Liv Hewson isn’t just surviving Hollywood — they’re redefining it. The Yellowjackets star, known for portraying Van Palmer, is living their truth loudly, queerly, and unapologetically, on and off the screen. “I have a right to be here,” they said, and honey, they mean every word.
The 29-year-old Australian actor, who uses they/them pronouns and underwent top surgery in 2023, is more confident than ever in their career and identity. “I have clarity of purpose and a sense of my worth,” they declared. “Every time I move toward myself — whether that’s coming out, surgery, or speaking honestly — it gets easier.”
In Yellowjackets, their character Van is in a messy, magnetic lesbian relationship with Taissa, played by Jasmin Savoy Brown. Fans can’t get enough of this “problematic lesbian” duo, and neither can Hewson. “Jasmin and I really prioritize telling the story of their relationship,” they explained, emphasizing their shared pride in representing queer love onscreen.
But it’s not just on camera where Hewson is making waves. They’ve been a loud and proud advocate for gender-neutral acting categories, declining to submit themselves for the 2023 Emmys due to the outdated binary system. “I love it,” they said of the awards shows that have adopted inclusive practices. “It demonstrates that it’s literally possible. It’s doable.”
Despite the chaos their character faces in the Canadian wilderness, Hewson’s real life is a climb toward authenticity — and they’re reaching new heights. “I protect myself by being honest,” they said. “I’m respecting myself by stepping into the world without fear or apology.”
Their journey is more than personal triumph. It’s a roadmap for a new generation of LGBTQ creatives — especially nonbinary people — hungry for visibility and space in a still-rigid entertainment industry. Hewson’s advocacy and presence push the needle forward, one role, one red carpet, and one fearless quote at a time.
As Yellowjackets gears up for its third season, Hewson stands strong, proud, and unbothered. Their refusal to bend to binaries or back down from being exactly who they are is a clarion call: queerness is not just welcome in Hollywood — it’s essential.