TL;DR
- Margaret Cho turned down a role in Heated Rivalry due to fears of ICE detention.
- She expressed her vocal opposition to the Trump administration.
- Cho discussed the emotional toll of being a queer person today.
- She still loves the show and its creator, Jacob Tierney.
- Cho hopes to join the cast in the future.
In a shocking revelation that has the LGBTQ community buzzing, Margaret Cho, the fierce and fabulous bisexual comedian, has opened up about why she turned down a role in the hit queer series Heated Rivalry. And let me tell you, it’s a story that highlights the very real fears faced by many in our community.
During a recent episode of the podcast I Never Liked You, hosted by Matteo Lane and Nick Smith, Cho shared her fears of being detained by ICE at the US border. “Last year, I got a script for a pilot script for a show that I really loved, but it shot in Canada and I was so scared because I’m so vocal about hating ICE and hating this administration,” she revealed. And who can blame her? The climate for many queer individuals, especially those who are outspoken, can be downright terrifying.
Cho continued, “I was like, I will get detained at the border and I will be put in ICE detention if I go, and I was struggling over it. I had to talk to all these people about it and I was super upset, and I said no.” Can you imagine having to choose between a dream role and your safety? It’s a heartbreaking dilemma that many LGBTQ folks face in today’s political climate.
She went on to reveal that the show in question was none other than Heated Rivalry, a series that has captured the hearts of many with its queer representation and engaging storytelling. “I know, isn’t that horrible?” Cho lamented, expressing her admiration for the show’s creator, Jacob Tierney. “The pilot was beautiful.” But despite her love for the project, the fear of being detained loomed larger.
When asked if she could still watch the series, Cho responded candidly, “I watched it. I hosted some rewatch parties and it kills me. Like, it kills me, and it’s all because of Trump.” The emotional weight of her decision is palpable, and it’s a stark reminder of the challenges that LGBTQ individuals face when they choose to be vocal about their beliefs.
As the conversation shifted to the possibility of her appearing in season two, Cho said, “I asked them. We’ll see.” Fingers crossed that she can join the cast and bring her unique voice to the series. After all, representation matters, and Cho’s presence would undoubtedly enrich the narrative.
In a world where being a queer person can feel like walking a tightrope, Cho’s story resonates deeply. She has always been an advocate for LGBTQ issues and isn’t afraid to speak out. “It’s so terrifying to be a queer person. It’s f****** scary to live in a queer body, live a queer life in the world that we live in,” she expressed in a previous interview. Her words echo the sentiments of many who feel the weight of societal pressures and discrimination.
Cho’s passion for queer representation extends beyond just her own experiences. She believes that horror, often overlooked as a genre, serves as a vital outlet for queer individuals to confront their fears. “I think horror helps us exorcise a lot of those demons where we can rehearse fear without real danger,” she explained. It’s a powerful perspective that underscores the importance of art in processing our realities.
As we await news on whether Cho will grace our screens in Heated Rivalry, let’s continue to support her and all those who bravely navigate the complexities of being queer in today’s world. After all, it’s voices like hers that remind us of the strength and resilience within our community.
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