Life

Trans actress Indya Moore will play a non-binary character in new “Steven Universe” series

Transgender actress Indya Moore will voice the gender neutral character of Shep in the queer-inclusive cartoon "Steven Universe: Future"
Transgender actress Indya Moore will voice the gender neutral character of Shep in the queer-inclusive cartoon "Steven Universe: Future" Photo: Cartoon Network

Indya Moore, the transgender actress who plays sex worker Angel Evangelista in Ryan Murphy‘s ballroom drama Pose, has been revealed as the voice of Shep, a non-binary character introduced in Steven Universe: Future, the newly premiered continuation of Cartoon Network’s queer-inclusive sci-fi cartoon series Steven Universe.

Steven Universe: Future takes place a few years after the original series during Steven the titular character’s teenage years. Steven lives amongst his human and alien friends as they navigate friendships and intergalactic conflicts on earth and in the cosmos. Steven Universe has introduced lesbian, transgender, intersex and non-binary characters in its six-year run.

Related: Netflix’s “Rocko’s Modern Life” movie will feature a transgender story arc

Shep appeared “Little Graduation,” episode nine of season one which aired late last week. In the episode, it’s revealed that Shep is dating Sadie Miller, the former lead singer of the horror-themed rock group Sadie Killer and the Suspects. Shep met Sadie during one of her band’s concerts and they’ve been dating for two months.

When Steven spends time with Shep, Sadie and Sadie’s ex Lars at a celebration on the beach, Steven bottles his feelings about his old friends growing apart. Steven’s emotions cause him to unwittingly trap his pals under a pink dome shield accidentally generated by Steven’s magical powers.

Shep perceptively realizes that Steven is unconsciously trying to stop his friends from leaving him and helps convince Steven that his friends will always be his friends no matter where their lives lead them. Shep’s pep talk helps calm Steven, eventually dissipating his magic dome.

Shep, the nonbinary character voiced by transgender actress Indya Moore, and their girlfriend Sadie Miller in the queer-inclusive cartoon
Shep, the nonbinary character voiced by transgender actress Indya Moore, and their girlfriend Sadie Miller in the queer-inclusive cartoon “Steven Universe.” Cartoon Network

In addition to playing Shep and Angel in Pose, Moore has also been cast in the upcoming horror flick Escape Room 2. Moore has also performed with Katy Perry on Saturday Night Live and has appeared in two short films and a few music videos. They also starred in the film Queen & Slim. They have also appeared in fashion shoots for VogueGQ, Gucci, and Dior.

Don't forget to share:

Good News is your section for queer joy! Subscribe to our newsletter to get the most positive and fun stories from the site delivered to your inbox every weekend. Send us your suggestions for uplifiting and inspiring stories.


Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

The right wing thinks there are more trans murderers than trans murder victims

Previous article

Here are New Year resolutions that all LGBTQ people can share

Next article