It’s long been the case that a majority of LGBTQ representation in the media, shows, and movies is largely white and male. Even when it isn’t, accurate representation of people who identify as non-binary and transgender seems to be lacking. Even worse than how little representation there is, transgender characters are also not often played by transgender people themselves. Fortunately, there’s one show that’s hitting the scene and looking to change that — the new NBC drama Rise, which premiered on March 13, features actor Ellie Desautels.

Ellie is a a non-binary, trans-masculine actor who plays the main character, Michael, a transgender high school student. Following the premiere of the new show, GLAAD’s director of transgender media and representation, Nick Adams, sat down with Ellie to talk about Rise and transgender representation.

In their conversation with GLAAD, Ellie said they were drawn to the character of Michael because of the fact that the creators of the show were seeking actual transgender people to portray a transgender character, which doesn’t happen often enough in Hollywood.

“The plot was interesting and gripping, and of course the character description for Michael resonated with me deeply, but what ultimately made me want to play Michael was knowing that the creators were auditioning transgender actors and wanted to ensure that Michael’s story was portrayed authentically,” Ellie said. “It was so exciting to think that I could be actively involved in improving trans representation on TV, considering it is my other passion. That I could act and improve trans representation at the same time? It certainly felt like the job for me.”

Ellie also found that playing Michael on the show allowed them to connect strongly with their own identity.

“I identify as non-binary and I also strongly identify as trans-masculine, which to me means that I have a strong connection to my masculinity. My trans experience had a big influence in the development of Michael. I was also inspired by trans teens I had the pleasure of speaking with through Facebook. But I can only ever know my own experience. I can't replicate someone else's,” Ellie said. They also mentioned labels, and explained that, “Michael and I coexist in the same trans experience, but we use different terms to label it. Plus, Michael is more than his gender identity, and our high school experiences are pretty similar! I was once a teenager doing high school drama, and I was a teenager who loved to sing. So a lot of Michael came from who I am as a person and from my teenage human experience.”

Because it can be difficult to go on auditions as a transgender or non-binary person, some people might be forced into roles that thrust them into a binary gender they may not feel comfortable with. Fortunately, Ellie has been able to try out for roles that match their gender identity most closely, and they say that so far they’ve only had good experiences with auditions and casting directors. But that's not the experience Ellie has heard from others.

“I've heard other stories from trans women and trans-feminine people about their not-so-good experiences. Many of them were weren't considered for transgender roles because they ‘don't look trans enough,’" Ellie said. "That idea, that trans characters need to look a certain way, rules out many trans artists. It also devalues us as people by saying trans people must ‘look trans.’”

“We need roles written for everyone – and casting directors should then know how to cast those roles accordingly,” the Rise actor said.

Ultimately, the actor revealed that one of the best things about the show is that the audience gets a chance to see a transgender character as more than their gender identity.

“Michael's story isn't about him figuring out he's trans or his transition. When the show starts, his parents know and he's already attending school as Michael. Part of Michael's story is about the obstacles that real trans youth face, but Jason and the writers also put Michael in situations that any teen can relate to,” Ellie said.

Ellie said they hope the show can help to remind viewers that transgender people are not defined by their gender identities.

“We are human and experience life in all its complexities," Ellie said, "just like everyone else.”

Related: Actors Release PSA About Transgender Representation in Hollywood