We are moving stories

“MARGARITA: I wanted to create representation and to further the conversation around asexuality, an identity that is rarely acknowledged, which leaves people feeling isolated. In general, our society wants everything in little understandable binary boxes: good or bad, sexy or ugly, smart or stupid, cool kid or freak. This way of thinking forces people to repress their authentic selves in order to fit in. For most of my life, I thought something was wrong with me. I didn’t relate to how the media and most of the people around me related to sex and attraction. I went along with it, ashamed and afraid to admit too much. I’d already dealt with a lot of depression and bullying, and it was easier to pretend I was “normal” since I didn’t have the vocabulary to explain how I felt anyway.”

“While the story has remained true to its core, I worked with two amazing script advisors who helped specify and solidify character needs. One of these advisors openly identifies as Asexual; she came on board after a really crucial conversation we had. She reminded me of the value in showing stories where the character lives in not knowing. June, like many, remains in the turmoil of this confusion, yet yearns to further understand herself.”

“I wanted to make a love story where characters try not to be led by any representation of how love should look.”