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Maya Houston – Writing LGBTQ+ Characters

S1 : E19

TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 06.16.21

Batwoman Story Editor Maya Houston talks about writing three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters and furthering authentic representation on television.

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The CW Spotlight series highlights relevant stories connected to The CW, featuring our creators, casts and crews as they share their unique and diverse perspectives on a variety of topics such as social and racial justice, mental health, equity, and inclusion.

EPISODES (45)

Do You See Me Now?

S1 : E1 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 02.26.21

In celebration of Black History Month, the new CW Spotlight series is highlighting our talent and storytellers as they discuss the importance of representation in entertainment.
Jordan Calloway - Portraying Complex Characters

S1 : E2 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 03.03.21

Jordan Calloway speaks on bringing a complex character to life and what Black Lightning means to the Black community.
Azie Tesfai - No Limits

S1 : E3 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 03.08.21

Azie Tesfai speaks to the importance of personal resilience and portraying a diverse character.
Charmed Ones - The Power of Three

S1 : E4 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.08.21

Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, and Madeleine Mantock show young women that anything is possible!
David Ramsey - From Acting to Directing

S1 : E5 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 03.10.21

From Arrow's Diggle to directing for The CW, David Ramsey breaks down barriers to help establish superhero narratives, and discusses the importance of having Black storytellers behind the camera.
Nkechi Okoro Carroll - Changing Perceptions

S1 : E6 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 03.12.21

Nkechi Okoro Carroll strives to tell stories that challenge preconceived notions and unify people from all walks of life.
Ebony Gilbert - The Writer’s Journey

S1 : E7 | TV-14 | 6 min | Aired: 03.16.21

Batwoman writer Ebony Gilbert grew up using writing as a way to make sense of the world around her. Now she strives to tell authentic stories about marginalized communities.
Kung Fu Cast - #StopAsianHate

S1 : E8 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 03.25.21

The CW supports the AAPI community to #StopAsianHate. To help spread awareness, watch this powerful interview from the cast of Kung Fu.
Kung Fu Cast – Representation

S1 : E9 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 04.14.21

The cast of Kung Fu reflects on the first time they saw themselves represented in media and how impactful it was for them.
Diversity Behind the Camera

S1 : E10 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 04.22.21

The CW is committed to bringing diverse perspectives and voices to creative roles behind the camera.
Charles Lee Wilson - Opportunities

S1 : E11 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 04.29.21

Charles Lee Wilson talks about the power of opportunities and how All American gives people from all walks of life a chance to succeed.
Kung Fu Cast - Overcoming Stereotypes

S1 : E12 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 05.01.21

In honor of #AAPIHeritageMonth, the cast of #CWKungFu expresses their joy in portraying full, three-dimensional Asian characters that subvert stereotypes. #CWSpotlight
Naz Goshtasbpour – Visual Authenticity

S1 : E13 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 05.03.21

Naz Goshtasbpour speaks to the importance of production design and how cultural knowledge informs the medium.
Keto Shimizu – Authentic Voices

S1 : E14 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 05.06.21

Executive Producer Keto Shimizu discusses how crucial it is to have diverse voices in the writers’ room, and how it contributes to good storytelling.
Sherri Chung - The Power of Music

S1 : E15 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 05.14.21

Composer Sherri Chung discusses reconnecting with her culture through her art, and the shift toward new voices in music composing.
Kennedy McMann and Leah Lewis – Navigating Mental Health

S1 : E16 | TV-14 | 7 min | Aired: 05.22.21

Kennedy McMann and Leah Lewis discuss the importance of mental health care and the stigma surrounding it.
Rachel Skarsten and Meagan Tandy – Raising Mental Health Awareness

S1 : E17 | TV-14 | 7 min | Aired: 05.28.21

Rachel Skarsten and Meagan Tandy touch on their personal connections to mental health and how they keep each other in check.
Nicole Maines – Writing Dreamer into the Comics

S1 : E18 | TV-14 | 6 min | Aired: 06.08.21

Nicole Maines talks about Dreamer’s legacy and how important it is for her character to live on.
Maya Houston – Writing LGBTQ+ Characters

S1 : E19 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 06.16.21

Batwoman Story Editor Maya Houston talks about writing three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters and furthering authentic representation on television.
Aziza Aba Butain – Art Informs Life

S1 : E20 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 06.22.21

Aziza Aba Butain talks about her efforts as a writer to combat the misconceptions of LGBTQ+ representation on-screen.
Danny Tolli – Representing Gay Characters

S1 : E21 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 06.25.21

Danny Tolli speaks on the joys of writing universal LGBTQ+ stories.
The Significance of Pride Month

S1 : E22 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 07.30.21

Pride Month is a celebration and a call-to-action to further change for the future. What does Pride Month mean to you?
Reflections of Identity

S1 : E23 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 07.30.21

Jeanine Mason, Heather Hemmens, and Amber Midthunder speak on the significance of being able to identify with characters on screen.
Anjelika Washington – Self-advocacy

S1 : E24 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 08.30.21

Anjelika Washington discusses the importance of advocating for herself and making her voice heard.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff

S1 : E25 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 09.15.21

Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a look at who inspires our CW stars!
Lisseth Chavez – Staying True to Herself

S1 : E26 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 09.24.21

Lisseth Chavez brings her character to life through her own identity and real stories.
Odette Annable – Being Cuban American

S1 : E27 | TV-14 | 7 min | Aired: 10.01.21

Odette Annable celebrates her diverse background and shares her experience growing up as a Cuban American.
Yvette Monreal - The Power of Positivity

S1 : E28 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 10.08.21

Yvette Monreal talks about the power of surrounding yourself with people who support and believe in you.
Cristela Alonzo – Being Proud of Who You Are

S1 : E29 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 10.15.21

Cristela Alonzo discuses being proud of her cultural identity and how life challenges made her stronger.
4400 Cast - The Black Perspective

S1 : E30 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 10.29.21

The cast of 4400 discusses re-envisioning a cult hit through a modern, Black lens.
4400 Cast – Character Flashbacks

S1 : E31 | TV-14 | 8 min | Aired: 11.11.21

4400 explores unrepresented parts of American history through their characters’ pasts.
Then & Now #CWSpotlight: Charmed

S1 : E32 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 02.28.22

The Charmed cast talks about the importance of representation on screen and honors those who paved the the way before them.
Then & Now: Javicia Leslie

S1 : E33 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.02.22

Javicia looks up to those who use their art to spread a message for change.
Then & Now: Kaci Walfall

S1 : E34 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 03.02.22

Kaci discusses not wanting to be put in a box and play roles that challenge her.
Olivia Liang – Strong Women

S1 : E35 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 03.16.22

Olivia Liang discusses the strong women in the cast of Kung Fu.
Then & Now: Meagan Tandy

S1 : E36 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.02.22

Meagan looks up to those who are gracious, respectful, and inspire others.
Then & Now: Geffri Maya & Kellie Jenrette

S1 : E37 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.25.22

Geffri Maya & Kellie Jenrette talk about the responsibility of being an artist and performing at the highest level.
Then & Now: Cory Hardrict & Netta Walker

S1 : E38 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 04.08.22

Cory Hardrict and Netta Walker reminisce about their common influences and motivations.
Then & Now: All American: Homecoming Cast

S1 : E39 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 04.14.22

The cast of All American: Homecoming share who has inspired them as artists.
Kung Fu Cast – AAPI Heritage Month 2022

S1 : E40 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 05.02.22

Kung Fu portrays Chinese American culture with authenticity and nuance. How is your family celebrating AAPI Heritage Month?
Tom Swift Cast – Pride Month

S1 : E41 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 06.01.22

The CW celebrates Pride Month with the cast of Tom Swift!
Tian Richards - Pride Spotlight

S1 : E42 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 06.10.22

Tian Richards shares his experience and discusses the importance of having diverse LGBTQ+ characters on-screen.
Marquise Vilsón - Pride Spotlight

S1 : E43 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 06.22.22

Marquise Vilsón shares his thoughts and experience on representing a #LGBTQ+ character on-screen.
Ashley Reyes & Gabriela Quezada Discuss Representation & Being Multicultural

S1 : E44 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 09.27.22

Ashley Reyes & Gabriela Quezada discuss the nuances of identity, and how it’s okay to not put yourself into a single box.
Justin Johnson Cortez | Indigenous Peoples Day

S1 : E45 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 10.10.22

It takes a lot of wonderful people to tell this story with the authenticity and respect it deserves.

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Maya Houston – Writing LGBTQ+ Characters

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