What Makes Alex Newell Unique

Whether or not Alex knows it, he is playing a huge role in America’s awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community. The fact that he plays one of the only transgender characters on television showcases the severe underrepresentation of the LGBT community in Hollywood. Unique Adams also points to the fearlessness of Glee and how the show is not afraid to put real teenage issues up for discussion. Some Glee viewers may be uncomfortable with the characters or storylines, but this is what makes the show so significant and rare. Alex asserts, “I feel like if it’s not uncomfortable, you never get the point of it all. I think if something doesn’t make you think about an issue, then it’s a waste. You always have to have a show that stimulates the mind and makes you really think about what actual people go through just to get the heart of it all and the understanding of it all.”

Nothing is going to fall into your lap. Nothing is going to come to you. You have to go do it.

Brenda’s Ongoing Support

Alex doesn’t only admire a strong work ethic—he embodies one as well. He broke into the entertainment industry with force and never gave up on himself and his dream. He knows that nothing comes easy and advises other teens to “Just be themselves... You have to do what you feel represents you best—and you have to work for it. Nothing is going to fall into your lap. Nothing is going to come to you. You have to go do it. You have to seize every opportunity you get.”

Alex’s strong work ethic undoubtedly comes from his mother. After my interview with Alex, I got the chance to talk with Brenda, who could not be prouder of her son. Brenda describes Alex as her “heart.” She articulates, “[Alex] is what I live for. We’re very, very close because he was only six when his father passed away, so I had to become both mom and dad. I always told him, ‘Don’t hold back.’ I got him involved in as many things as I could to try to take his mind away from the death of his father.”

It is clear that from the beginning, Brenda supported Alex’s dreams and goals, no matter the cost. She always knew Alex had extreme talent, and she let nothing stand in the way. She explains,

I used to take him to everything. To see the joy that he got from doing it, something that he really liked, made me want to make the sacrifice even more... I made the sacrifice because it was something that was improving his self-esteem. ‘I’m doing something great, Mom. I’m enjoying this,’ Alex used to say, and it gave me pleasure. If the child has a talent, I don’t think the parent should hold them back. Make the sacrifice.

As a single mother, Brenda regularly felt the financial pressures of providing for a budding star. She had to take on a second job to afford piano lessons and other extracurricular activities, but she did it with enthusiasm. Brenda adds, “I did everything that I could possible to make a dream come true for him.” It was all worth it, she explains, because when she would ask Alex what he wanted to be when he grew up, he responded, “I want to be a superstar!” Without Brenda’s ongoing support, Alex may not have grown into the celebrity he is today.

In a matter of years, Alex Newell transformed from a high school student with a passion to a television star with an inspiring message and voice. Not only does his character create a positive representation of the LGBT community, but Alex also serves as a role model for aspiring teenage superstars. He sends a message to teens that you can be whoever you want to be—you don’t have to conform to anything or anyone. You can be the underdog in high school but still come out on top.

In 5 years, Alex simply wants to be happy. “A lot can happen in 5 years,” he says, “But I think my goal is to be happy and comfortable.” Perhaps Alex will still be on television, or have a few albums under his belt. Or maybe he will spend his free time baking and shopping, his two favorite off-the-set activities. What Alex does know is that wherever he’ll be in the future, he will be smiling. I can hear the joy in his voice and picture his grin when he affirms, “Always do everything with a smile because if you can’t smile at the end of the day, you are doing something wrong.”