Laith Ashley is continuing to make waves in Hollywood—not just as a model and actor, but as one of the most prominent transgender voices in the entertainment industry. Known for standout roles in Pose, Strut, and Wicked City, Ashley recently reached a massive global audience playing the dreamy love interest opposite Taylor Swift in the music video for her hit single “Lavender Haze.” Now, he’s channeling his talent into something a little different: a comedy series that goes deep on love, identity, and the glorious chaos of chosen family.
A Decade In, and Still Breaking New Ground
In an interview with Out, After more than 10 years in the industry, Ashley is taking a moment to reflect. For much of his career, he admits he was focused on hustling to the next big opportunity, without pausing to enjoy the ride.
“The 10 years I’ve been in this industry, I haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy the journey because I was so focused on the next thing that I didn’t appreciate the gifts that I was experiencing throughout,” Ashley says. “Now that I’m a little bit older and I’m looking back at my trajectory, I’m just grateful that I got the opportunity to do what I’ve been able to do.”
And what he’s doing now is arguably his boldest move yet.
Meet Dell: Laith Ashley’s Most Honest Role Yet
Ashley stars in Unconventional, a boundary-pushing comedy series now streaming on LGBTQ+ platform Revry. The series boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Kit Williamson, James Bland, Kathy Griffin, Beau Bridges, and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Willam Belli.
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The show centers around two queer siblings and their partners—one of whom is the sperm donor for the other’s wife—and isn’t afraid to lean into the messy beauty of modern queer life. Ashley plays Dell, a trans man grappling with self-worth and substance use, in what may be his most emotionally layered role to date.
“I think it goes there,” Ashley says. “This is a very, very gay story. Something like this in mainstream television might feel like too much for folks. Even talking about substance abuse is sometimes taboo within our community. But it’s important—we’re not here to shame anyone. We’re here to tell the truth.”
Chosen Family and Queer Joy—With a Side of Chaos
At the heart of Unconventional is the concept of chosen family, something Ashley—and many LGBTQ+ viewers—know deeply.
“A lot of us, as queer people, have been pushed to the margins, ostracized from the families that were supposed to love us unconditionally,” Ashley says. “So we create chosen families, which can be beautiful… but let’s be real, they can also be a hot mess.”
That emotional honesty, paired with sharp writing and a fearless ensemble, makes Unconventional a rare gem in the world of queer media: it’s funny, it’s messy, and it’s unapologetically real.
Unconventional is now streaming exclusively on Revry.
