Heath Ledger Scholarship winner Charmaine Bingwa an ambassador for Wear It Purple to support LGBTQI+ youth

Charmaine Bingwa’s advice for Australia’s queer youth is simple — don’t apologise for who you are.

The Perth-raised actress, who received the esteemed Heath Ledger Scholarship in 2018, says she has never shied away from being openly gay in fear of missing out on an opportunity.

But she knows all too well other LGBTQI+ people may not have it so easy.

It’s why Bingwa has become an ambassador for Wear It Purple, which aims to support rainbow young people and foster safe, inclusive spaces within the community.

She says no one should have to hide their sexuality just to fit in.

“In my industry, you have to be a bold, audacious person to thrive,” Bingwa said

“I have always been unapologetic in who I am.

“Never apologise for being who you are. Even though you may not feel it at times, there is a whole range of support out there for you.

“It’s such a painful thing to not be yourself, I don’t know if there is a greater punishment in life, so I would encourage people to be who they want.”

Bingwa was based in Los Angeles for two years before COVID-19 hit, but returned to Perth to weather the pandemic alongside her family.

She has been writing scripts and awaiting the release of her latest film, Black Box, which debuts on Amazon Prime on October 6 as part of the Welcome to the Blumhouse anthology.

But any grounding in WA is likely temporary.

“I just want to be where the work is, whether that is LA, Canada or London,” Bingwa said.

“This time period has taught me I am actually okay with having no home base. As long as I am around people who I love and I am having fun, I’m happy.”

Taking a break from film sets has been a blessing in disguise for Bingwa, who had longed for a chance to write her own projects.

“I am thankful for the focus on civil rights and equality and general,” she said.

“I’ve been putting pen to paper and questioning what that means to me, and whether I have a story to contribute. When I was so busy on sets, I never had that time.

“All the stories I am working on at the moment, I can see them living out there in the world. They are all purposeful and personal, which I think is a good mix. They come from a place of passion, but I think they will resonate with others.”

And when it comes to her acting work, Bingwa refuses to be boxed in to any genre.

“I am really character-driven when it comes to choosing roles,” she said.

“I was very fortunate to film three things before I came here, and they were completely different. One was a Rwandan nun, the other was a mythical creature and this one was a house wife who has some emotional difficulties. I am always drawn the story, the script and the creative team.”

Wear It Purple Day is on August 28.