Deaf model, actor and activist Nyle DiMarco has taken a step behind the camera, co-executive producing new Netflix documentary series Deaf U, which explores everyday life at Gallaudet, a private college for the deaf and hearing impaired.
DiMarco, the sexually fluid winner of Next Top Model and Dancing With The Stars, said his hope for the series was “to show deaf people as humans, from all walks of life.”
"Gallaudet's undergrads are 700 women and 300 guys," one woman signs in the trailer. "And the women here are just wow."
The series, which debuts on Netflix next month, depicts the usual college drama one might expect, with relationship dramas and sexual exploration and shifting friendship groups, but gives important visibility and representation to the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, with several of the show's characters opening up about the challenges of navigating hearing culture.
DiMarco took to social media to share news of the series, while giving love to the artist behind the show's animated poster artwork.
"The animation is done by brillant @britcastle," he tweeted.
"After seeing her clever yet simple animation gifs in sign language, I KNEW we and @netflix had to work with her!"
You can watch the trailer for Deaf U below:
