In “The Queers,” playwright Mikki Gillette explores transgender community in a transphobic world

The ensemble drama “The Queers” follows a group of transgender women and nonbinary people as they navigate life together in a transphobic world. Set in 2011 in a city like Portland, the play centers on Lisa, Ally, Andrea, Smith and Pim, many of whom are brought together by a support group. They process job discrimination, family rejection, relationships, long-term trauma, the challenges of activism and more, in community with one another.

The play, produced by Fuse Theatre Ensemble, was originally set to take the stage in January 2022, but its premiere was delayed by the omicron surge. Now, “The Queers” is onstage through April 10th at Portland’s Back Door Theater. And it provides something special for Oregon theater: a play about transgender characters, starring an ensemble cast of transgender actors, written by a transgender playwright. Its writer, Mikki Gillette, recently joined OPB to talk about the play and her work as an artist and activist. Here are some highlights of the conversation: