Meagan Tandy is paving roads and opening doors for others on and off the screen. CW’s Batwoman is not just another superhero show. With one of CW’s most diverse casts, they are also exploring LGBTQ+ rights and sexual fluidity. Yes, it is a big deal that Batwoman is a lesbian, trust me we are all super excited to have a Ruby Rose Batwoman, but Sophie Moore’s character is also a first. I’m sure you have heard of the Kinsey Scale? Well, I’m sure Kate Kane is a solid six, but what is her ex-girlfriend, Sophie? Does Sophie even know?

As society continues to slowly embrace the LGBTQ+ community, we are becoming more and more aware that this scale is ever sliding, and there are a lot of people who are not sure where they land. Maybe where they would place themselves changes everyday, and that is ok.

In addition, while Sophie knew she loved Kate, she was faced with some hard choices, ones that no one can really say had a right answer- love or career. With our ever increasing problem of people choosing not to date anymore, it isn’t surprising that a woman would choose her career. People are faced with these challenges all the time, but with characters, like Sophie, we can finally start hearing about them.

Enough about Sophie, for a second, Meagan is also a beautiful soul off the screen. When she isn’t out kicking butt as a special agent Crow, she is working to help empower girls through her organizations Girl Talk and Empire Girls. Through workshops, she helps teach young women to be strong, independent, and the best versions of themselves. To learn more about our bad ass Crow and her work with these girls, please read our exclusive interview below.

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Foreword by Kira Bucca, Editor in Chief of Jejune Magazine.

Where are you based ?
I am based out of Los Angeles but currently live in Vancouver while shooting Batwoman.

What got you interested in acting?
I remember watching Little Women in the 90s and being inspired by all four of the sisters. A League of Their Own was another favorite along with All My Children. I just remember thinking it was so cool to play pretend and I knew at a young age I wanted to do it. I was drawn to it like a magnet. I thought it was so cool so I would start making my own movies in my childhood bedroom with our VHS camcorder. Wow, did I really just say “VHS Camcorder”? Man... how times have changed.

We are so excited about Batwoman! This show is revolutionary, not only because Batwoman (Kate Kane) and all the female characters, especially Sophie Moore, are badass women, but she is the first openly lesbian superhero! Can you tell us a little bit about playing the highly-trained special agent (a Crow) and Batwoman’s estranged ex-girlfriend, Sophie Moore? And your thoughts on the show?
I love telling Sophie Moore’s story because although this woman is tough and highly trained, she’s also super vulnerable and very complicated. I had been wanting to play a role that had this kind of depth for a long time and I’m glad I get to do so now.

Being Kate’s ex is what adds to the depth of my character and her story because they didn’t end on the easiest of terms and it was so unexpected. A lot influenced that decision. A lot of real stuff: her ethnicity, financial background, what class she falls under, etc. Having to wrestle through Sophie’s feelings, emotions and thoughts is very important because the story is very real for a lot of women today.

Yes, Batwoman is a lesbian, but in a lot of ways your character is more complicated. Can you please talk about your thoughts on how Sophie had to choose her career (being in the military during don’t ask don’t tell) over coming out about her relationship with Kate Kane?
My heart goes out to Sophie. That wasn’t an easy choice for her by any means . As seen in episode 107, Sophie was ready to go along with their plan of telling the truth, but Jacob Kane gave her that dose of reality that she wasn’t expecting and didn’t even realize. Having to make a choice based off circumstances that she didn’t choose for herself is tough, and I commend Sophie’s strength and resolve, although it was heart breaking for both involved.

With people being able to be more open about being LGBTQ+, do you think this is still as much of an issue?
It is still an issue for sure, sadly. Society tells us to do one thing and one thing only and if you don’t add up to that one thing you’re “wrong” or “bad,” “different“ or “not the norm.” It’s “better” today, for sure, but not entirely easier at all. Some people are still forced into/staying in the closet due to judgment and bullying.

So, is Sophie bisexual? Pansexual? Does she know?
Sophie is still trying to figure out who she is. She loved Kate, but she thinks she loved Tyler too, and now she has to figure out what all of that means.

How have your fans responded to your storyline? How are people responding to the fact that Sophie married a man after Kate?
The response to Sophie has been mixed. I am so thankful for those who are able to embrace Sophie, however complicated she may be, and patiently wait for more of her backstory before making a judgement. Others are having a harder time empathizing with her, and are disappointed she lied to the academy, and then married a man. My hope is people will remain open to hearing her side before writing her off.

Do you feel there is still a lot of misunderstandings about sexual fluidity? Why do you think it is important to include a character like this?
There are definitely a ton of misunderstandings, and we can blame society and closed mindedness for that. I truly think Sophie represents so many people’s personal stories and journeys and seeing that on television is important because it lets them know they are seen and heard, and it gives other people an opportunity to learn what it was/is like for all the Sophies in the world.

Obviously, we all want you and Kate to get back together. What do you think will happen with Kate and Sophie? What do you hope will? What does Sophie hope for?
I think in a perfect world, Sophie would love to be back with Kate, but unfortunately Sophie hasn’t accepted or even understood where she herself fits in that world as it is. Until then, I think these two will have a push and pull relationship until full acceptance and understanding from both ladies takes place.

Quickly, let’s talk about how badass you are in the show. Do you do a lot of your own stunts? What is that like? How do you train for this?
I love my stunt and fight sequences. We have an amazing stunt team who prepare us as much as possible for the scenes. My stunt double is Rochelle Okoye and she is such a badass. I learn a lot just from watching her, or she’ll teach me a few important moves a few days before filming. She’ll do all of the stunts but she’ll let me do the fight sequences as much as the director will allow.

You are in a show that is all about empowering women, but you also have a non-profit that is about empowering girls. Let’s talk Girl Talk and Empire Girls! Can you tell us a little about it? What inspired you to start this organization?
Cyber bullying back when I was on a show called Jane By Design is what sparked the idea for Girl Talk. My mentions on Twitter were flooded with people hating my character on the show and I remember thinking, “this is not ok. These kids need to understand the effect these words can have on people.” I was getting depressed myself from reading it all. I wanted to use my influence for something good and encouraging, and thankfully I was able to do so by starting Girl Talk which is a once-a-year empowerment convention for young ladies ages 12-19. It’s a day of empowerment, inspiration, motivation and fun. I partnered with The Women On The Move Network and Chaffey College in order to get the event moving each year, and just this past year I partnered with The Children’s Fund which services thousands of foster youth.

At the end of Girl Talk I make sure each girl goes home with a “swag bag” - a book bag filled with school supplies and make up. It’s fun. Empire Girls came about because I personally was tired of scrolling and seeing selfies ALLL Day on my Instagram. My thought was “wouldn’t it be nice if teens are scrolling and seeing something positive and encouraging“ and so I started Empire Girls, which also allows for me to be able to Host empowerment workshops throughout the year with a smaller group of girls.

Why is female empowerment so vital today?
We still live in a super male dominated society. No one wants to shed a light on women and their issues unless it’s of a woman half-dressed or doing something that serves a man. We are still paid less than a man (black women especially), and we still have men and women terrified to vote for a female President. This is because women aren’t put on the pedestal in the best light all the time. It’s always something naked, sexual, emotional, sensitive, weak, etc. We need a society that will start highlighting women in power and exploring their worth and contributions to businesses and society <——-without this no one will learn to trust us: trust that we can do the job, trust that we can make a high salary, trust that we can run the country. This lack of support and female empowerment isn’t going to make women, especially female youth, feel great about themselves. So why not work to empower each other, have programs and organizations that focus on women specifically. There is so much depression going on right now, we need each other. I don’t have all the answers, trust me ...but I can try to help.

Girl Talk/Empire Girls also hosts a variety of workshops where young girls can get involved. Can you tell us more about these workshops? What do hope to accomplish?
The workshops include Social Media, Nutrition, Communication, LGBTQ, Human Trafficking , Homework Help, Self Defense, Friendships/Relationships, etc. I only do topics the girls tell me they want. I hope they learn something that will benefit them for the rest of their life. The feedback I’ve received each year makes it all worth it.

Are there any upcoming events for Girl Talk/Empire Girls?
Right now we are planning Girl Talk 2020. This year we are moving it to June.

We love that you have self defense, bullying, and money management workshops. Why were these so important for you to include in the list?
I want the girls to be able to know what bullying looks like, and to not just stand by and film it on their phone, but to actually go and get help! Or maybe use that cell phone to call the police, etc. I was sick and tired of watching these poor kids getting beaten up and bullied with a crowd of teens watching nearby as if to watch a sporting event. Some kids have lost their lives from bullying and cyber bullying, and what did you do? Just read it online or filmed it on your phone ? No! Try to help. Otherwise you’re part of the problem. Bullying and cyberbullying shouldn’t be entertainment.

Self-defense is great if you’re walking to and from your car, and know what to do if someone approaches you and attacks you. Money Management was awesome because with so many of the girls having to put themselves through college or buying themselves a car, affording their first apartments, etc, I wanted them to have some tips on how to make money and save money so they can provide for themselves. Being an independent woman myself ever since high school, I felt this was extremely important.

With talk of female empowerment, what advice do you have for young girls and women?
Be careful what you constantly absorb mentally on a daily basis on Instagram. You must be careful. A lot of depression and low self-esteem and insecurities are developing from social media. It has a large effect. Be aware. And also be kind to one another. People are judged and kicked down emotionally and mentally every single day. Don’t be another person to kick, but rather try lifting them up and help.

What is your motto in life?
Believe it, Conceive it, Receive it

Please list any websites and social media you would like Jejune to promote:
Instagram @MeaganTandy
Instagram @TheEmpireGirls
www.girltalknow.org

Team Credits:
Photographer: Kira Bucca
Stylist: Dash Armstrong
Hair: Amanda Paige at Agency Gerard Artists
Make-up: Tara Lauren at Cloutier Remix
Manicurist: Monique Cleckley
Stylist Assistant: Sean Dustin
Photo Assistant: Tam Nguyen