The actress is reclaiming her power and exploring what an inclusive and expansive world looks like through her art.

From rapper Cardi B. to author Stephen King, the internet can’t seem to stop talking about Netflix’s latest binge-worthy limited series, Baby Reindeer.

Based on a true story, the dark comedy journeys through the ups and downs of writer Richard Gadd’s tangled webs and strenuous relationships. One of the relationships that takes center stage is with his girlfriend Teri – who is trans – and played by Nava Mau.

In Baby Reindeer, Mau was tasked with tapping into emotions that she had never explored on-screen. Led by the complexities of trauma and discussions around sexuality and gender, Mau’s performance as Teri offers a twisty narrative in representation for trans people navigating romantic relationships.

Mau recently sat down with GLAAD’s Shar Jossell to dish on all things Baby Reindeer and her upcoming projects

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

SHAR JOSSELL: Nava, I watched [Baby Reindeer] on assignment, but I enjoyed it so much that I went back and watched it for my own leisure. What drew you to this script?

NAVA MAU: I felt deeply connected and moved by the themes that the story touches on for survivors. You know, the story really does not shy away from investigating cycles of silence and shame and trauma. I really was drawn to it and I wanted the role so bad.

SJ: You just recently wrote, directed, and starred in a short film titled All The Words But The One which also explores themes of trauma and forgiveness. Can you share how working on that film– or even some of your past experiences in front of the camera– influenced or changed the way you approached the role of Teri?

NM: It’s funny, I wrote All The Words But The One [in the] spring of 2022, and then I was cast on and filmed Baby Reindeer. When I finished filming, I came back and then did the short all of last year. Back to back. So they definitely kind of became part of one thing. It gave me permission to go as far as I needed to with Baby Reindeer because I knew that I would have space to work it out [afterwards.]

I almost can’t believe the synchronicity of how these two stories relate. I’ve never seen a role written by somebody else that felt like it spoke to me so clearly and so intimately. It is a reminder to me that ‘Oh, this is actually possible.’

It’s really an issue in our industry, that trans people do not get to have roles that are layered, fleshed out, and have a whole arch, you know? It’s like, oh, this is what it can be like you can write your own stories and other people can be writing stories that you’re a part of as well.

SJ: Baby Reindeer is getting a lot of attention, and I even saw that Cardi B. tweeted about it. How does it feel to have all this attention on you right now? Are there any other fans of the show that surprised you?

NM: My friend sent me [Cardi B.’s tweet], and then she went on Instagram live and engaged in a conversation about male survivors of sexual abuse, and the complex trauma and how it can affect people’s relationship to sexual orientation.  I think it was engaging and a very meaningful conversation about shame and silence that is forced upon men who experience violence. That cultural impact is immeasurable because it means that people are having conversations about the story, in their own language with their own people, and that is something way beyond the series itself.

SJ: In what ways did you connect with Teri and were there any aspects of the character that were difficult for you to approach?

NM: I think Teri has a deep desire to belong. She has a very strong sense of self. She’s very cultured. Teri knows who she is.  I think that what has not been afforded to her as much as she would like is belonging in intimacy, in friendship, in community, etc. She wants him to see her, and she wants them to belong with each other. I really relate to that.

And of course, I relate to being a trans woman and the world kind of slamming the door in my face, and how that shows up in intimacy […] how that can become such an unsafe space.

What was challenging was that Teri does not hold back. I tend to think before I speak. I am from the south, and I’m very polite. Teri is not afraid of how anybody is going to react. She is not afraid of her own power. That was kind of new for me to feel like I had permission […] The audacity of having needs as a trans woman, you know? She’s not afraid of any of that. I think she was already at a place where she had worked it all out, and I was still needing to figure out how to embody that.

SJ: What kind of stories are you interested in taking on next? Can we look forward to more of your directing, in addition to your writing and acting?

NM: I have been telling people that I’m trying to do a comedy next. I needed to go on this emotional creative journey, and now I’ve cleared that. I have healed so much of myself. I would love to get back to some comedy. I would love to learn more of the technicality of comedy as well. I’m always trying to work towards epic stories that include queer and trans people of color in places that you’ve never seen us in before.

SJ: What’s on your radar right now? Are there any new fun shows that you’re watching? What are you exploring in the pop culture world in your downtime?

NM: I have not had very much downtime. I have been listening to Keep It! the podcast.  I loved The Curse with Emma Stone. I thought it was amazing and unafraid to expose the ugliness of privilege. I recently watched I Carry You With Me. It’s this indie film […] just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful work.

Watch the full interview below.