Talk to Me has found itself embroiled in a wave of unexpected controversy after being banned in Kuwait. The movie is no longer allowed in the Middle Eastern country due to its inclusion of a transgender actor.
The ban, enforced by Kuwaiti authorities, is ostensibly aimed at safeguarding “public ethics and social traditions,” according to a statement from the state news agency.Zoe Terakes, who identifies as non-binary and trans-masculine, takes on a pivotal role in the spine-tingling A24 production as the enigmatic character Hayley.
Interestingly, the character’s gender identity is not a part of the script, and it doesn’t seem to play into the story at all.
The actor responded to the news of the ban with a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram. Clearly distraught by the decision, Terakes expressed their feelings, saying, “I’ve been wondering how to respond to this… Whether it deserves the dignity of a response,” they began. “This isn’t the first film Kuwait has banned.