by Assistant Editor Brittany Lavery
Attention: There will be no spoilers, I promise!
Anyone who talks to me about t.v. will know that I love Orange Is the New Black because of its complex characters with varied backstories and for its focus on the lives of women, people of colour, queer people, and trans people. And for me, it’s all about Poussey Washington.
Besides the obvious—she’s drop-dead gorgeous and honestly how can you not be SLAIN by that infectious ear-to-ear grin?—there’s really nothing sexier than confidence. She’s got that certain something, an attitude, that queer women have that makes other lesbians take notice. My girlfriend and I call it “swagger”. It’s hard to describe, but you know it when you see it, and boy has she got it.
Poussey is secure in who she is and she refuses to be intimidated. In a previous season, the highly manipulative character Vee tries to force Poussey into her schemes, but Poussey refuses, even though her friends do the opposite. She knows what’s right and sticks to it, even when she’s being threatened.
She’s also a great friend. In addition to her dedication to Taystee and Crazy Eyes, she’s one of the only people to stick up for Soso, even though doing so is an unpopular decision. She gives Soso a chance, builds a relationship with her, even though most of the other characters find her irritating. And when Soso assumes the worst about Poussey’s childhood, based only on terrible racial stereotypes, Poussey is a big enough person to forgive her, even though I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t.
And finally, who doesn’t love someone who hangs out in the library? She’s smart, she’s multi-lingual, and she’s well read—she even name-checks Harlequin author Gena Showalter!
Poussey has a strong moral compass, a big heart, loads of confidence (but not without relatable vulnerability); she’s a great friend, and she’s intelligent, not to mention super cute. Seriously, what more heroic qualities could you ask for?
Got a secret (or not-so-secret) crush you want to share? Let us know in the comments!
2 replies on “My (Not-So-Secret) Crush: Poussey Washington”
Jennifer Aniston. She’s down to earth, discrete and makes and keeps great friends. Her fashion choices always spot on and I admire how she says a woman’s marital/child status shouldn’t define her.
Her films always cheer me up and make me laugh.
Like any design classic, she improves with age.
With her intelligence, tact and sense of social justice, I think she would make a wonderful POTUS.
Great blog post! Adore Poussey Washington and OITNB! (Am also an Aniston devotee).
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!