Emma D’Arcy says famous role helped them recognise their gender identity

House of the Dragon Star Emma D’Arcy has reflected on how one of her roles had a particular impact on her becoming aware of her gender identity.

D’Arcy, who uses the pronouns they/them, spoke about her identity as nonbinary after being cast in the HBO series game of Thrones spin-off in 2022. The star has since spoken about how his relationship with his gender has been affected by the roles he has taken on.

Before becoming known for her role as Black’s Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s fantasy series, D’Arcy took theaters across the country by storm in numerous stage roles.

Their second stage role proved to be one of their greatest – both personally and professionally. They appeared at London’s Southwark Playhouse in an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and JulietIn the gender-bending production, D’Arcy took on the role of Romeo, but played a woman.

In conversation with British GQ as House of the Dragon Season two reaches the halfway point, D’Arcy explained how the Romeo and Juliet This role may have helped them better understand the “battle of the sexes” they were experiencing.

“It’s interesting, I think, because I had no words for this battle of the sexes that was going on in my body. It didn’t hit me until I came to London and was in my early twenties,” said D’Arcy, who was 23 when their turn came. Romeo and Julietreflected.

“It’s funny that it expresses itself in the work, and that started very early. It’s interesting where we find freedom. I hadn’t actually put these pieces together,” they added.

Given the importance of the role to them, D’Arcy said they wish more iconic roles were taken on by actors whose gender does not match that of their characters.

“…There is still a lot of discussion to be had about whether some of these great male roles should finally be played by someone else,” they said.

D’Arcy is also happy to take on this task. The star, who is now incredibly comfortable with his own gender identity, wants to advocate for the best opportunities and working conditions for LGBTQ+ actors.

“It doesn’t feel very complicated anymore,” they told GQ about how they feel about their identity now. “And yet, inevitably, I have met many genderfluid, nonbinary and trans actors, and there are several in House of the DragonIt’s nice because, in addition to my work, I take the attempt to expand and improve the working structures to support genderfluid people very seriously.

“I’m lucky enough to be playing a leading role, which means I can probably scream a little louder than someone in a less prominent role,” they added.

“But I think that there is also a responsibility involved. And I am really up to it.”

House of the Dragon Season two is available on HBO and Max in the US and on Sky Atlantic and Now in the UK.