Republican states are pushing for legislation that seeks to restrict gender-affirming care for trans youth and ban public drag performances. She expressed her frustration, saying, “If you are the type of person who looks at another human being [and] only sees things that you think are wrong with them, and you believe that they should not live the same existence of life or comfortability that you are living, then there is something mentally wrong with you. You need help.”
Jackson’s powerful words serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ community in the face of adversity, and the ongoing need for advocacy and understanding in the fight for trans rights.
In Conclusion
Dominique Jackson’s journey is a testament to the courage and resilience of trans individuals, who continue to navigate challenges with unwavering determination. Her story serves as a call to action for a more inclusive and accepting world, where everyone can live their lives free from fear and discrimination.