Maurice Benard Talks Trans Culture With GH Co-Star Cassandra James

General Hospital’s Maurice Benard has talked with a wide range of guests on his YouTube talk show, State of Mind, usually speaking about dealing with mental health issues.

Maurice Benard and Cassandra James Talk Candidly on State of Mind

On his most recent show, Benard welcomed co-star Cassandra James, a proudly out transgender woman who plays Dr. Terry Randolph on the soap. During the show, the two talked about James’s journey and some of the issues she has faced in her life. Both actors previewed the appearance on their respective Instagram pages.

“Talking candidly with an industry leader like [Benard] on his show @mbstateofmind was such a gift,” James posted. “We get into everything from the patriarchy to Caitlyn Jenner, from trans trauma and healing to education and hope for the future. The trans community needs more men like Maurice who are open and ready to witness us, to listen and continue learning and I thank him for having me.”

Benard called his experience talking with James “extraordinary,” saying, “She is passionate politically about her community and outspoken about visibility and diversity in the industry and we talk a lot about that,” he previewed on his Instagram. “I mentioned before, but I’ll say it again… I believe this incredible conversation will help me to be a better ally for the transgender community.”

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During State of Mind, Benard introduces James, calling out the significance of her being the first transgender character on General Hospital and he promotes her new HBO Max show, Sort Of. He admitted he was nervous and excited about the interview and asked her to take him on the journey from when she was small to where she is now. Cassandra James talked of growing up in Canada and how she discovered who she really was.

“I look forward to representing my community through my career and my work, but I often have to remind myself and other people that I can only speak to my own experience,” she said. “The number one thing googled about me is what I looked like before and what my dead name is. My response is, I would rather talk about the emotional journey.”

In Port Charles, Dr. Randolph is sharing co-chief of staff responsibilities with Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and the childhood friend of Elizabeth Webber Baldwin (Rebecca Herbst) is proving she’s more than up for the job. Here’s hoping we learn more about her life as she gets deeper into the town’s fabric. To watch Cassandra James on Maurice Benard’s newest episode of State of Mind, click here.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes. For more about what’s coming up in Port Charles, check out all the latest that’s been posted on General Hospital spoilers, and for an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.