Brandon Kyle Goodman . Can you talk about that pressure? All Rights Reserved. But then you always realize that you're not like them GOODMAN: And that you're also - if you are approaching it from that angle where you're not whole and you're lacking, then you are, I think, unconsciously or subconsciously, excusing bad behavior from those white men where you become a racial prop. CHANG: That is the work. Anyone who follows along on his journey and his life is able to tune in to watch him and enjoy, too, and that is what he is there for. So there's this thing - right? I got to just play an eager father-to-be. I said, I'm an actor. I would need to perform and be even more femme than I was. When did that hit you that that's what your purpose is? NPR's Ailsa Chang chats with Brandon Kyle Goodman about their new book You Gotta Be You: How to Embrace This Messy Life and Step Into Who You Really Are. Thats always stayed with me. So tell me something good, or tell me something messy. CHANG: Being married to Matthew, how much have you evolved away from how you used to think about being with white men? Actor, writer, and activist Brandon Kyle Goodman says, Hell no it ain't! They grew up in a religious immigrant household, and they know all too well what it's like to hide, to hide the most meaningful parts of yourself. But its most necessary I think. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. For me, being a Black queer teenager in a lot of cis, het, white spaces was traumatizing. So Im just honored to be on the ride. I know that to the outside this all could look raunchy, but to me, its activism because sex positivity and talking about how much shame there is around sex is super-important, and I wanted to create a safe space to do that, he said. So lets acknowledge that and have those conversations so that we can do better. 'Big Mouth's' Brandon Kyle Goodman on 'Human Resources' Spinoff and He wants it to be something that he can create a safe space for people to discuss. If you're unfamiliar with this term, that's all right. Or you see our fashion. Marc Gilbar Elevated To President Of Imagine Brands; Amanda Farrand Joins As EVP, Business & Brand Development, Deadpool 3: Rob Delaney To ReturnAs Human X-Force Member Peter, Sylvester Stallone Set For Cliffhanger Reboot From Director Ric Roman Waugh, Latest News, The Issues, Movies & TV Shows Affected & How Long It Might Last, Gersh Sells 45% Stake To Crestview Partners; Leslie Siebert Upped To Co-President, Are You There God? Didnt Get Its Opening-Weekend Prayers Answered: Heres Why. CHANG: I mean it. In everything that Goodman does, he sticks to the script of his life. And if youre Black and queer, or youre living in the intersections, youll have language that articulates your experience because thats what I missed growing up language that articulated my experience.. From his breakthrough gig as a writer for Netflixs Big Mouth to his breakout role as Walter the Lovebug on the new spinoff Human Resources, Brandon Kyle Goodman has a lot to say about what it means to be Black and gender-nonconforming in comedy right now. As an actor, Goodman is known for Netflix's Feel the Beat, Amazon's Modern Love and People Just Do Nothing, Alive in Denver, The Blackout, The Relationtrip, Hulu's Plus One, and Blue Fox's Papi Chulo, among others. I think there are times when you have to, and I want to pick those moments really specifically. Meet Brandon Kyle Goodman, Big Mouth & Human Resources' Secret Weapon Meanwhile, the seventh season of Big Mouth will be . And you said that that - dating white guys for proximity to white privilege - it only fed into your self-hatred. Copyright 2023 NPR. CHANG: I mean it. And really, Matthew and I would always joke about people always saying, I want my other half. As he continues to break barriers and present himself in different rooms, his authenticity is most unique. If I think about 20, 30, 40 years ago, there were white comedians saying things that were quite inappropriate, that were harmful, that we wouldnt say, Oh, well, thats just a joke. Today, wed be like, No, that was fucking racist. So the same is true today when were talking about gender and sexuality and these things that may be newer to some people, where we get to say, No, thats actually quite harmful and not funny. It doesnt mean that youre not funny, it doesnt mean that youre a terrible comedian now. You know, power is not forcing people to live in these boxes and taking peoples rights away. His agent submitted it to Big Mouth. They loved it and thought that it fit with their world, he said. My therapist explained it best, which is when you have these moments of trauma and you revisit them to try and get the lesson, theres a retriggering that happens. Im really interested in telling that story and talking about that nuance. So thats where it began. Hey, [expletive]. Brandon Kyle Goodman joins us now. I was a fan of Big Mouth before I became a writer on it because it managed to take one of the most stressful, unstable, emotional times in life [puberty] and make it funny, meaningful, and cathartic. And CHANG: I got to say that is something that resonated with me. Movies. Brandon Kyle Goodman - Actor, Writer, Activist - TV Insider Loyalty is delighted to welcome Brandon Kyle Goodman and Traci Thomas of The Stacks for a virtual event celebrating You Gotta Be You! And I first just want to say that I happened to pick up your book during a time when I was struggling. BRANDON KYLE GOODMAN: It's Monday, Messy Monday. CHANG: I mean, because I related to a lot of this sort of racism that you were talking about inside queer spaces because I feel it in straight spaces. There were some times where I needed to take a break. But just maybe don't have the sound on if you are at work. Its just words. And that, I dont think, rings true for a lot of people. Aidy Bryant, Randall Park, Keke Palmer, David Thewlis, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Maya Rudolph and Nick Kroll star. People say, yas (ph), queen. He was born and raised there, he went to college there, and he spent much of his life living there. If you're ever sitting around on a Monday feeling a little angsty, maybe a little frisky, check out some of the so-called Messy Monday stories on Brandon Kyle Goodman's Instagram feed. As a Black nonbinary, queer person in a dark-skinned 6'1", 180-pound male body born into a religious immigrant household, Brandon knows the pain of having to hide one's true self, the work of learning to love that true self, and the freedom of finally being your . Human Resources (TV series) - Wikipedia And what was really clocked kind of immediately was that I was really effeminate. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. You know, I think in our experience, you feel like youre the only one. As we near the end of Black History Month, we are back with another Black figure whos doing the work to break ground. I'm excited for the world to meet him. We cant pull away from the value of that while reckoning with this other thing. But it doesnt take away from anybody elses experience. Whether serious or telling jokes, he tells stories that allow for several views of a Black man or queer man to be seen on television and he doesnt do it just for him. Shady. And writing about that was all the things you think it is, sad and tragic and devastating and painful and healing and transformative. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. I'm so good. I so enjoyed this. Instagram He talks about this from time to time online and when he is in interviews. I don't know. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. Goodmans new book is part memoir, following the actor and writers journey toward fully embracing their many identities, which include beingBlack,queerandnon-binary. So I started writing plays, sketches, and making videos for myself. So I want to get to hold space for both of those things and both those experiences. Hey, [expletive]. That hasnt happened a lot. And if you are telling me it hurts, I want to hear that. I think a lot of times queer writers, Black writers, women when were the only one in a room get written off as not being good enough, but no one ever talks about, Well, have they been mentored? I got to play opposite Andrew Scott, a.k.a. She said, oh, well, if I ever see you in a movie, I'm going to point and say, he can't drive. Encore: Brandon Kyle Goodman embraces their authentic self in 'You But I still think we get to say, Hey, this thing, you might want to look at it through a different lens. And I think its the responsibility of the comedian to say, OK, Im going to let that in and listen to it. Or you see our fashion. EXCLUSIVE : Brandon Kyle Goodman, an actor, writer and activist who hit on a career breakthrough as part of the team behind Netflix's . Being a nonbinary gay Black person in Hollywood is an uphill battle he said. CHANG: Well, I want to end on a pretty basic but important question. In fact, so much of his own writing is focused around growing up in the city, which is something that only people who grew up there would understand. He hopes the book will serve as a guide to self-love, especially for Black queer folx, while also offering white/non-Black folx a candid look inside the experience of Black queerness. When youre like, Oh wow, these things that happened, I never named them, I never processed them fully. Thats the other piece about the book. If I can continue to exist and stand in my truth and put out the work that means the most to me, then theres that representation of somebody whos non-binary and whos Black and who uses they/them pronouns. Goodmans goal on shows like Big Mouth was to tell a fuller story that included a colorful and more realistic version of the world. I really appreciate it. Human Resources will premiere its second and final season on Netflix on June 9, 2023. Its not about being politically correct. Its very triggering, but I also think its telling because you cant deny that there is a shift happening and that people are really fighting back and really speaking up. There is such a wave in the last few years of anti-gay legislation, like the Dont Say Gay bill in Florida, and anti-trans legislation, happening all across the United States. But I realized that was always kind of this thing that I always was trying to go back to - was, how do I perform masculinity? I hope we will be centered in our narratives. So having the chance to write Black, queer, or Black queer characters and center them in stories that aren't oppression-based is everything to me. In addition to Lovebugs like Walter, the show has added a Logic Rock voiced by Randall Park, an Addiction Angel voiced by Hugh Jackman, an Ambition Gremlin voiced by Rosie Perez, and many others. . Its a nasty show with a lot of heart. And were not always going to get it right. And so he was able to be a partner that I think helped me grow, if anything, helped me, you know, expand into who I am as opposed to being somebody who's a patch - you know, a patch for the scars. To me, its about building community. And thats OK. And so both those things get to be true, which is why I say I identify with both pronouns, he and they, because it holds space for how I feel, which is what no one can see, which is this non-binary gender identity, as well as what people do see, which is Black manhood. You Gotta Be You by Brandon Kyle Goodman | Legacy Lit Books It was a breath of fresh air for me. You kind of see yourself in Ursula, you kind of see yourself in Jafar. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. With so much on his shoulders, Goodman carries does it all with ease. Menu. As 2020 came with a pandemic and racial battles not seen in years, many entertainers and everyday people found themselves driven by purpose and into the fight. How are certain things still harmful? It was, lets have a conversation about why this might be harmful, why we might do something else moving forward. Goodman doesnt hold back on sharing his lifes story with his supporters. Claim to fame: Mr . Brandon Kyle Goodman | Los Angeles CA - Facebook Right now, being nonbinary specifically doesn't. CHANG: When it came to being both Black and gay, there was something that you wrote that really stuck with me. I really appreciate it. I started the mentorship program in 2020 with the help of my bosses, Mark [Levin], Jen [Flackett], Andrew [Goldberg] and Nick [Kroll]. He is no longer a New Yorker by address, but he will always be a New Yorker by heart. That's my hope. So there's this thing - right? Hes joined forces, on the non-scripted side, with Netflixs social team to create a game show based on his popular Instagram live series Messy Mondays. And you said that that - dating white guys for proximity to white privilege - it only fed into your self-hatred. NPR's Ailsa Chang chats with Brandon Kyle Goodman about their book You Gotta Be You: How to Embrace This Messy Life and Step Into Who You Really Are. So I just want Black queer folks to know that they are of value. Big Mouth's Brandon Kyle Goodman Talks Book 'You Gotta Be You' - The Brandon Kyle Goodman opens up about art, advocacy and his solo play Cool with it like he was into it or, like, cool with it like, [expletive] happens? We want to hear from you! Discover yawn brandon kyle goodman 's popular videos | TikTok This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. That they matter. And thats never the most fun process. Her writing gained recognition and since 2009, she's written for sites such as What to Expect, Where'd My Sanity Go, and dozens more. But is fitting in worth the time, energy, and suffering? (he/they) Writer: Big Mouth, Actor: Feel The Beat, Modern Love, Big Mouth. Appearances Brandon Kyle Goodman View Event . I had written a script that my agent at the time submitted and they responded to. He is set to reprise the role as a lead in the Big Mouth spinoff, Human Resources, for which he also writes, with that series set to debut on Netflix on March 18. Brandon Kyle Goodman was born on 20 May 1987 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. So I do think when youre making jokes, words matter. All Rights Reserved. Through over-the-top musical numbers, the winged Walter helps young people traverse their romantic trials and tribulations. 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And what was really clocked kind of immediately was that I was really effeminate. I said, I'm an actor. I dont find value in arguing or engaging with that. I hopethat Black, POC, and queer people will take up more space. When I failed my driver's test, the proctor said, what do you do for a living? Did you have any reaction to that? Thats probably what Im most proud of. So for me, it's important to support any organization and movement that is committed to dismantling the corrupt system and giving people back their lives. Its not enough for me to get mine. As a person going out into the world, like, what do you value, and what do you want to stand for? Her legacy lives deep within me, and I am continuing to do her work. O elenco da srie conta com Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, Randall Park, Aidy Bryant, David Thewlis, Keke Palmer, Pamela Adlon, e Brandon Kyle Goodman. Menu. CHANG: That is the work. Lending his voice to the Black Lives Matter Movement, he grew his platform speaking from his heart about racial injustices and the plight of Black people. I'm also committed to getting Black artists access to the resources they need to thrive in the industry, so I've started a charitable arm of Black Folx which will offer mentorship, provide small scholarships, and put on events with the intention of empowering and amplifying Black voices. Brandon Kyle Goodman's book is called "You Gotta Be You: How To Embrace This Messy Life And Step Into Who You Really Are." Thank you so much for sharing this time with us, Brandon. However, hes a man who speaks up, discusses what he feels is important, and what is on his mind. But the community in which all those things come from, which I would say is Black and brown queer folks, aren't protected and aren't valued and aren't validated inside of that. 17:00 18:00. GOODMAN: When Matthew and I met, I was already, like, fully in my love of Brandon. You know, I think the queer community in itself is also still reckoning with the racism and internalized homophobia that happens. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use. Yeah, my mother is a force. Nothing is black and white. Goodman is a change-maker with a soft touch. Who Voices Walter On 'Human Resources' & 'Big Mouth'? Meet Brandon Kyle 176K followers. That's the journey. Then its just lip service. This week, its comedian, actor, writer, and activist Brandon Kyle Goodman. Do The Work covers race and personal relationships. Copyright 2022 NPR. I get to say that I am non-binary and identify as such and not identify as a man. Hey, girl. So how do you take care of yourself inside of that retrigger? As a Black nonbinary, queer person in a dark-skinned 61, 180-pound male body born into a religious immigrant household, Brandon knows the pain of having to hide ones true self, the work of learning to love that true self, and the freedom of finally being your true self. We have to be helping each other do that. And how do we have that conversation? (SOUNDBITE OF MENAHAN STREET BAND'S "THE CONTENDER"). In his time with Big Mouth, he also helped create and launch the shows mentorship program for aspiring Black writers in animation, known as theBrutus Pink x The Black Folx Initiative. I always say for my Black readers and Black queer readers, I hope that they feel less alone. He's signed on to write and voice a character in season 5 as well as its upcoming spin-off, Human Resources. Matt Wilstein. Like CHANG: So you say when you were younger, you never thought you could be as attractive as a white man. Has anyone considered what their heart space is? Brandon Kyle Goodman's book is called "You Gotta Be You: How To Embrace This Messy Life And Step Into Who You Really Are." Thank you so much for sharing this time with us, Brandon. The "yawn" creates depth and natural movement to best envelop the phallus into a welcoming and stimulating environment. 1. And above all, it asks every person to consider this question - who would I be if society never got its hands on me? Brandon Kyle Goodman is an actor, writer and activist who currently writes and stars in the Netflix animated series "Big Mouth" and its spinoff, "Human Resources." Modern Love can be . This meant enrolling himself in courses at New York Universitys Tisch School of the Arts, and it meant graduating back in 2009 with his degree. Your 24/7 streaming source for equality news and lifestyle trends. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Born and raised in Queens, New York; Goodman found his passion for acting during his high school years. Theres not representation, theres not value. Hello. Twitter My episode, "Hers Was a World of One," was about a gay couple adopting a child from a homeless woman and how the three of them formed an untraditional family filled with love, struggle, and hope. GOODMAN: That's a really beautiful question. Television has not always been an affirming place for Black queer voices, but Brandon Kyle Goodman is changing that one punch line at a time. Brandon Kyle Goodman's You Gotta Be You answers her call. GOODMAN: When Matthew and I met, I was already, like, fully in my love of Brandon. 2020 Brandon Kyle Goodman | All Rights Reserved. So I was latching on GOODMAN: To this thing of, like, I'm missing something. I think my life has been a lot of resilience and writing the book was about healing. I now have two podcasts, one with Starburns Audio called Black Folxabout our lives and how being Black has shaped our identities. So thank you for that. As more creators continue to push out their passion projects, Hollywood will be forced to notice the underdogs and in return, stop the performative acts and do something real. Activism. Virtual Event: A Conversation about "You Gotta Be You". How do you see TV and film evolving in the next three years? And as time went on, I think I, you know, further specified that it's love - you know, people to love themselves and see themselves and know that they are three dimensional, full people and that they're worthy of love even with all their flaws, even with all their mistakes. Following his heart, he studied at New York Universitys Tisch School of the Arts and joined a sketch comedy group after graduating. Having boundaries is self-love and self-care. Thanks for reading! Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. His writing celebrates those historically marginalized identities, and while he's still writing for laughs, he's also got a purpose. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. This work is a laboratory of love: an essential companion for our journeys toward self-actualization. Goodman is a change-maker with a soft touch.