Kuwaiti censors, known for their strictness, have taken an even harsher stance by blocking the release of the hit movie “Talk To Me” from A24 in their country. This comes after they demanded that Warner Bros. remove any LGBTQ-related content from Barbie to allow it to be screened in Kuwait and other Middle Eastern countries. Unlike other films that faced the same fate due to LGBTQ+ themes, “Talk To Me” was banned solely because it features the talented trans nonbinary actor Zoe Terakes, whose character’s gender is not explicitly mentioned in the film.
This incident marks the first time Kuwaiti censors have banned a movie for this specific reason, which is deeply troubling for the already marginalized queer and trans community in the country. In response, Terakes expressed their disappointment on social media, emphasizing that the film does not revolve around LGBTQ+ themes or their trans identity. They highlighted the importance of representation in cinema, stating that it brings hope to marginalized individuals and helps them navigate through the challenges they face.
Terakes further explained that eliminating trans actors from the screen will not eradicate the existence of trans people, but it will erode the hopes and aspirations of those who identify with them. They called the ban a targeted and dehumanizing act that reinforces harmful prejudices. Causeway, the film’s production company, and Bankside, the international distributor, released a statement in support of Terakes, expressing their solidarity and pride in their involvement in the movie.
The censorship of “Talk To Me” in Kuwait sends a distressing message to the LGBTQ+ community and poses a threat to the progress of inclusivity in cinema. It demonstrates the significance of representation and emphasizes the need to continue fighting for equal opportunities and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.