Justin Saint is a Filipino-Chinese nonbinary voiceover actor, singer, writer, and makeup artist. They have won multiple awards for their activism work, most notably for founding the Vancouver Gaymers, the largest queer gaming club in Western Canada, and for their advocacy around positive representation of LGBTQ characters in the videogame industry. Currently represented by ConnektCreative, Justin has been working hard to bring authenticity to characters that are specifically Asian or nonbinary, and is very proud to be part of the change around inclusivity in media.
Q. If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
Coming out and living your truth will mean that you will be abused, forced to leave your home, and you will be making difficult decisions just to survive. Always remember that there are people out there who love you exactly as you are. And you will one day use these experiences to help tell stories as your career.
Q. What or who has been your greatest influence in business?
Sandra Oh has been inspiring my journey as a Canadian actor since my family migrated to Canada in 2004. I found DVD copies of her early films at my local library, and those movies really helped me get through some difficult times when I allowed other Canadians to make me feel like I didn’t belong.
She inspired me yet again during a recent interview talking about the successes of Asia-produced content like the movie Parasite. She talked about how empowering it is to live as though you haven’t been living under the weight of a racist society. That one interview drastically changed how I interact with others and has improved my relationships with the people who are truly meant to be in my life.
Q. Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you envision your future?
I would love to be a main character on an animated series! I have a few franchises that I would love to be a part of, but I would especially love to sing for a Disney show or movie, be character in the Star Wars and Avatar:TLA universes, and lend my voice for a Final Fantasy or a Dragon Age videogame
Q. Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
You are enough.
Q. What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
Before Netflix made LGBT content very accessible, I had to attend film festivals or visit a queer community centre just to see characters like myself onscreen. I never take representation for granted. I do something every day to work on my craft, even when I am not auditioning or recording for existing clients. I want to know that if the right opportunity comes along, I’m putting my best foot forward every time.
Website – https://www.justinsaintvo.com/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/ItsJustinSaint
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thejustinsaint
