EXCLUSIVE | 'The L Word: Generation Q' star Stephanie Allynne says the original show guided her through her love life
May contain spoilers for 'The L Word: Generation Q'
Even before we get to dig deeper and prod her for details, 'The L Word: Generation Q' star Stephanie Allynne warns us that she is sworn to secrecy and that like any good star, she won't be divulging any spoilers.
"I was told I'd have to sleep with a man if I shared anything, so my lips are sealed." We take a warning like this very seriously; and so does Allynne. "My apologies for using the word 'lips' I know this is 'The L Word' and all your minds are in the gutter," she quips.
Returning to Showtime after almost a decade, the much-anticipated sequel to 'The L Word' premiered on Sunday, December 8. With the return, the show offered a heady dose of nostalgia to its old loyal audience and a brand new obsession for new viewers.
And so, almost a decade later, we meet Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) running for Mayor of Los Angeles, Shane (Katherine Moennig) returning to the city after a certain setback we are yet to find out about and Alice (Leisha Hailey) learning to balance co-parenting with her fiancée Natalie Bailey, played by Allynne, and the ever-increasing popularity of her talk show.
Allynne plays the role of Natalie, Alice's fiancée who has two children from a previous marriage with Gigi (Sepideh Moafi). In the first episode 'Let's Do It Again', we see the occasional turbulence caused in their relationship as a result of the children and Gigi's relationship with the kids.
However, it seems to pass over as the couple knows exactly what to prioritize. "Nat and Alice are mirrors of each other. At their core, they are very similar, however, they have very different life circumstances," Allynne tells MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) in an exclusive chat.
"They are both open, secure, and authentically honest people so it's compelling to see them navigate co-parenting, exes, and career, among other things," she adds.
Allynne's character of Nat is very dear to her and she relates to her at a very deep level. "I have a lot in common with Nat. We both have careers, two kids, are gay, live in LA, and are in relationships with public figures. I deeply understand her," she tells us.
At the same time, there are certain characteristics of Nat that Allynne wishes she had in real life, almost as if Nat could be the better version of her. "She expresses herself easily and with very little fear of the outcome. She is fiercely present."
"And while I always thought I had these qualities I realized playing Nat that I had met my match. She says what she feels when she feels it and lets the pieces fall. When it comes to my feelings I tend to keep my cards a little closer to my chest or play it cool — I'm working on this," Allynne adds.
Allynne had been a fan of the original 'The L Word'. The groundbreaking show had already created an impact on the world and it would be a while till Allynne put her hands on it. Much like her sexuality, she would be discovering it much later.
But when she finally came around, it was a revelation of sorts. "In 2012 I met my wife and fell in love. I thought I was straight but just in love with her. Feeling a little insecure in my newfound lesbian relationship, I naturally went to 'The L Word' for some guidance. About 10 minutes into the pilot I knew I was fully gay," she says.
The actress married comedian Tig Notaro three years later on October 24, 2015. Before her marriage with her, Allynne had never dated a woman before. "I was so into Tig and I was falling in love with her and I didn't know how to identify it because I thought I was straight," she says.
So when 'The L Word: Generation Q' happened, she was "thrilled to be in the vortex of the conversations". And this is the main reason why she is excited for the show to be back.
"I'm excited for anyone who truly finds themselves through the show. Even if it's just one person. That is everything to me because I know the feeling and I know how igniting your authentic self into action can be one of the greatest moments in life."
'The L Word: Generation Q' airs on Sundays at 10/ 9c on Showtime.