Candis Cayne, recognized as the first transgender actress to portray a recurring transgender character on prime-time television, was among the millions of voters who did not get the results they hoped for. In response to this political shift, she has dedicated herself to advocating against what she perceives will be the detrimental impacts of Donald Trump’s second term, aiming to protect the rights and safety of the transgender community over the next four years.

Cayne initially gained fame as Carmelita in ABC’s 2007 drama Dirty Sexy Money. Since then, she has used her platform to advocate for transgender equality, particularly emphasizing the right to access restrooms that align with one’s gender identity. This advocacy is crucial in the face of increasing legislative efforts aimed at restricting these rights across the nation.

The actress and activist recently sat down with TooFab for an exclusive interview, expressing her frustration over the ongoing struggles faced by transgender individuals simply wanting to use the bathroom. “It’s incredibly frustrating for trans people who truly just want to use the restroom. I mean, that’s what it all boils down to,” she emphasized, highlighting the simplicity of the issue amidst complex political debates.

Cayne is no stranger to personal discrimination. Reflecting on her experiences, she stated, “As a minority and part of an underprivileged group, we have faced this before. We have been called out and yelled at from the moment we walk out because we are different,” she shared with TooFab. “So we understand this mentality and know how to fight against it.” Her resilience in the face of such challenges informs her ongoing advocacy efforts.

She recalled her interactions with producers and audiences during her role as Carmelita 17 years ago: “People hadn’t really heard of trans individuals 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 connecting with them as real people.” This visibility helped pave the way for future transgender representation in media.

Cayne’s experiences have taught her to lead with compassion, while also making her more observant of societal issues. To her, conservative politicians seem to be “the odd ones. They’re the ones talking about bathrooms and all this strange stuff. We’re just trying to live our normal lives,” she stated, emphasizing the disconnect between political rhetoric and the everyday realities faced by transgender individuals.

Bathroom bans and the marginalization of the transgender community have increasingly dominated headlines. This scrutiny within the political landscape has particularly focused on Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender representative elected to Congress, highlighting the ongoing struggles for representation and rights.

Following McBride’s election, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson publicly supported Nancy Mace’s transgender bathroom ban in the Capitol. From Cayne’s perspective, the actions of the Republican Party are transparent, stating, “It’s see-through, and we see right through it. It’s a way to generate clicks to raise money, but it’s marginalizing an entire community while doing so, causing harm and loss within our community, and it’s frightening. They should be held accountable for that. What they are doing is… is terrible. They are not good people.”

Cayne’s views regarding the current Republican Party have been echoed by other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, though some, like Caitlyn Jenner, support the incoming administration. At one point, Cayne and Jenner shared a close friendship, with Cayne even making guest appearances on Jenner’s reality series, I Am Cait.

This relationship has provided Cayne with insight into managing friendships with individuals who hold opposing political views, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and understanding.

“You know, I tried. I really, really tried. And I have all the love for Cait in the world. She’s a wonderful person. I just think she’s in a cult, and she doesn’t realize it,” the actress explained. This candid reflection illustrates the challenges of maintaining relationships amid deep political divides.

In her discussions with Jenner, Cayne aimed to cover not only transgender rights but also other contentious topics raised by Trump’s 2024 campaign, including immigration. However, she noted that these conversations did not yield productive outcomes.

“I really tried to go and do it, like every liberal person should to their conservative friends, and attempt to, like, at least start a conversation, you know,” she stated. “And it’s always been frustrating that she doesn’t understand that. But I have no hate or anything. I think everyone needs to bring the love from their heart.”

While pessimism and negativity may dominate social media, Cayne is choosing to infuse love and humor into her upcoming projects. She is currently concluding a one-woman show at Studio City’s Velvet Martini Lounge tonight, and she is also focusing on new endeavors through her production company, Mary it’s Mary’s Productions, aiming to uplift and entertain audiences.

“Just like SNL, it’s fun to do lighthearted things to get people laughing with you, not at you, or to be divisive against you. That’s always been my approach,” Cayne shared with TooFab. “I get on stage, and I tell jokes about what’s happening in my life to lighten the mood.” Her commitment to positivity is a testament to her resilience in challenging times.

“I know these are dark and heavy times, and it’s a very serious conversation,” she continued, “but we have members of our community who do this really well.” This recognition of fellow community members highlights the collective strength within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Though Cayne resides in Los Angeles, her goal is to connect with individuals in deeply conservative states like Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Mississippi. She expressed her desire for people to perceive her as “a down-home girl that they would invite to their barbecue,” highlighting her commitment to bridging gaps and fostering understanding across diverse communities.

Fans can anticipate new content from Mary it’s Mary’s Productions, including Avenue D, a show that aims to explore “stories about the LGBTQIA+ community in the ’90s in Manhattan,” Cayne explained, adding that “living through that was super fun.” This project reflects her passion for storytelling and representation.

To learn more about Candis Cayne’s journey and insights, check out the videos posted above.