Nava Mau, born in Mexico City in 1992, is a trans actress and activist who stood out in the sensational series “Baby Reindeer”. But her attention comes not only because of her talent, but also because of her commitment to authentic representation of the trans community.
His performance in the series “Genera+ion” (2021) made her known to the world. Through the character A-N-A was able to explore the complexities of trans experiences through the subversion of stereotypes. “When stories about trans people are created by trans people, it opens up a world of possibilities”, he said at the time.
In 2020, Mau had appeared in the documentary “Disclosure” which addressed the representation of Trans people on television and cinema screens. Nava Mau thus represents resistance and hope for many trans people who wish to see themselves portrayed in a respectful and realistic way.
Even off-screen, Mau has worked in the areas of justice and culture change with community service providers, student organizations and survivors of violence.
Nava Mau and the Baby Reindeer effect
This year, Nava Mau is one of the highlights of the Netflix series “Baby Reindeer” which adapts an acclaimed play by Scottish actor and comedian Richard Gadd which addresses violence and sexual abuse. In the series, Mau is Teri, a psychologist who dates Donny (Gadd) and finds himself confronted with her prejudices and fears as he struggles with episodes of stalking with another woman and abuse with a mentor.
It felt really important to show people that trans women exist in real life and that we connect with real people.
Mau also explained that he could tell the paper was written by “someone who actually knew and loved a trans woman and wasn’t writing from a place of mere imagination“.
As Teri is a trans woman, how does her nature affect her relationship with Donny? How does Donny deal with her attraction? Her masculinity? But not only that, how does Teri deal when the stalker confronts her and tells her that she looks like a man?
These are not easy questions to address, especially in the whirlwind of experiences and emotions, many self-destructive, that Donny faces. Understanding this, Teri gives her time and space, even when she begins to feel weakened by the lack of connection (also sexual). In the end, Teri explains to him that she cannot return to the closet and shame and that Donny will have to continue his journey without her.
Gadd confirmed that Teri is based on a real person he dated at the time. The author explained that she “He was the voice of reason in my life at that moment.“, although he confessed that he never “have heard it as much as [ele] it should“.
More than a cliché
Nava Mau also explains the importance of Teri in Baby Reindeer for the trans community. “She has her own life. She didn’t need [de Donny]. I think she wanted to be with him, but she is complete on her own. And I think in the story, in a way, she’s a pillar and then all these other things are happening around her. So, yes, I felt empowered acting as Teri. I learned a lot from her.“
Nava Mau represents resistance and hope for many trans people who want to see themselves portrayed in a respectful and realistic way. Her trajectory, as an actress and as an activist, reinforces the importance of inclusion in all facets of society.
