Actress Dominique Jackson discusses her role on 'Pose' and social justice in SEE’s 'Back to School' lecture

Dominique Jackson, in a behind-the-scenes photo taken on the set of “Pose,” posted to the show’s official Instagram (@poseonfx) on July 29, 2019. (@PoseOnFX/Instagram)

“Pose” star Dominique Jackson gave a message of pride and resilience during her ‘Back to School’ lecture in the Grand Ballroom of the Stamp Student Union building on Tuesday.

Jackson is an actress, model and author, best known for her role as Elektra Abundance on the Emmy-award winning Netflix series. 

The night was one of many ‘firsts’ with Jackson being the first speaker of the year and the first in-person guest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was also a first for the “Pose” star.

“Stepping out on this stage for me is a first of many. It is a first since the pandemic, a first since “Pose” wrapped, and a first coming back as a strong, empowered, motivated woman,” she said.

During her opening remarks the actress, model and underground ballroom champion conveyed a clear message of acceptance, pride and self-determination.

“Resilience is within you,” Jackson assured, “your happiness is within you. It is within those dreams.”

The Trinidad and Tobago native spoke on her fight to achieve inner happiness with the support of her family and friends, and the struggle of being a Black, trans woman and immigrant in America trying to break into the entertainment industry.

“I’ve been through some stuff, and I’m not standing -- I’m thriving,” she said.

The annual “Back to School” lecture is run by SEE, the University of Maryland’s student entertainment organization.

During her conversation with SEE’s Lectures Director, Jenna Prasad, the two covered a variety of topics including life during quarantine, “Pose” and her activism.

She spoke of her experience in lockdown, saying it was “devastating” and “fearful,” as she watched the rising death toll, production of the show come to a halt and the killing of Black and trans people across the country. 

“I can’t go outside but you still have time to kill us [black and trans people],” Jackson said. 

She ultimately saw that time as a period of rest and self-reflection, citing the video-sharing social media app TikTok as being one of the things that helped her through it.

Prasad said they chose Jackson because of her story and the impact she has made on the world through the show. 

The junior mechanical engineering major also said she hoped that people would “look at this and feel empowered,” and come away with “advice, comfort and knowledge.” 

As the final season of “Pose” aired, the actress reflected on the show, its impact on the world and herself; as well as working with her co-stars.

“When I walked out here, that was impact,” Jackson said. “Our story is so beautiful.” 

She said the show has proven that “we are a part of life, our humanity is valid, we [the LGBTQ+ community] are valid.”

“‘Pose’ took me through hell,” the star said of the show’s impact on her personally. She said it made her relive past traumas.

Jackson said did not always like the character of Elektra.

“I did not like this woman in the beginning ... I did not want to play the bad person,” Jackson said.

Jackson initially thought Elektra was a reflection of herself but throughout the series, the experience allowed her to fully affirm herself.

The actress spoke on working with her co-stars, like the acclaimed actor Billy Porter.

“For the first time we had experienced what it meant to work with family,” she said, “It was real and genuine love.”

She talked about what’s next, mentioning her role as “Ms. World,” in season three of the drama series, “American Gods.”

Jackson ended the night with this advice, “you can accomplish your dreams. Don’t let anyone stop you from them, especially yourselves.”