We sat down with performer and writer Alexander Nunez to discuss his journey, identity, and creative vision.
Let's start at the beginning – tell me about your journey as a performer. Was there a particular moment that set you on this path?
In my teens, I fell hard for theatre and improv (shoutout to the Canadian Improv Games!). It didn't earn me any popularity points (shocker), but my high school drama teacher pointed me toward my first real gig. From an open casting call, I booked a Disney sketch comedy pilot. The show wasn't greenlit, but it got me my acting agent. I've been performing ever since!
Your work is informed by multiple identities. How do your Black and queer identities manifest in your creative expression?
These identities play a big part in how I perceive and move through the world. I used to think a lot about what my work contributes to Black and Queer culture. These days, I am more mindful that neither community is a monolith, and it's impossible to be a model of perfect representation. When I write or act, I try to do me. I tell my own stories, which are inherently black and queer, as I am. And I just hope someone out there will relate.
Many artists talk about their "I made it" moment. Have you experienced yours yet?
I don't know that I've had it yet! When you start in this industry, you're constantly told the odds are stacked against you. So when you can finally support yourself, your instinct is to keep your head down and focus on the work. I am trying to look up more often and celebrate my accomplishments.
If we were to peek into your creative playlist right now, what three songs would we definitely find?
[Laughs] Ah, it changes with every project! But I do have a current top three:
- "Always Alright" by Alabama Shakes (anything by them or Brittany Howard, honestly)
- "Come Together" by The Internet
- "Juna" by Clairo
There's been a lot of discussion about representation in media. Why do you think it's crucial to have more Black queer creators in the industry?
We are talented and complex and deserve to be in the spotlight for our narratives. We're itching to show that we have more dimensions than playing side characters in other people's stories – and no one knows how better to bring us into the spotlight than us! We have to be the ones to pick up a pen and share our perspective with the world.
Here's a fun one – if you could time travel and have coffee with any Black queer historical figure, who would it be?
I'd love to have a long coffee date with James Baldwin. His ideas about racial identity and queerness proved he was ahead of his time. I'm curious to know if he'd be surprised by the state of our world today.
What wisdom would you share with emerging creators who are just starting their journey?
The business-minded might disagree with me here, but: As artists, we exist to hold a mirror to the world and to inspire, provoke, and help others through our vulnerability. Tell the stories you want to tell, stories that excite and move you. And do so unapologetically. Don't worry about being perfect. The more you do that – and the more you enjoy the process – the better!
Any exciting projects on the horizon you can tell us about?
You can find me in CBC's new comedy series, "Small Achievable Goals," out February 25th. Check it out if you'd like to see me play the most passive-aggressive boss you've ever seen. I have a few written projects in the works, but it's too early to discuss them!
How can fans best support your work and other Black queer creators?
Give our projects a shot! We'd love for you to stream, watch, buy movie tickets, follow us online, and do all that good stuff. For example (wink, wink), you can check out my series "Settle Down" on OUTtv.com. You'll laugh, I guarantee it. You can also follow me on Instagram and TikTok (both @alexjonunez) to see what I'm up to next!
Before we wrap up, is there an organization serving the Black LGBTQ+ community you'd like to highlight?
Shoutout to the Okra Project – they're a nonprofit working to help support Black Trans people across the United States. These days, I wager they need more help than ever.
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For more information about Settle Down, including where to watch, check out: https://www.border2border.ca/settle-down
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