Billy Dee Williams breaking gender binary walls down in Hollywood

Actor Billy Dee Williams lives life by his own standards and believes everyone should “Be yourself.” Not only is this his mantra, but the 82 -year-old actor is breaking down gender-conforming walls as well. Williams recently vocalized to Esquire during an interview, that he uses both he/him and she/her pronouns when referring to himself, according to Out.

“I say ‘himself’ and ‘herself,’ because I also see myself as feminine as well as masculine,” he said. “I’m a very soft person. I’m not afraid to show that side of myself,” reveals Williams. “I never tried to be anything except myself. I think of myself as a relatively colorful character who doesn’t take himself or herself too seriously.”

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Williams’ career spans over the last half a century with his most notable roles perhaps being Louis McKay in 1972’s Lady Sings the Blues or Lando Calrissian in the 1980’s Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

When Esquire told Williams that his predecessor, Donald Glover, who portrayed Lando in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, also embraces his gender fluidity and sexuality, he was visibly excited.

“Really? That kid is brilliant — just look at those videos,” he said, referencing Glover’s song “This Is America”.

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Williams’ role as Lando broke racial barriers in 1980 by having a Black character in a genre of film that was and still is primarily white. Even though this is a great accomplishment, Williams says he’s proudest of his role as Gale Sayers in 1971, Emmy nominated TV movie Brian’s Song, according to Esquire.

“It was a love story, really. Between two guys. Without sex. It ended up being a kind of breakthrough in terms of racial division,” he said.

These roles and more are what makes Billy Dee Williams, Hollywood royalty. He recalls actors like Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx both paying homage to him and the path he set for other African American actors.

“The Rock calls me the OG,” Williams said. “What I presented on that screen people didn’t expect to see. And I deliberately presented something that nobody had experienced before: a romantic brown-skinned boy.”

Williams will be back on the big screen Dec. 20, reprising his role as Lando in the upcoming The Rise of Skywalker, the final movie of the Skywalker saga.

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10 Things You Should Never Do at Your Office Holiday Party

It’s that time of year–companies are pulling out all the stops to show appreciation for a year of hard work with a banging holiday party.

The office holiday party is one of the few chances you will get to let your hair down, enjoy cocktails, and unwind with your co-workers on the company’s dime. So you, of course, want to take full advantage.

What you don’t want to do, however, is to have your holiday party become a holiday bummer, because you neglected to avoid these helpful party faux pas:

1. Drinking Too Much

This is rule number one for a reason. Please, please, please, if you happen to fall short with every item on this list, let this be the one that you hold nearest and dearest. The quickest, easiest way to unravel that stellar reputation you’ve been building and nurturing all year is by ending it as that drunk, unruly, belligerent, overly friendly, sloppy, uncensored, messy, embarrassing co-worker at the party. Everyone is judging you–actively. Keep it together.

2. Oversharing

This can correspond with the drinking. You don’t have to be fully intoxicated to start talking too much. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t say during the regular workday. Let this be your guide. If you have to give second thought to questions or comments before they leave your mouth, default to “No.” Say nothing at all and walk away. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Being Cliquish

You have your work faves, and that’s totally fair and expected. However, now is not the time to show the rest of the company what close besties you are. Mingle–get to know workers in other departments. Smile, dance, and chat with those that rarely cross your paths. This is the perfect time to work on your relationship building. The more alliances you have at work, the better your work situation. Use this as a time to build your team.

4. Disappearing

Though office functions may not be your thing, you should not sneak out “unnoticed” to find something else to do. Your bosses and your co-workers notice your absence, and they likely aren’t feeling it. The point of holiday parties is to bond outside of the norm. When you’d rather not, you don’t seem like a team player. Suck it up and make believe this party is the highlight of your work year. Be merry and stick it out.

5. Hoarding Food

After your third run to the buffet table, they are starting to notice. Get the amount of food you need on round one on two and don’t stake out the feeding area. You’re not that hungry, you’re not the needy, and you know how to behave when you’re faced with “free.” Try to keep it cute.

6. Dressing Inappropriately

Despite the suggested party attire, keep in mind you’re with co-workers and not your girls at the club. Spruce up a bit, sure. Now is the time to break up the monotony of your work uniforms, but be sure you’re professional and covered up.

7. Being Anti-Social

Parties can be awkward, even when they’re with people you see every day. Try, if you can, to engage those around you. Don’t use the merriment and activities as an excuse to retreat. If you can’t find anyone to chat with, post up by the DJ or the bar–someone always eventually shows up there.

8. Working

It’s a party. Chill. You don’t look like an overachiever; you more closely resemble a disengaged wallflower. Get up and enjoy.

9. Complaining

If you neglected to donate a single cent to the party planning, you don’t have a right to utter a single complaint. Yes, there will always be things you wish were different, but now is not the time to voice them. No one wants to hang out with “Gloomy Gus” during party time. Challenge yourself to say something that’s right about the festivities, every time you find something wrong.

10. Anything That You Don’t Want to Be Discussed the Next Day?

Steer far clear of.

Follow these guidelines, and above all–enjoy! It’s the holidays for goodness sake.

 

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Editors’ Note: This article was originally published on December 20, 2016.

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