Indya Moore Slams Ryan Murphy: “It’s Garbage” on Trans Rights

Indya Moore, known for their acclaimed role as Angel Evangelista on FX’s Pose, publicly condemned Ryan Murphy, their former employer, for not actively defending trans rights. In a heartfelt Instagram video posted on September 28, Moore expressed frustration that Murphy has remained silent amid ongoing attacks on the trans community, especially following the end of Pose in 2021. Their comments specifically addressed Murphy’s failure to use his influence to support trans people facing discrimination in the United States.

Moore Reflects on Past Experiences and Murphy’s Silence

While thanking Murphy and others who have provided work opportunities to trans actors, Moore sharply criticized his lack of vocal advocacy. They questioned,

“The fact that Ryan Murphy has been this silent … like, we really pissed you off that much, Ryan? Who upset you that much, Janet [Mock, writer, director and producer on Pose] really pissed you off that much?”

Indya Moore also shared that they had been reprimanded for speaking out about mistreatment on Pose’s set, including alleging that producer Tanase Popa once threw potato chips at them. The actress challenged Murphy by asking how he could have produced a groundbreaking series like Pose during the Trump administration but then seemingly disappear in terms of supporting trans rights.

Demanding Accountability and Change in the Industry

With evident anger, Moore condemned Murphy’s response to the crisis facing transgender people, describing it as

“garbage,”

and an embarrassment. They urged Murphy to take action by addressing racism, violence, and unequal pay within his productions:

“Ryan Murphy, we need you to do more. You need to address the racism, the violence, and the targeting of people on your productions … you do need to make sure trans people are paid equally.”

Billboard reached out to Murphy’s representatives for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Context of Ongoing Attacks Against the Trans Community Under the Trump Administration

Moore’s remarks came during an emotional 30-minute video responding to the policies enacted during Donald Trump’s second term, which began in January. The former president has implemented several measures that negatively impact transgender individuals, such as restricting access to transgender healthcare, eliminating federal recognition of transgender identities, banning trans people from military service, and cutting funding to a national suicide hotline for queer and transgender individuals.

In the video, Moore expressed confusion and frustration at conflicting narratives propagated by Trump and his supporters. They highlighted the inconsistency by saying,

“How do you go from ‘trans people are mentally ill, they need help’ to ‘trans people are terrorists?’ Y’all can’t make up your mind about how you want to view us, as weak and a target to bully, or as strong and a threat,”

reflecting the volatile stigma faced by the community.

Call for Solidarity and Support Within and Beyond the Community

Despite the distress in Moore’s message, they also acknowledged those who have stood with trans people in demanding rights and safety. In the caption of their video, where Murphy was tagged, Moore implored,

“Trans People Need you. We have been copping for too long,”

often urging allies to

“Lift us up alongside everyone else.”

Their plea underscores the critical need for prominent figures and creators like Ryan Murphy to actively champion trans rights, especially amid rising political and social challenges.