Beatrice Lang
The character of Elektra Abundance in the FX series Pose is not based on a single real-life person. However, the show is based on the African-American drag ball culture of the 1980s and the writers went to great lengths to represent the era as accurately as possible. The show features the largest cast of transgender actors for a scripted network series, with over 50 transgender characters/actors. The character of Elektra is played by Dominique Jackson, who experienced a traumatic upbringing that included bullying and sexual abuse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of character | Elektra Abundance-Evangelista/Wintour |
| Name of actress | Dominique Jackson |
| Profession of actress | Actress, author, model, and reality television personality |
| Place of birth of actress | Scarborough, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Year of birth of actress | 1975 |
| Profession of character | Prostitute |
| Personality traits | Strong, resilient, shrewd, cold, uncaring, vengeful |
| Year the character is introduced | 1978 |
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What You'll Learn
Elektra is a trans woman
Elektra Abundance, or Elektra Evangelista, is a trans woman in the FX television series Pose. The show is set in the New York ballroom subculture scene of the late 1980s and is based on the African-American drag ball culture of that time.
Pose features the largest cast of transgender actors for a scripted network series, with over 50 transgender characters and actors. The show is unique in casting transgender actors in the roles of transgender individuals, along with a predominantly Black and Latino cast.
Elektra is a leading character in the series, played by Dominique Jackson, a Tobagonian-American actress, author, model, and reality television personality. Jackson has been open about her own experiences as a transgender woman, including a traumatic upbringing that included bullying and sexual abuse. Her family and community in Tobago did not accept her as transgender, and she faced homelessness and turned to sex work when she moved to the United States at age 15.
In the show, Elektra is a "mother" of the House of Abundance, a central house in the ballroom scene. She is described as a "powerhouse" and a villainess who is focused on her looks, her ability to "pass", and her measure of success based on a measure of whiteness. Elektra's story includes her struggles with her mother, who rejects her gender identity and throws her out of the house. Despite her challenges, Elektra establishes herself in the ballroom scene and becomes a reigning champion.
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She is the mother of the House of Abundance
In the FX television series Pose, Dominique Jackson plays the leading role of Elektra Abundance Evangelista, the "mother" of the House of Abundance. The show is set in 1980s New York City at the height of the ballroom scene, and the House of Abundance is one of the main houses. Although there are many realistic aspects to the show, the House of Abundance and Elektra are entirely fictional.
Elektra's self-validation is based on her looks, her ability to "pass", and her measure of success is based on a measure of whiteness. Her character is reminiscent of the trope of the wealthy, beautiful, but uncaring mother. When her partner leaves her and denies her money, she enacts revenge on all that have wronged her, including Blanca, a former younger member of her house, who leaves to create a new house.
In the episode "The Trunk", viewers are introduced to Elektra in Manhattan's pier area, filled with prostitutes and homeless people, but the character's glitz shines through. Elektra's dress is all flash and fringe, topped with her signature fur coat in cream. The look also includes lingerie, as Elektra is a prostitute. Costume designer Analucia McGorty explains that she "wanted to make an outfit where she could walk into Studio 54 and be the most glamorous woman there".
In another episode, Elektra is confronted by her mother, who does not accept her as a woman. Her mother refers to her dead name, asking what she is wearing. After Elektra discloses that she is a woman, her mother angrily rips off her clothes, wipes off her makeup, and forces her to look at herself in the mirror and accept that she is a man. Humiliated and abused, Elektra leaves her mother's house, proclaiming that this is who she is.
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She is based in 1980s New York City
The character of Elektra Abundance in the TV series Pose is based in 1980s New York City. The show is set in the ballroom subculture scene of the late 1980s, and the narrative is structured around the AIDS epidemic, poverty, homelessness, and sex work.
Elektra is a leading character in the show, played by Dominique Jackson. She is the "mother" of the House of Abundance, a central house in the show. The character is fictional, but the writers went to great lengths to ensure the setting and characters were an accurate representation of the era.
In the show, Elektra is a trans woman who has faced rejection from her family and community due to her gender identity. She is described as a villainess, with her self-validation and success based on her looks, ability to "pass", and a measure of whiteness." She is also a prostitute, and her outfits in the show reflect this, with costume designer Analucia McGorty describing her as a "shining diamond" and dressing her in glamorous, over-the-top outfits.
Elektra's story is one of resilience and strength, and she is a powerful character who takes centre stage in the ballroom scene.
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Her self-validation is based on her looks
In the FX series Pose, Elektra Abundance, played by Dominique Jackson, is a complex character whose self-validation is largely based on her looks. Set in the late 1980s ballroom subculture scene in New York City, the show explores the lives of transgender individuals of colour, with Elektra at the centre as a "mother" of the House of Abundance.
Elektra's character is driven by a desire to be a "real woman", and her sense of self-worth is deeply tied to her physical appearance. Her femininity is constantly emphasised through her outfits, mannerisms, and grooming, which serve as a form of armour for her. In one instance, Elektra's mother confronts her, expressing her disapproval of her identity, and violently rips a sleeve off her dress, symbolically tearing apart Elektra's sense of femininity.
The show also highlights how Elektra's validation through her looks is influenced by a measure of whiteness. This is reflected in her pursuit of designer clothes, an apartment in uptown Manhattan, and her overall presentation. Her struggle for self-validation is further complicated by her financial troubles, which threaten her ability to maintain her desired appearance and lifestyle.
Despite facing challenges and rejection, Elektra remains dedicated to her true self. When confronted by her mother, who refers to her by her dead name, Elektra refuses to deny her identity and leaves home to embrace her authentic self. This demonstrates her resilience and determination to validate her identity, even in the face of opposition.
Through Elektra's character, Pose offers a critical perspective on the intersection of race and gender identity in the 1980s ballroom scene. By tying her self-worth to her appearance and a measure of whiteness, Elektra's journey navigates the complexities of validation, acceptance, and the pursuit of one's true self.
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She is portrayed by Dominique Jackson
In the FX television series Pose, the character of Elektra Abundance is portrayed by Dominique Jackson. The series, co-produced by Ryan Murphy, premiered on June 3, 2018, and received critical acclaim. Set in the late 1980s in New York City, it is based on the African-American drag ball culture of the time.
Dominique Jackson, born Dominique Brebnor, is a Tobagonian-American actress, author, model, and reality television personality. She grew up in Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, and experienced a traumatic upbringing that included bullying and sexual abuse. Her family and community did not accept her as transgender, and she faced reprimands for expressing her natural feminine characteristics. At the age of 15, she moved to the United States and lived with her mother. During this time, she experienced homelessness and engaged in sex work to survive.
In Pose, Elektra Abundance is a former house mother and reigning ballroom champion. Her character struggles with self-validation, basing her worth on her looks, her ability to "pass," and external measures of success associated with whiteness, such as designer clothes and an uptown apartment. Elektra's story arc involves her quest to be a "real woman" and the fear of violence if her true identity is exposed. She also faces challenges in providing for her house as a mother figure, reflecting the poverty and financial struggles depicted in the show.
Portrayed by Jackson, Elektra's character embodies the theme of revenge, as she seeks retribution on those who have wronged her, including her former house member Blanca. Her actions and motivations contribute to her portrayal as a villainess, a trope often associated with wealthy, beautiful, but uncaring female characters. Jackson's performance as Elektra received positive reviews, and her role in Pose has been significant in bringing diverse transgender representation to television.
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Frequently asked questions
The character of Elektra Abundance in Pose is not based on a real person. She is entirely fictional.
Dominique Jackson, also known as Tyra Allure Ross, plays Elektra Evangelista in Pose.
Elektra is a "mother" in the House of Abundance in the New York ballroom subculture scene of the late 1980s. She is a fierce, shrewd, and powerful character who struggles with her identity and acceptance from her family.
Costume designer Analucia McGorty explained that Elektra's outfits are over-the-top and glamorous to highlight her shining personality. Her looks also reflect her desire to be a "real woman" and her fear of violence for being found out.
Elektra's storylines in Pose involve her dynamic with her house members, particularly Blanca, and her journey of self-validation and revenge. She also faces challenges with her partner and financial troubles, which lead to the collapse of her house.
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