I've learned my tricks. I know what I like. I do not wait around. I initiate. And I'm not all about frequency - I favor intensity.

Throughout my career I have been talked out of things I wanted to do, and when I look back, I think I should have followed my instincts.

I never wanted to be a model. My modelling career was nothing but a stepping stone to my acting career and that's all I ever saw it as. A pointless rock in the river that has to be stepped on in order to get to the meaningful oasis of acting.

I used to have to downplay my sexuality because I wanted to be taken so seriously as a thespian and as an artist and as an actor, so I'd play crack heads and down trotting women and disguise myself, and I think as I've gotten older, I become more comfortable with who I really am and all parts of me knowing that my physical self doesn't diminish me in any way or my talent.

Any time you risk big you often risk losing big. You can win big but you can also lose big, but you have to be willing to take those risks.

I think it's always best to be who you are.

This moment is so much bigger than me. It's for every nameless, faceless woman of colour that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.