AFTERBUZZ TV - AfterBuzz TV's Mini Spotlight edition, is a short form interview series featuring actors & artists discussing their roles and shows as well as their thoughts, passions and journeys. In this episode host Steph Sabraw interviews Shawn-Caulin Young.

Shawn-Caulin Young is a director, producer and actor who stars in the film Heart, Baby as ‘Crystal’, a devout transgender Christian who quotes scripture in support of LGTBQ+ rights. The film follows the true story of George (Gbenga Akinnagbe), an unbeatable prison boxer who turned down an offer from the 1984 US Olympic team in exchange for his freedom, his best friend and transphobic inmate, Doc (Jackson Rathbone), and his transgender female cellmate & love interest, Crystal (Young). To prepare for the role, Shawn lived as a trans-woman on and off set, and throughout the course of filming, experienced harassment both as a female and trans-woman. “I knew if I as a cisgender gay man was going to try and tell a trans story, I needed to know in my soul what life was truly like for a woman like Crystal. It was hard, but I wanted to experience the day-to-day and all the feelings that came with living as a trans woman, so I could try to honor Crystal, as well as my trans sister & brothers. I did it so I could be a true advocate and ally, not just another cisgender person who sympathizes.” Shawn also co-produced the film and has won awards for his performance. Heart, Baby will open in New York on November 16th at the Village East Theatre and in Los Angeles at the Ahrya Fine Arts Laemmle Theatre on November 23rd, with additional markets to follow. Shawn will next be seen in season 3 of “True Detective”, returning Sunday, January 13th, 2019 at 9pm. He is known for his guest roles on Netflix’s “Santa Clarita Diet”, Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”, and Netflix’s “Godless”. Shawn is originally from New Mexico and has lived in England and New York. He likes to spend his spare time coaching and mentoring children and young adults around the world in the art of acting. You can view his Instagram here.

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