The Amazing Graf: His Life, His Work (continued)…
LGBT Sentinel: What are you working on now?
Jake Graf: I am currently buried in post production on 'Dusk', which stars US model and actor Elliott Sailors and should launch early next year on the international festival circuit. It's a rather ambitious project, spanning 5 decades of the lead's lifetime, starting in 1950s England and running to present day. It examines how attitudes have changed towards gay and queer people, with themes of homophobia, bullying and hate crime, but with a hopefully positive message that can resonate with a broad audience!
I have also written and am now starring in a new London set web series, 'Spectrum', directed by the amazing Campbell X (Stud Life), and produced by Monica Dee, who is already making waves over here. It is a pretty unique piece, and one of my aims while writing it was to 'normalise' rather than sensationalise the queer/LGBT lifestyle, whilst telling the authentic, original and hopefully addictive stories of our diverse and beautiful ensemble cast.
LGBT Sentinel:Who are some of your trans role models and what have they done to inspire
you?
Jake Graf: Without sounding overly cheesy, my biggest trans inspiration is my girlfriend,
Hannah. Most people know her as Captain Hannah Winterbourne, the highest ranking transgender officer in the British Army, and also its trans representative. She's a very
impressive woman, kind, driven, incredibly bright, and absolutely passionate about the work
she does with trans charities, and inspires me daily.
Other than her, I think Alex Billings of 'Transparent' is fabulous, a wonderful role model and stunning writer, and the absolutely charming Zackary Drucker, one of the sweetest and most respected people within our community. Oh, and of course all of the incredibly brave new generation of trans and gender non-conforming youth, who are able to find the courage to come out and stand proud from such an early age. There's still a long way to go, but it certainly feels like we're heading in the right direction.
Thank you so much Jake! Follow him on twitter (@JakeGraf1) or instagram (@jake_graf5)
for up to date news on his work.
