New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey may not identify as queer, but she has become a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community through her roles in various films and television productions. From the cult classic But I’m a Cheerleader to the critically acclaimed The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the new hit show Yellowjackets, Lynskey’s performances have resonated with queer audiences around the world.
In a recent interview with GAY TIMES, Lynskey discussed her involvement in HBO’s The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic drama that features queer characters and relationships. Despite not playing a queer character herself, Lynskey found herself defending the show’s “homosexual agenda” against an anti-LGBTQ+ viewer on social media. In response, she proudly affirmed her support for LGBTQ+ causes and representation in mainstream media.
For Lynskey, advocating for LGBTQ+ representation is a personal honor. She believes that the “homosexual agenda” should be pushed at all times and is thrilled to be a part of projects like Yellowjackets and The Last of Us that are normalizing the queer experience on screen. She notes that both shows are examples of storytelling that avoid traditional queer trauma narratives and instead allow queer characters to live and love like everyone else.
Yellowjackets, in particular, has been hailed as the “queerest show” on television right now by fans and critics alike. The show features multiple queer characters, including Taissa Turner (played by Jasmin Savoy Brown and Tawny Cypress) and Vanessa “Van” Palmer (played by Liv Hewson and Lauren Ambrose). Lynskey returns in the second season as her Emmy Award-nominated character Shauna Shipman, and she encourages other storytellers to follow Yellowjackets’ lead in portraying queer characters in a positive light.
Despite the show’s dark themes, which range from cannibalism to murder, Lynskey has praised the writers for their ability to handle difficult subject matter with sensitivity and nuance. She acknowledges that some scenes have been difficult to film, but ultimately she trusts the writers to take the story where it needs to go.
Yellowjackets is currently airing its second season on Paramount+, with new episodes available every Friday. Lynskey’s work on the show, as well as her involvement in other queer-positive projects, has cemented her status as a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community.