Ruby Rose, renowned for her portrayal of Stella Carlin in "Orange is the New Black," stands as an actress who not only captures the essence of her characters but also champions the free spirit embodied by Freddie Mercury in the 1980s.
Much like Mercury, Rose has become a symbol of breaking free from societal norms and challenging gender stereotypes.
In 1984, Queen's bassist, John Deacon, penned the lyrics for "I Want to Break Free," a song that would become iconic not only for its musical brilliance but also for its groundbreaking video. Featuring the band members dressed as women, emulating characters from the British series Coronation Street, the video, intended as a parody, drew controversy in the United States.
Freddie Mercury's portrayal as Bet Lynch challenged stereotypes, leading to the video being banned by MTV for its perceived endorsement of transvestism and free s----lity.
Freddie Mercury's life and art epitomized the spirit of breaking free from societal constraints. His unapologetic approach to his identity and his willingness to challenge norms left an indelible mark on the world. This spirit of liberation, embodied by Mercury, is now reincarnated in the persona of Ruby Rose, who seamlessly carries the torch for breaking free from predefined gender roles.
In the third season of "Orange is the New Black," Ruby Rose's character, Stella Carlin, engages in a profound dialogue with Piper Chapman. Responding to Piper, Stella asserts that she considers herself a woman because her options are limited, encapsulating the essence of Rose's own beliefs. Beyond her on-screen portrayal, Ruby Rose emerges as a fervent advocate for LGBT rights, echoing Mercury's commitment to challenging societal norms.
Ruby Rose's advocacy extends to embracing the term "intergender," denoting a gender identity that transcends traditional definitions. In an interview with Elle magazine, Rose candidly expressed her lack of identification with any specific gender, illustrating a gender fluidity that aligns with the free spirit she embodies. The term "intergender" encapsulates the idea of existing between genders without rigidly adhering to a singular identity.
The visibility that Ruby Rose brings to intergender identity parallels Freddie Mercury's defiance of societal expectations. Rose's openness about not conforming to predefined gender norms challenges stereotypes, encouraging society to embrace diverse expressions of identity. In the journey to be free, as sung by Queen, both Mercury and Rose represent beacons of individuality, urging a world where everyone can be exactly who they want to be.
Ruby Rose's portrayal of Stella Carlin and her advocacy for gender fluidity and LGBT rights make her a modern embodiment of the spirit championed by Freddie Mercury. Both iconic figures challenge societal norms, encouraging us to break free from stereotypes and embrace the richness of diverse identities. As Rose aptly puts it in her short film titled "Break Free," the journey to true freedom involves being precisely who we want to be.
