Harper Steele Honored by West Hollywood for Advocacy in the Transgender Community
In a momentous celebration, Harper Steele, co-star of the Emmy-nominated documentary Will & Harper alongside Will Ferrell, will receive an official proclamation from the city of West Hollywood. This honor recognizes her unwavering advocacy and efforts to uplift the transgender community.
Will & Harper, directed by Josh Greenbaum and available on Netflix, follows Steele and Ferrell on a heartfelt road trip across America. The journey aims to rejuvenate their friendship after Steele opens up about her gender transition. Steele, who made her mark as the head writer on Saturday Night Live (SNL), first met Ferrell during his breakout as a comedic performer on the show. This touching documentary has garnered five Emmy nominations, tying it for the most nominations of any nonfiction project this year. Among its accolades are nominations for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, cinematography, directing, and picture editing.
Kristin Wiig, a close friend of both Steele and Ferrell, also received an Emmy nomination for co-writing and performing the film’s signature song, “Will and Harper Go West,” alongside Greenbaum and Sean Douglas.
The city of West Hollywood will present the proclamation to Steele during an event on Tuesday night. This gathering will also highlight the documentary’s significance in humanizing the often-politicized topic of transgender identity. The proclamation emphasizes, "At a time when anti-trans legislation is sweeping through state legislatures across the country, representation and support for transgender and gender-nonconforming communities have never been more crucial." It acknowledges the film’s role in advancing cultural awareness, challenging stigma, and celebrating allyship against discrimination.
Harper Steele, originally from Iowa City and a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in English, joined the SNL writing staff in 1995, the same week Ferrell joined the cast. After years away from SNL, she found the courage to transition and shared her journey with friends like Ferrell in 2022. He proposed a road trip to reconnect, allowing them to reminisce and explore the beloved dive bars and roadside attractions that Steele cherished before her transition. Their adventure is filled with laughter, poignant moments, and a shared love for snacks like Pringles and Natty Light.
Streaming on Netflix, Will & Harper has the potential to reshape perceptions in areas where trans issues may be less understood. West Hollywood, known as a sanctuary city for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, recognizes the film’s significant impact. The city’s proclamation notes Steele’s public coming out as a transgender woman in 2022, commending her courage and the visibility it brings to the community.
Despite the film’s omission from the Oscar shortlist announced in December, it has found recognition in the Emmy nominations, providing a silver lining. Steele expressed her initial disappointment about the Oscars but was grateful for the continued appreciation of the film. "I’ve been proud of this film since its inception, and I’m thrilled that it may reach an even larger audience," she remarked.
In addition to Will & Harper, Steele appears in another Emmy-nominated documentary series, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, produced by Oscar winner Morgan Neville, where she shares insights into the writing process of the iconic show.
The Emmy winners in the documentary categories will be announced during the Creative Arts ceremony on September 6 and 7. Regardless of the outcome, Will & Harper has undoubtedly made an impact. As Steele poignantly stated, "This film aims to foster understanding and dispel the fear surrounding trans people. There’s nothing to fear at all."
This celebration of Harper Steele’s journey and advocacy underscores the importance of representation and the power of storytelling in creating a more inclusive society.
