In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Gretchen Wylder the creator and writer of “These Thems” an award-winning intersectional queer comedy series. “These Thems” directed by Jett Garrison is a seven episode fully narrative digital series that follows the lives of a newly out lesbian making up for lost time, a non-binary educator intent on training the straights, a transgender man who is comfortably in the closet and a lovelorn gay best friend. In our world where plenty of people are living beyond the gender binary very few explicitly non-binary characters are represented in mainstream media. Non-binary gender identity may be one of the least understood labels falling under the LGBTQ+ umbrella simply because it’s also one of the least visible. Wylder is among the very few writers and show creators paying consideration to non-binary identities and gender non-conformity that’s moving the needle for accurate depiction. “These Thems” explores themes of queerness, gender identity, coming out, sexual empowerment, acceptance and self expression taking the audience through New York's vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Since its U.S. Premiere at Outfest the series has traveled the festival circuit winning a Jury Award for Best Series and an Audience Award for Best Comedy Film. The series tells the story of Gretchen played by Wylder who after realizing she may be a lesbian quickly befriends non-binary dog walker Vero (Victoria “Vico” Ortiz) who decides to stop training dogs and start training the straights. Vero takes Gretchen under their wing and introduces Gretchen to the queer world as she navigates what it's like to be newly out at the age of 30. Vero's childhood friend Asher (Shaan Dasani) isn't out as trans at work and is faced with the decision to out himself when an opportunity for an LGBTQ account pops up. Gretchen's gay best friend and roommate Kevin (Nick Park) is looking for love and may have found it in Asher. We talked to Wylder about what she hopes to accomplish with “These Thems” and her spin on our LGBTQ issues.
Gretchen Wylder recently relocated to Los Angeles after being a working actor in NYC for the past nine years and in Chicago six years prior to that. She has originated roles in musical comedies Off-Broadway, regionally and internationally. In addition to working with legends Kathy Griffin, Julie Andrews, Anthony Rapp and Judy Gold, Gretchen has performed sketch and improv at UCB NYC, the PIT Magnet and Second City. Wylder’s theatre credits include Avenue Q, Rent, The Wild Party and Bedbugs The Musical.
For More Info: gretchenwylder.com
