Lily Gladstone talks she/they pronouns and gender-inclusive award categories
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The 2023 film Killers of the Flower Moon has garnered much attention and critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination for its star Lily Gladstone. In a recent interview with People, Gladstone opened up about their upbringing on Montana’s Blackfeet reservation and how it influenced their approach to “decolonising gender”.
Gladstone, who has Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage, portrayed the character of Mollie Kyle, a wealthy Osage Native American, in the film. Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a three-and-a-half-hour true crime Western that delves into the devastating impact of corruption on the Osage Nation in the 1920s.
During the interview, Gladstone reflected on their childhood experiences and how they shaped their perspective on gender. They recalled witnessing harmful gender stereotypes, such as assigning long hair to girls and short hair to boys. Gladstone revealed that at just nine years old, they felt disheartened seeing their boy cousins being misgendered because of their long hair.
These experiences led Gladstone to question societal norms and embrace a more inclusive view of gender. They explained that in most Native languages, including Blackfeet, there are no gendered pronouns. Instead, there is only the pronoun “they”. Gladstone emphasized that even names in their culture do not adhere to a binary gender system, with women historically being given “men’s names”.
Gladstone expressed that adopting non-binary pronouns is a way for them to decolonize gender and find comfort in their own identity. They explained that their pronoun use allows them to navigate social situations where they may feel different from others. When in the company of women, Gladstone recognizes their uniqueness, and when among men, they do not feel like a man.
The actor also discussed their thoughts on gendered award categories. With expectations of an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in the 2024 ceremony, Gladstone acknowledged the historical significance of gendered categories in preventing the erasure of women’s performances. However, they also pondered the need for gendered distinctions in the industry. Gladstone questioned why there is no “director-ess,” “producer-ess,” or “cinematographer-ess” when there are separate categories for actors and actresses.
Gladstone’s views on gender-inclusive award categories align with other actors who have spoken out on the topic. Emma Corrin, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Bella Ramsey are among those who have emphasized the importance of recognizing talent regardless of gender identity.
The conversation around decolonizing gender and promoting inclusivity in the entertainment industry continues to gain traction. Gladstone’s personal experiences and insights shed light on the need for a more diverse and accepting approach to gender representation. As their star continues to rise, it is clear that Gladstone’s impact extends beyond their powerful performances on screen.
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