Trans actress Cassandra James’ journey to self-discovery

From putting on shows in home videos for family to moving across the country to attend Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Performance — Cassandra James’ love of storytelling and acting has always been a huge part of her life. 

That’s why when she booked a recurring role on General Hospital, America’s longest running daytime drama still in production, it wasn’t only huge for her personal success but also history in the making. James was cast as Dr. Terry Randolph, becoming the first transgender woman to be cast for a transgender role on a soap opera.

“It’s such an overwhelming thing to navigate and embody,” she said. “But I’m also aware that the career I’ve chosen has a social responsibility and the work that I do will have a political resonance — it’s something that really excites me and something that I take very seriously.”

Transitioning was not something James seriously considered until later in life. She spent many years living androgynously after feeling oppressed inside the gender binary throughout her grade school and university experiences.

In November 2015, James came out as transgender to her family.

“I started to hear this resounding voice inside me that really began to speak quite loudly that I authentically needed to be who I am,” James shared. “And that is a woman.” 

The journey to living her truth was not as easy as deciding to undergo surgery. James says she spent a long time reflecting introspectively and learning about herself.

“It took years to navigate the nuances of my truth, what kind of woman I am and wanted to be,” she said. “Even after I started living [as a woman] full time, I evolved again and again and again.” 

November is Transgender Awareness Month (opens in new window) , a time for the members of the transgender community and their allies to highlight important issues they face and honour the memories of lives lost to anti-transgender violence.

According to  (PDF file) Human Rights Campaign (external link, opens in new window) , violence against the transgender community is on the rise with the majority of the victims being Black and Latinx. Trans women of colour make up 4 in 5 of all transgender homicides.

For James, a half-Chinese trans woman of colour, representation in spaces that previously excluded people who look like her is crucial. 

“When we're talking about diversity in the industry, it's interesting navigating my Asian heritage [and trans identity], because people have a tendency to say pick one, but I’m also interested in adding to Asian representation.”

While it’s undeniable that the trans community still faces barriers, slow progress is being made in the fight for representation in Hollywood. James says she is starting to see some trans artists on both sides of the camera, working in production, writing rooms, and as directors. Still, James says more needs to be done.

“I’m biased, but I think that trans people are gifted,” she said. “We have our perspectives that are very unique and we have a really exciting way of looking at the world because of our experience and because of the adversity that we’ve faced.”

On where to catch her next, James is getting ready to start shooting a new show for CBC, and fans can still expect to see more of Dr. Terry Randolph on General Hospital. 

As part of Trans Awareness Month, Toronto Metropolitan University’s Positive Space has organized a number of advocacy and educational events that celebrate, honour and raise the visibility of the trans community. To see a full list of the events, check out the Positive Space website (opens in new window) .