Sep 17
Pedro Pascal and Sister Lux Pascal Celebrate Trans Visibility and Family in Landmark ELLE Interview
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Internationally recognized actor Pedro Pascal and his sister, Lux Pascal, are sharing the spotlight in a rare and heartfelt joint interview for ELLE’s October 2025 issue—a feature that shines a light on both family affirmation and the power of transgender visibility in contemporary culture. The conversation, rich with personal anecdotes and reflections, comes at a time when both siblings are experiencing significant professional and personal milestones, and when issues of LGBTQ+ representation remain at the forefront of global discourse .
Lux Pascal, now 33, has recently starred in her first leading film role in the Spanish biopic “Miss Carbón (Queen of Coal),” portraying Carlita Antonella Rodríguez, a transgender woman who broke barriers as the first female coal miner in her Argentine hometown. The film, already released in Spain and set for a Netflix debut later this year, is being lauded as a triumph for authentic transgender storytelling—marking a critical moment not only in Lux’s career but also in the wider movement for trans representation on screen .
In the interview, Lux reflects on the multidimensionality of transgender lives, emphasizing that “the dignity of transness is that we get to be different individuals, have different stories, and connect through other places that we have in common.” She shares that her identity is only one facet of her life, and that the connections she forges with others—including her brother Pedro—are based on much more than shared experiences of transition or bureaucratic milestones like name changes. “There are so many other things that connect me to her other than, ‘Oh, we both changed our names in our IDs.’ That’s just a bureaucratic process,” Lux says .
Pedro, who has frequently spoken out in support of transgender people and LGBTQ+ rights, expresses frustration at the persistent need to “qualify” or explain transgender identities in public discourse. “I get annoyed that it needs to be qualified in any way,” he says. “We have to dig through all this to get to the truth of it, which is really the artistry of playing a role, and the beauty of meeting the human that you’re playing” .
Beyond her activism and visibility, Lux Pascal’s professional achievements are substantial. She earned her MFA from Juilliard in 2023, a milestone she credits with shaping both her craft and her confidence . Her earlier appearances in international productions such as Netflix’s “Narcos” laid the groundwork for her current success. “I am the luckiest girl in the world,” Lux remarks in the interview, though Pedro is quick to point out that her achievements are the result of talent and determination, not just circumstance.
The siblings also share memories of their upbringing in Chile, highlighting both the challenges and joys of growing up in a multicultural, high-achieving family. Lux recalls standing up to their “perfectionist” father to pursue a career in acting: “If I want to change careers because it’s not something that I am actually capable of doing, then I’ll do it, but I want to try,” she says .
The feature is being widely praised by LGBTQ+ advocates for its emphasis on affirmation and representation. Lux’s casting in “Miss Carbón” is especially notable at a time when transgender actors are still underrepresented in leading film roles. Her performance as Carlita Antonella Rodríguez is being celebrated not only for its artistry but also for its commitment to telling a real, lived transgender story with nuance and dignity .
Pedro Pascal has long used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been outspoken in his support for Lux since she publicly came out as transgender in 2021. At public events and in interviews, he has credited his sister’s courage with inspiring his own activism. In a recent red carpet interview, Lux again expressed gratitude and joy over her brother’s unwavering support, calling him “the best big brother in the world” .
The Pascal siblings’ public conversation arrives at a pivotal moment for transgender visibility, as anti-transgender legislation and social stigma remain pressing issues in many parts of the world. By sharing their story, Lux and Pedro Pascal offer a model of family acceptance and the transformative power of unconditional support.
As Lux prepares for the global release of “Miss Carbón” and the premiere of her first Hollywood film, “Love & Chaos,” she remains mindful of the responsibility and opportunity that come with her visibility. “Everything is different circumstances, but the dignity of transness is that we get to be different individuals,” she affirms .
Their story is a reminder that while the journey toward equality and understanding continues, every act of affirmation—whether in the family home or on an international stage—can have a profound impact.