Samira Wiley: ‘Playing Queer Characters Taught Me It's OK to Be Me’

Samira Wiley has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ visibility in television, earning acclaim for her performances in such landmark series as "Orange Is the New Black" and "The Handmaid’s Tale". Wiley, who is herself a proud member of the queer community, recently sat down with Yahoo UK’s Queer Voices to discuss her newest project—Sky’s gripping action series "Atomic"—and how portraying diverse queer stories transformed her sense of self .

Wiley’s journey began with her breakout role as Poussey Washington in "Orange Is the New Black", a character whose warmth and complexity offered rare, authentic representation for queer women of color on mainstream television. “Playing queer characters taught me it’s OK to be me,” Wiley shared, reflecting on how embodying Poussey and other LGBTQ+ roles helped her embrace her identity and become the kind of role model she wished she’d seen as a child .

In "Atomic", Wiley takes on the role of Cassie Elliott, a CIA scientist and Non-Official Cover (NOC) operative tasked with tracking a cartel smuggling uranium across North Africa. The five-part Sky Original, inspired by William Langewiesche’s non-fiction book "Atomic Bazaar", thrusts viewers into a high-stakes world of espionage and survival, with Wiley’s character leading the charge against protagonists Max (Alfie Allen) and JJ (Shazad Latif) .

“Cassie is driven, complex, and unapologetically herself,” Wiley told Yahoo UK, explaining how her character’s determination and vulnerability resonate with queer audiences seeking multidimensional representation . The series, which premiered August 28, 2025, on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW, marks a notable shift in mainstream action storytelling, with LGBTQ+ performers and characters occupying central roles in narratives that transcend traditional tropes .

As Wiley recounts her experiences, she emphasizes the power of seeing oneself reflected authentically on screen. “Growing up, I rarely saw queer characters who looked like me or lived lives that felt real,” she said . “It wasn’t just about being queer—it was about being allowed to be complex, messy, joyful, and whole.”

Through her work in "Atomic" and other series, Wiley continues to advocate for nuanced representation, noting that authentic storytelling helps combat stereotypes and challenges the idea that LGBTQ+ people are defined solely by their sexuality or gender identity. “Every time I get to play a queer character with depth, it’s a chance to show that our stories are universal. We deserve to be the heroes, the scientists, the leaders,” Wiley remarked .

The launch of "Atomic" arrives amid a period of increasing LGBTQ+ visibility in television and film. Recent studies show that audiences are demanding more diverse stories, and platforms like Sky are responding with series that foreground queer talent both on and off screen .

Wiley’s casting as Cassie Elliott was intentional, according to the show’s creators, who emphasized the importance of authentic representation in roles traditionally reserved for cisgender, heterosexual leads . “We wanted to challenge the norms and show that queer actors can lead major action series,” said executive producer Gregory Burke .

Samira Wiley’s career is a testament to the impact of persistent, intentional queer visibility. Her portrayal of Poussey Washington on "Orange Is the New Black" earned her a devoted following, and her Emmy-nominated performance as Moira in "The Handmaid’s Tale" further cemented her status as a trailblazer in the industry .

With "Atomic", Wiley expands her repertoire, bringing nuance and depth to a character whose queerness is just one facet of her story. “Cassie’s strength comes from her ability to be vulnerable and true to herself, even when the stakes are high,” Wiley said. “That’s something I hope resonates with every queer person watching, no matter where they are in their own journey” .

As "Atomic" debuts to positive reception, Wiley hopes her work will inspire networks and creators to continue investing in queer talent and stories. “We’re not just sidekicks or comic relief anymore. We’re leads. We’re scientists, spies, and heroes. That matters—not just for me, but for every queer kid who needs to know they belong,” she affirmed .

Wiley’s conversation with Yahoo UK’s Queer Voices underlines the ongoing need for inclusive, affirming media. As she continues to blaze trails in entertainment, she remains committed to fostering the visibility and acceptance that helped her realize it’s always been OK to simply be herself.