Q&A with Mike Gauyo – A Rising Haitian Voice in Hollywood

Grant: What challenges have you faced as a Haitian man belonging to the LGBTQIA community?

Guayo: I am fortunate enough to say that I haven’t experienced many challenges. I experienced what was more so a ‘late bloomers experience.’ I didn’t come out until I was 25, and my parents steered me toward three career options: Doctor, Lawyer, or Engineer. In that sense, my trajectory would not have been different. Instead, it took me a little longer to get to where I wanted to be. Escaping my family’s expectation of me was the biggest struggle, one that I have overcome.

Grant: What is Black Boys Writes, Black Girls Writes Media?

Guayo: Black Boys Writes, Black Girls Writes Media is my production banner. Under that, I run a mentorship initiative called the Black Boy Writes, Black Girls Writes mentorship initiative geared toward helping Pre-WGA (Writers Guild of America) black writers gain access in the entertainment industry. Whether that’s through introducing them to established writers or to agents, managers, or executives – helping them get to the next level of their careers is really what this program is about. There are so many talented black writers out there that struggle with gaining opportunities. Our program aims to provide those opportunities by providing access.

Grant: What would you like to see from the graduates of the program?

Guayo: Oh my. We’re in the second year of the program, and I’m extremely proud of all of them. I want to see them flourish in the spaces they want to be in. A few of my mentees have gotten the opportunity to co-write episodes on my new show Send Help, which premiers on All Black this August. I love to write, but the one thing that gives me the most joy is seeing my mentees flourish the way they are.

Grant: How does your program respond to the difficulties of being Black in Entertainment?

Guayo: That’s in every age group. The thing is, when you’re black, it’s like there are so many things you have to fight against especially when you’re trying to enter the entertainment industry. It’s whether you’re black and you’re an immigrant, whether you’re black and you’re older, whether you’re black and disabled, whether you’re black in the LGBTQIA community. There are constant challenges you’re up against, and sometimes you really just need that leg up in order to get anywhere. That’s what we want to do. For people that are in their second act in life where they start off in one career and want to enter the world of entertainment, our program provides you with that opportunity and helps you to make that leap.

Grant: If you could share one piece of advice to the people that look up to you what would it be?

Guayo: I would say, keep going. You don’t need to rush the journey you’re on. Don’t rush it. It’s really about enjoying it, and being happy throughout. Just make sure you’re willing to do the work. It’s not about where you’re going, but how you’re getting there.

Grant: In closing, are there any projects you are currently working on that we should keep an eye out for?

Guayo: Yes! I am currently co-running a show with my good friend and brother that comes out on AMC’s All Black this fall. It’s called Send Help, and I’m wanting everyone to check it out. Please subscribe to All Black if you don’t have it already. I think everyone will truly enjoy this. It is about a Haitian-American man living in LA, pursuing entertainment while also juggling his relationship with his friends and girlfriend. He’s trying to live his life, but also trying to take care of his family 3000 miles away while also dealing with a major athletic injury. So it’s really aimed towards a discussion about an immigrant black man, but also a black man that is going through some trauma. We really wanted to talk about black male mental health, and the show really does that so I’m hoping everyone enjoys it.