TV super-creator Ryan Murphy has kicked off the hype over his latest series Pose, which will focus on the queer ballroom scene of 1980s New York.

The show will make history for its inclusive casting, featuring the largest number of trans and gender diverse actors in the main cast.

MJ Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar, Angelica Ross and Dominique Jackson are set to bring it to the runway, supported by James van der Beek, Kate Mara and Murphy mainstay Evan Peters. Trans activists Janet Mock and Our Lady J are also billed as executive producers.

Murphy says he is thrilled to present what he describes as a “game changer of a show.”

“At its heart [Pose] is an uplifting series about the universal quest for identity, family and respect,” Murphy said.

“Along with being a dance musical and an affirming look at American life in the 1980s, I’m so proud that Pose and FX has made history right from the beginning by featuring the most trans series regular actors ever in an American television program.”

“Additionally, the first season of Pose will feature 50-plus LGBTQ characters – a record in American television history.”

Murphy adds that his own harrowing story of coming out as gay will feature in the series.

“A father finds out his son is gay and beats him bloody with a belt. That happened to me, that was my coming out process with my father.”

Murphy says he hopes the story is an optimistic valentine to the LGBTIQ community and “the search for authenticity.”

“People were disenfranchised and cut off, and we want to celebrate them. I think the timing of this show is very important.”

Pose begins airing this winter on FX. Stay tuned for news on Australian air dates.

OIP Staff