Rainbow Crew is an ongoing interview series that celebrates the best LGBTQ+ representation on screen. Each instalment showcases talent working on both sides of the camera, including queer creatives and allies to the community.
Next up, we're speaking to Freeridge star Tenzing Norgay Trainor.
Just like in real life, bisexuality still remains overlooked in film and TV. All too often, bisexual characters are reduced to harmful stereotypes or just ignored entirely. And that's especially true when it comes to bisexual men who are still significantly harder to find on screen.
That's one of the reasons why Netflix's Freeridge has been so much fun to watch. As a spinoff to On My Block, Freeridge could have just rehashed the same old ideas that fans loved in the original show. But instead, the series forges ahead with new themes of sibling rivalry, supernatural curses, and most crucially of all, positive bisexual representation in the form of Cam.
Tenzing Norgay Trainor's character doesn't loudly announce his sexuality in his very first scene, but it's not hidden or swept aside either. Cameron simply exists as a male teenage character who just happens to be comfortable in his bisexuality. Or so it seems.
As the series progresses, we come to discover that one careless remark from a friend years earlier hit him at a crucial point in his development, and the pain has stuck with him ever since. To Demi, the incident meant nothing. She can't even remember it. But for Cameron, her words cut deep, making him feel "gross" and unattractive for being attracted to both men and women.
Conversations around this moment and the accountability that's needed to come back from something like this reveal a much-needed roadmap for viewers back home who might have encountered these problems in their own lives.
Digital Spy chatted with Trainor via email to find out more about Cam's journey in Freeridge and what could lie in store for him in future seasons.
What's the fan response been like since Freeridge arrived on Netflix?
It’s been really amazing! We finished this show last July so seeing it all finally come together and be released to the world still feels so surreal.
Was there pressure coming into a spinoff for such a beloved show like On My Block?
Of course. On My Block was such an amazing and beloved show so the pressure was definitely felt. Our producers and even the previous cast relieved some of that pressure though with their kind words and support.
We’ve always felt as if we are not here to replace On My Block, but rather to expand on what they created.
What surprised you about Freeridge that you didn't expect?
I think I was really surprised about the boundaries they wanted to push. The stories we tell in our show are pretty serious and some that I do not see in any other television shows out there.
Why is it so important to see a bisexual character and their experiences at the forefront of a teen show like this?
I think it's important simply because it is a real thing. Cameron's story is not something that should be pushed to the side or kept secret. There are real people out there who experience the same thing and it just is not shown on TV as much as it should be.
There's a really pivotal moment where Cam apologises to Andre for the way he handled the breakup. What was that like to film?
That scene was one of my favourites. It was also my audition scene so it felt good to finally do it fully with the blocking and all. It's an emotional scene. We see Cameron's layers start to peel and I'm excited to see how much more he's willing to build off of these uncomfortable conversations for him.
It's great to see Cam realise he doesn't need to be with anyone until he's ready. What were your thoughts on that?
I agree. Cameron needs time to focus on himself for a little bit. I do think by the end of the season he has made good progress though, so I see real love coming his way very soon.
What would you choose — a million dollars now or would you spend it and hopefully get the ten million?
I'm choosing to spend the money on ten million. It's Freeridge — you have to take risks! I think our group could pull it off.
What did you find particularly challenging about filming this role?
The difficult part for me was navigating how Cameron is feeling in each scene throughout the show. He has a lot of surprised feelings so trying to show his emotion without talking or only sharing in little pieces was difficult. As an actor though, it was super fun to dive into.
And what did you enjoy most about bringing Cam to life on screen?
I think I enjoyed being able to share Cam's story. I love Cameron and I'm so glad I was able to play such a rich and fulfilling role and show the world an amazing kid.
What are your hopes for Cam in season two?
If a season two were to come, although Cameron does need some time to be single, I want him to find love. Cameron deserves to find someone that makes him the best version of himself.
Freeridge is now available to stream on Netflix.
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