Emma D’Arcy discusses gender-neutral categories at the Emmys

The fact that Emma D’Arcy was chosen to play Rhaenyra Targaryen is among the nicest things that have happened for House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones fans. Emma and Rhaenyra have each contributed in their own unique ways to the cause of the LGBTQ+ community, and Rhaenyra has emerged as one of the most beloved Targaryens within the fandom. D’Arcy recently discussed the need for gender-neutral categories at the Emmy Awards.

Emma D’Arcy feels it is a painful time to discuss Emmy categories

In her recent chat with Awards Watch, the House of the Dragon star explained, “I find it very difficult because it’s such a divisive topic at the moment, and I just am a non-binary person who, at a certain point, has to cut out the noise and live. Yeah, I would say it’s quite a painful time to have this conversation – it doesn’t feel like there’s a lot of space for productive, generative engagement.”

“Obviously, I would advocate for gender-neutral categories – the current award systems feel increasingly antiquated. The very fact that they are unable to adequately serve a growing number of actors indicates the need for reform. How you manage and instigate that reform, I realize, is a complex question.”

Bella Ramsey also had a problem with Emmy Categories

Ramsey and D’Arcy are both HBO’s candidates for the best actress in this year’s Emmy, and both actors have expressed their concerns about the two-dimensional categories. Bella said in a recent interview, “The categories at the moment feel extremely gendered with the language around them. I don’t want the limitations in terms of the language in the categories to be a reason that non-binary actors like me can’t be celebrated… And it can open up a conversation about how it feels – as long as I’m aware of the fact that it’s not ideal, but also that finding alternatives is really complex.”

Read next: House of The Dragon fan shares how Rhaenyra Targaryen has done a lot for LGBTQ+ community