Candis Cayne, who made history as the first transgender actress to secure a recurring role on primetime television, found herself among the many voters disheartened by the election results. In response to the anticipated challenges posed by Donald Trump’s potential second term, she has committed herself to advocating for the rights of those who feel threatened by this political shift. Cayne’s resolve to confront the consequences of this administration reflects her dedication to fostering change and empowerment within the community.

Cayne rose to fame portraying Carmelita in ABC’s 2007 drama Dirty Sexy Money, and since then, she has leveraged her visibility to advocate for transgender rights, particularly emphasizing the importance of allowing individuals to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. This fundamental right is often at the center of heated debates, underscoring the ongoing societal struggle for acceptance and understanding of gender identity and personal autonomy.

In an exclusive interview with TooFab, the actress and activist expressed her frustration regarding the ongoing bathroom access issues faced by transgender people. She stated, “It’s incredibly frustrating for trans individuals who simply want to use the bathroom. At the end of the day, that’s what it all boils down to—basic human rights and dignity.” Her words highlight the need for greater awareness and advocacy around transgender issues.

Cayne has personally experienced discrimination, which she describes as a pervasive issue faced by minorities. “As a minority and an underprivileged group, we have encountered discrimination repeatedly. We’ve been called out and yelled at simply for existing,” she shared with TooFab. “This understanding equips us with the knowledge of how to fight against such prejudice.” Her resilience speaks volumes about the strength of the community in the face of adversity.

Reflecting on her experiences while portraying Carmelita, Cayne noted that audiences were largely unfamiliar with transgender individuals at the time. “People hadn’t heard of trans individuals really before, and they would see me, they’d see Laverne [Cox], they’d see Alexandra [Billings],” she explained. “We were just fabulous individuals entering their living rooms and showing them that we are real people.” This illustrates the power of representation in changing perceptions and fostering acceptance.

Cayne’s journey has instilled in her the importance of leading with love and understanding, making her more perceptive to the motives behind political agendas. She describes conservative politicians as “the odd ones” who focus on bathroom debates rather than addressing the real issues facing people. “We’re just trying to live our lives normally,” she stated, emphasizing the absurdity of the ongoing discourse around transgender rights.

Bathroom bans and the marginalization of transgender individuals continue to dominate headlines, with significant scrutiny directed at Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender Representative elected to Congress. This focus reflects the urgent need for policy changes that protect the rights and dignity of transgender citizens, as well as the broader LGBTQIA+ community.

Following McBride’s election, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed support for Nancy Mace’s transgender bathroom ban in the Capitol. From Cayne’s perspective, the actions of the Republican Party are transparent and harmful. “It’s clear that this is a way to garner attention and raise funds, but it marginalizes an entire community and causes harm and even death within our ranks. It’s frightening, and they must be held accountable for their actions. What they are doing is fundamentally wrong,” she asserted.

Cayne’s views regarding the current GOP align with those of many in the LGBTQIA+ community, yet some individuals, like Caitlyn Jenner, express support for the new administration. At one time, Cayne and Jenner shared a close friendship, with Cayne appearing on Jenner’s reality series, I Am Cait. Their relationship illustrates the complexities of personal connections in a divided political landscape.

This friendship has equipped Cayne with the skills to engage with those holding differing political beliefs. She reflects on her attempts to bridge the gap, stating, “I really tried. I have all the love in the world for Cait. She’s an amazing person, but I believe she’s caught in a cult mentality and doesn’t realize it.”

Cayne elaborated on her challenges in discussing not only transgender issues but also other contentious topics like immigration that are prevalent in Trump’s 2024 campaign. She noted that these discussions often did not yield productive results, showcasing the difficulty in navigating political conversations with friends who have divergent views.

While discussing her relationship with Jenner, Cayne emphasized her desire to address not only transgender issues but also other controversial subjects raised by Trump’s campaign, such as immigration. However, she noted that these conversations often fell short of being fruitful, highlighting the challenges in discussing sensitive topics with friends whose views differ greatly.

Cayne concluded her reflections by expressing her commitment to fostering dialogue, stating, “I genuinely attempted to engage in conversations, as any liberal should with their conservative friends, in hopes of starting a dialogue. It’s always been frustrating that there’s a lack of understanding on her part. However, I harbor no animosity; I believe everyone should bring love to the table.” Her perspective underscores the importance of empathy and open communication in bridging political divides.

While pessimism may pervade social media, Cayne is committed to infusing love and humor into her upcoming projects. She is currently finalizing a one-woman show at Studio City’s Velvet Martini Lounge and is also focusing on initiatives through her production company, Mary it’s Mary’s Productions. These endeavors reflect her belief in the power of positivity and laughter to inspire change.

“Just like SNL, it’s enjoyable to create light-hearted content that makes people laugh with you, rather than at you, or foster division. That’s always been my approach,” Cayne shared with TooFab. “I take the stage to share anecdotes from my life and lighten the atmosphere, promoting joy even in tough times.” Her commitment to humor showcases the resilience and creativity of artists in challenging times.

“I recognize that these are dark and heavy times, and the conversations we’re having are vital,” she continued. “However, there are individuals within our community who excel at doing this effectively.” Her optimism shines through, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in promoting understanding.

Despite residing in Los Angeles, Cayne is eager to reach audiences in deeply conservative states like Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Mississippi. She hopes to connect with individuals who can see her as “a down-home girl” they would invite to their barbecue, fostering understanding and community across political divides.

Fans can anticipate exciting content emerging from Mary it’s Mary’s Productions, including Avenue D, a show that will explore “stories about the LGBTQIA+ community during the ’90s in Manhattan,” as Cayne noted, adding that “living through that era was incredibly fun.” This new project promises to celebrate the vibrant history and experiences of the community.

To delve deeper into Candis Cayne’s inspiring journey and advocacy, be sure to check out the videos linked above.