It’s odd having two very distinct and different people who live in the same body, especially when one is cis-gendered and one is non-binary.
Let me (try to) explain. I’m Rhys; I’m 34 and I co-run a theatre company with my best friend and business partner Rob (and no, that isn’t the start of my dating profile as much as it may read like one). The thing is, our theatre company only has the two of us in it, and we always play the same characters, so when I say theatre company, I mean we are essentially a comedy/magic/science double act of Victorian-esque gentlemen called Mr Morgan (me) and Mr West (Rob). I’ve even got the muttons to prove it – thanks barber. This was all very well and good, until a little over two-and-a-half years ago I came out as non-binary, and it slowly it dawned on me, what did this mean for Mr Morgan?
I am known only as Mr Morgan to a lot of different people; other performers, backstage crew, and general denizens of the world of make-believe. Even some friends who have known me for years don’t know my real surname. And, of course, anyone who watches our shows. So to them, I’m Mr Morgan. Automatically he/him as opposed to they/them.
So why haven’t we changed the Morgan & West cannon, as it were? Why don’t I use this as an opportunity to further public awareness and acceptance? What’s stopping me?
A few different things actually, but the main one is how different I (Rhys) am to him (Mr Morgan). We look the same, sound very similar, and depending on how we dress could easily pass for one and other, but in my head we’re completely different people. He only exists for an hour or two at a time and in very specific circumstances. I, Rhys, may be non-binary, but Mr Morgan doesn’t get the chance to work out what he is.
This, of course has knock on effects and raises questions in me as a person. Questions, however, which I intend to answer here, in future articles, I’ll see you then.
Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science is on tour across the UK this spring, go to morganandwest.co.uk for more information.
