When Brian Michael Smith considers a role, he thinks about the impact it will have on audiences. And being the first out black trans man cast as a series regular on broadcast TV, he knows his art is his advocacy. 

It was his role as “Toine Wilkins”, a transgender police officer on Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed hit series Queen Sugar that opened doors. It was also a chance for him to come out publicly in the most authentic way possible - through his craft as an actor. He knew his work came with a bigger responsibility and Hollywood noticed. Soon after, came “Pierce Williams” on The L Word: Generation Q and most recently as “Paul Stickland, a transgender male firefighter on 9-1-1 Lonestar. But behind each character is a husband, a son, an advocate and a friend. 

I met Brian on the set of Daily Burn 365, the live-streaming fitness show that we were cast on in 2015. It wasn’t long before you could tell his energy, empathy and engaging personality won hearts - not only with the cast and crew, but the community, as well. 

On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Brian shares more about life on camera and what it means to stay mindful, be grateful and to “know thyself”. 

For more about Brian, visit www.thebrianmichael.com

If you have a great story to tell or just want to connect, I’d love to hear from you. - Hilary

HIListically Speaking with Hilary Russo is created/Hosted by Hilary Russo, produced by Alan Seales, with music by Lipbone Redding.

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