At a time when there are constant calls for more inclusion and LGBTQ representation on American television, the emergence of deaf and queer activist Hayden Kristal, in the 17th season of ‘America’s Got Talent’ (AGT), has been a cause for celebration for activists and supporters of diversity all across the world. 

America’s Got Talent has recently returned to NBC for its 17th edition, after being a constant success as a reality show that celebrates the various unique talents that people around us might possess, and offers them a platform to make a name for themselves. In fact, many performers who made their television debuts on AGT have gone on to become worldwide superstars, and the latest crop of contestants will be hoping to likewise emulate their predecessors and shoot their shot to fame.

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Hayden is a stand-up comedian hailing from Colorado, and they recently aced their audition in the reality TV show in front of a packed live audience, displaying promising potential to go deep into this season’s competition. Interestingly this is not Hayden’s first foray into the world of reality TV- as they recently reached the semifinals of NBC reality series ‘Stand Up NBC’, and were also a finalist in Samantha Bee’s Comedy Writing Mentorship. 

However, living life in the intersections means that Hayden is so much more than a stand-up comedian and has had a colourful career wearing many hats. 

Yes, Hayden was once upon a time a Brooklyn-based zookeeper specialising in salamanders before they gave up their lucrative zoo career to make their first forays into public speaking and stand-up comedy. As a professional speaker and activist Hayden has been a TEDx presenter, a catalyst award winner, and a graduate commencement speaker. They have taken their engaging and inspiring ideas all across the US, conducting workshops and giving speeches at a variety of conferences, platforms, and elite schools like Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and even the Connecticut Supreme Court. 

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One of their most path-breaking and revolutionary workshops has been ‘GaySL: A Crash Course in LGBTQ American Sign Language’, where participants are sensitised to LGBTQ-friendly sign language and encouraged to explore discussions around deaf culture intersectionality, accessibility, and more. 

Hayden says that their preferred pronounce are they/them/theirs, “but they accept anything said with good intent”- a mark of their truly open, and queer outlook on life!

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This 17th season of America’s Got Talent truly promises to expand boundaries further, both in terms of unique talents as well as in terms of inclusivity and diversity. The show airs every Tuesday at 8 PM ET on NBC, while those looking to catch up with the show using the Internet can also watch it on sling TV, FuboTV, AT&T TV, as well as YouTube TV.