Rising Stars: Meet Wayne Sam of View Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Sam.

Wayne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story really begins when my Grandfather got me to write first story. I had had a passion for creating things my whole life but he was the first one to give me an outlet through a handmade paper book with two staples.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I struggled with my personal identity for a long time. As a queer black person I never felt super welcomed anywhere. As I was to sort of vent I began to put it into my writing. Over time I found people who loved me for me and are willing to help me tell black queer stories.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a writer, director and occasional actor. I tend to write dramas but I also dive into more campy stories when I wanna spice things up. I always write black queer stories but I have a fondness for the supernatural. Exploring themes of our humanity and identity through monsters and the things that inspire them.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think the biggest risk you can take is putting yourself out there. I have come to find that once you pass that threshold, nothing will shock you unless it surpasses that first leap.

Image Credits
Photo Credits to Mark Predaza