Madison Bailey Discusses Lack of Queer Representation on 'Outer Banks' and Desire for LGBTQ+ Roles

As the popular Netflix series Outer Banks concludes, actress Madison Bailey is looking ahead to new career horizons. Bailey, who is openly pansexual, recently shared her thoughts on the "lack of queer representation" within the show, which premiered its fifth and final season. She revealed her wish that her character, Kiara, had come out as LGBTQ+ during the series and expressed her aspiration to portray queer characters in upcoming projects.

"It's never too late! It's literally never too late," Bailey stated in an interview with OUT magazine. "Especially with the lack of queer representation on this show, I’m really happy that people can still connect to it via me in real life and can connect through the actor, and I can represent off-screen."

Bailey further elaborated on the show's themes, noting, "There’s definitely themes that are relatable, especially with the found family and choosing your community and rebelling and picking your own friends, there are things to relate to. Your community has and will always have your back through every hardship that we face. Just remember that your community will always protect you and we will always ride for each other."

Regarding future acting opportunities, Bailey hinted at the possibility of playing an LGBTQ+ role soon. "Can I tease that moodboard might be coming to life right now in real time? It’s on the way! I’ve been manifesting it."

"I’ve wanted to represent on-screen for a long time and I think I might have an opportunity to do so," Bailey added. "I don’t want it to be theatric and sad, and I don’t want it to be a dark sad story. I want happy. I want joy. We need to put the community on screen."

The fifth season of Outer Banks, currently available on Netflix, finds the main group of friends, the Pogues, at a critical juncture following the devastating loss of JJ (Rudy Pankow) in Morocco. Stranded and grieving the loss of a central member of their crew, they have lost the Blue Crown and continue to confront numerous dangers as they strive to avenge JJ's death and secure their future.