Karla Mosley Reflects on Bold Choices: Why She Won’t Play Trans Roles Again
Karla Mosley, known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Maya Avant—the first transgender character on daytime soap operas—on CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful,” is officially stepping away from trans roles. After an impressive run that began in 2013, Mosley opened up in an exclusive chat with People about her decisions and the weight of the role she carried.
Originally hesitant to take on Maya’s transgender storyline, Mosley felt it was “inappropriate” as a cisgender woman—even though she identifies as queer. Yet, the moment was significant, coinciding with Caitlyn Jenner’s public coming out, and it sparked a national conversation about transgender issues. Mosley, who played Maya for over six years, immersed herself deeply, engaging with fans and answering questions on social media post-episode. She highlighted how her character challenged viewers to consider their biases and familial love—sparking dialogues across families about acceptance and identity.
In her new role on CBS’s “Beyond the Gates,” she plays Dani Dupree, a character steeped in drama within a wealthy, upscale African-American family navigating secrets in a suburban setting. Unlike her previous “nice girl” characters, Dani promises to bring more edge and complexity to Mosley’s repertoire. The shift signals a new chapter in her career—moving beyond the limitations of past roles while still valuing their impact.
While Mosley’s transition away from trans roles may seem like a loss for the representation of transgender actors, her sentiments resonate within a broader context. With the visibility of transgender characters increasing in media—last year saw a wave of trans storylines across shows like “Pose” and “The L Word: Generation Q”—the conversation about authentic representation is more relevant than ever. Mosley’s decision might encourage more trans actors to rise to the forefront, which makes her commitment to impactful roles even more significant.
So, while we’re saying bye to Carla as our trans TV icon, we’re getting ready to see her take on fresh, dynamic roles that continue to break boundaries—because let’s be honest, she ain’t done yet!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Variety, The Advocate
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