Haymaker, out January 29, is a point of pride for singer-songwriter and actress Nomi Ruiz.“I was really excited to be a part of Haymaker because it was really more progressive than anything I’ve seen before,” Ruiz tells The Advocate.In the film, Ruiz plays a nightclub performer, who like the actress is trans, of Puerto Rican descent, and named Nomi.
She is rescued from a male aggressor by club bouncer Nick (Nick Sasso), who becomes her protector and confidant. When Nick decides to return to Muay Thai fighting, a combat sport, his life and their relationship are put at risk.
Sasso wrote and directed the movie.Ruiz liked that Nomi’s trans identity is simply a fact in the film and is not at the forefront of the character.