PopHorror Let's Get Scared
As an LGBTQIAx2 advocate, Donia Kash made television history as the first openly nonbinary actor to star in a Hallmark film, playing Suzette in 2022’s The Secrets of Bella Vista. In May 2023, Donia attended the 34th Annual GLAAD Awards in New York with The Holiday Sitter, which was nominated for Outstanding Film – Streaming or TV. Donia was thrilled to be a part of Hallmark’s first LGBTQIA movie featuring a gay couple at the forefront.
Donia is still on the rise, starring in Slay (2024), and we were able to sit down for a quick conversation to talk a bit about it.
PopHorror: Would you say Slay covered a real-life barrier by mixing two lifestyles that hate each other and help each other survive?
Donia Kash: Oh, yeah, you have people who judge each other and then they come together.
PopHorror: You were cast in Slay with a few pillars in the community. How did you react to working alongside them?
Donia Kash: It was an amazing experience, it was. I didn’t know who I was working with and then when I did, I had the best time and fanboyed them. I was like, oh my god, okay, we’re doing this.
PopHorror: You’ve also been in some Hallmark movies and breaking barriers there. Which genre do you enjoy more, made-for-TV movies, or horror?
Donia Kash: I would say horror, this was so much fun. I love spreading love joy and happiness in the world with Hallmark, but I will say being in Slay was a fulfilling thing in my life.
PopHorror: There were several references to Twilight. Do you feel like using glitter dust was a little poke of fun at the film?
Donia Kash: I’m just waiting for the werewolves to show up. You know what I mean? There’s so much fun with the glitter and the Twilight references. I hope the cast of Twilight, or the creators, get to watch Slay.
PopHorror: Did it take long to get into your character or is it just like being yourself?
Donia Kash: Oh, Jax is not me at all. I would never go up to someone I love so much, to spurt out everything I love about them, whereas Jax is that person, (he, they, them) they’re like, “Oh my God, it’s you!” Jax flips into the perspective of an extrovert. They are more extroverted than I am.
PopHorror: What words would you use to inspire people in the community to follow their dreams?
Donia Kash: Go for it. Whatever held you back in the past or people’s words or people saying, “This is what the world was,” trust me. You are the world and moving forward, you are the voice of the next folks who grow up. Also, I would say, to be brave, be confident, and believe in yourself.
Thank you so much to Donia for taking the time to speak with us. Slay is now available on Tubi!
