Travis Coles
Travis Coles
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CARIANN: I’m really interested to pick your brain on what your goal is in representing the black community, and even the queer community with your character in “David Makes Man.”
TRAVIS: Well first I’d like to say that my goal for any character is to be truthful. I am not everywoman, it’s definitely NOT all in me. [Laughs] However, I think that a fully realized character allows for the point of view to shift from stereotypical caricature. Tarell McCraney writes whole characters and Mx. Elijah, while black and genderqueer in America, is complex and beautiful beyond the box, she could easily be placed. We are inspired by each other when we are authentic.
C: It’s incredibly refreshing that Hollywood is actively casting actors that aren’t just cis-white males. What’s your dream for the future of TV and film in that regard?
T: I can’t really give an educated response to this first opinion. I have no clue what the statistics are because personally I can’t allow statistics to distract me from the reality that no matter what, as an artist, I have to tell my story. I have to keep working. And how lucky are we to live in a time where the internet gives us global access to share with one another? So, my dream for the future is that everyone who has a hunger to create reaches a desperation so strong they have no choice but to get it out and remember that they always have a voice. I’m here for it!
C: I have to ask, just out of sheer, personal giddiness, what was it like working with Oprah on “David Makes Man”?
T: I mean listen, Oprah is everything and more. I will never forget that interview. And I’m so excited for what’s to come!
C: Also, maybe you can tell me a bit about your show with Liza Koshy and what that experience is like?
T: “Liza On Demand,” created by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont, starring Liza Koshy, Kimiko Glenn, and myself is some of the most fun I’ve had in my life! It’s just all about bringing comedy to adulting in this day and age. And again, the three leads happen to be people of color, but they are also infallible and learning just like everyone else. Mainly it’s fun to be so silly and get paid for it!
"So, my dream for the future is that everyone who has a hunger to create reaches a desperation so strong they have no choice but to get it out and remember that they always have a voice."
C: I read a bit about your sobriety story in an interview – many of our readers (and submitters on our sister platform Midnight Woman) can relate to this. Would you be able to talk a little bit about that?
T: Anyone in recovery has an ongoing personal journey that will range from wonderful to devastating in a matter of hours, truly. I feel for you and I’m rooting for all of you. The biggest shift for me in my recovery is truly making it personal. What works for me is not for everyone and there’s no shame in that. Shame is such a dangerous trap. I’m grateful today to have another day.
C: What would you go back and tell yourself if you could? Doesn’t just have to be about sobriety, it could be about relationships, career, etc.
T: [Laughs] Well I talk to my younger self daily and I usually say, “Hey, you’re scared, and I hear you. But I’m driving now, and Imma need you to get in the back. Ok?”
C: This isn't a question, but I just want to say that your outfit for the "David Makes Man" premiere was FIRE and that's just facts.
T: Ooooooohhh yasssss that was designed by Fernando (designer from David Makes Man) and Madame Adams’s (Jimel Atkin’s mother extraordinaire). We are family, honey, and they slayed me!
C: Let me know what’s next for you! What are you looking forward to?
T: I’m really looking forward to connecting with my family and friends during the time I have. She needs to be grounded or she’ll float on. [Laughs]
INTERVIEW BY CARIANN BRADLEY • PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVY KESEY • 2019
STREAM "DAVID MAKES MAN" HERE.