Thuy Nguyen

Thuy Nguyen is a Dutch-Vietnamese-Chinese trans/non-binary actor and filmmaker. They appeared in the series The Kollective (Hulu) and Rotown (NPO). Nguyen also created two short films in which they also starred: Stiletto (2023), a romantic short produced by CinemAsia FilmLAB, which was selected for the Netherlands Film Festival ‘23; and Coffee House (2023), a self-produced crime short with a queer Asian storyline, which earned a Best Top 3 spot at the Queer Film Festival Utrecht ‘23.

Nguyen’s central focus remains breaking stereotypes about Asians and advocating honest (queer) Asian representation in media through storytelling and sharing their personal journey.

Q&A

Q1. Can you share your personal journey and what it means to you to be an LGBTQ+ ambassador?

Thuy: I knew I was a boy at the age of three and told my parents to start calling me a boy. At the time, they thought I felt left out as the only girl amongst my two brothers, so they went along with it. From three to six years old, I experienced life as a boy, and it felt amazing. If my parents did not allow me to have this experience back then, I might not have realized I am transgender today.

I am a trans/nonbinary queer Vietnamese/Chinese actor and filmmaker and I’m very proud to be all of those. I get the incredible opportunity to show myself and my work on screen, creating more queer Asian visibility. I used to be very shy and insecure, so I know what it is like to struggle immensely with yourself and feel stuck. I hope to be a testament to those who might feel stuck that you can free yourself and even transform yourself to be truly free.

Being an LGBTQ+ ambassador is, first and foremost, a huge honor. I vividly remember struggling with my identity and coming out well into my 20s, mostly because I didn't have or see any queer Asian role models around me or on screen. As an Asian Pride NL ambassador, I want to celebrate and shine a light on the queer Asian community in The Netherlands and abroad. We are still very much overlooked and underrepresented in Dutch media. It’s about time we proudly show ourselves, and tell our own unique and urgent stories. It’s time for me to be the role model I’ve always wanted to have when I was younger.

Q2. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors?

Thuy: My mom. She recognized my talent in the arts from an early age and has always supported me in my creative pursuits. Whenever I feel down or unmotivated, my mom is always there to give me strength and uplift me.

I realized I am transgender/nonbinary, after discovering the transition videos of trans artist/activist Chella Man on YouTube six years ago. They explained so beautifully that you can be a transman and identify as nonbinary at the same time.

Q3. What advice would you give to young Asian LGBTQ+ individuals?

Thuy: If I could give advice to my younger self it would be this: Trust your gut feelings, and listen to your own wants and needs. What other people or adults have to say about you is their opinion, and you don’t have to listen to them. Only you know what’s right and best for you, and act on it! Also: Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. And lastly: do the right thing for you.

Q4. Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show that you think everyone should check out?

Thuy: Tomboy (2011). It was the first film I saw about a trans kid and the first time I felt seen. I deeply connected with the character and story, because I could relate to the little kid longing to be a boy. And of course, my two short films, Stiletto (2023) and Coffee House (2023) are my most cherished projects that I’ve created.

Q5. Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?

Thuy: When I hear a song I really like, I repeat it the whole day and sometimes for days on end. Does anyone else do this?