Meet David Rapaport, the casting director on a queer superhero streak

Every day of Pride Month, Mashable will be sharing illuminating conversations with members of the LGBTQ community who are making history right now.

Ahem: may I present to you the man responsible for casting Blake Lively as Serena Van Der Woodsen on Gossip Girl.

Iconic teen characters aside, David Rapaport is paving the way for all kinds of actors to pursue their dreams. The 40-year-old casting director, who is gay, has been getting attention for his inclusive casting choices. Recently, for example, he's been on a queer superhero streak, casting Ruby Rose as a lesbian Batwoman and Nicole Maines as television's first transgender superhero in Supergirl.

His time in the casting game goes way back to an internship with Mali Finn (who cast Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic), which eventually turned into a mentorship. From there, he cast shows like Gossip Girl and 90210, creating perfect ensembles that sizzled with chemistry. Now, he's in a position of power that allows him to foster on-screen diversity and improve representation in Hollywood.

Rapaport spoke with Mashable about Pride, representation, and Lady Gaga.

The interview below has been edited for length and clarity.

Mashable: What does "Pride" mean to you?

DR: Pride is openly loving myself and accepting myself for who I am and for who I love. 

When I married my husband, Ron, in our home state of Massachusetts in 2007, gay marriage was not even legal in California, where we were residing. Ron and I married then because of love, but we were also making a kind of political statement to our friends, our families, and our communities. It gives me pride to know that my actions inspired others to live more openly and more authentically.

Mashable: What has been your favorite gay moment on TV and why?

DR: My favorite gay moment on TV was when Lady Gaga headlined the 2017 Super Bowl. I was at a West Hollywood gay bar with my husband and some friends. The bar quieted briefly to take in this epic Gaga performance. As she was singing the bridge to "Born this Way," my husband turned to me excitedly and said "Lady Gaga just said 'no matter gay, straight, or bi Lesbian, transgender life' at THE SUPER BOWL!?! Our dads are watching this!" His words hit me like a wave. Gaga was being political and entertaining on the biggest night of TV. I think over 100 million people watched that performance live. That's how you make change.  

Mashable: What would your advice be to a queer actor looking to make it big?

DR: It would be the same to ANY actor. As a casting director, I'm looking for actors to offer up their unique selves. I want actors to come in and share their unique perspective on material and their unique personalities. I can see right through someone when they are putting up a facade. Those fake performances are boring and inauthentic. Think about your favorite artists and musicians. They don't hold back. They let you inside.   It takes a tremendous amount of courage to walk into any casting room. To share yourself and be vulnerable. I get it. But those that are willing and able to share are the ones who excite me most.  

Mashable: What is a casting decision that you're most proud of and why?

The role of "Susie" in the pilot episode of "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" (Netflix). The character's arc was that she was going to transition to male by the end of the season, so we were looking for a trans or non-binary actors. I felt this huge responsibility to get this role right and I didn't want to offend anyone in the process, so I called GLAAD and said "please help me." I reached out to everyone I knew in the trans community and put out feelers all over the world.   During the audition process we had each actor share a short story about their life, whether it be about coming out or transitioning. Some stories were heartbreaking, some were hilarious. The main thread was that each person was seeking acceptance and love. Watching those auditions and hearing those stories, I quickly realized how much representation and visibility this group was lacking.   Lachlan Watson sent in their tape from North Carolina. I remember Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (show runner) and I skyped with Lachlan after receiving their tape. We said "Lachlan, there is going to be a lot of attention on this role and we want you to be prepared," and they were so excited to just have the opportunity to have this journey, and have this story told. It absolutely warmed my heart.

Read more great Pride Month stories:

• This lawyer helped legalize same-sex marriage. Here's what she's working on now.

• YouTuber Ryan Jacobs Flores has a powerful message for the LGBTQ community

• Representation is abysmal, so here are 15 animated characters the trans community has claimed