Controversial ‘Landman’ Actor Addresses Backlash Against Non-Binary Character

When Bobbi Salvör Menuez joined Landman, they weren’t fully prepared for just how loud the reaction would be — but they also weren’t surprised. The actor, who plays Paigyn Meester, the non-binary roommate of Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph), made their debut in the final stretch of Landman Season 2, immediately becoming one of the show’s most talked-about additions.

Speaking in a new interview, Menuez admitted they were “barely familiar” with the Taylor Sheridan universe before signing on — even as they understood the cultural flashpoint the role would likely become.

“I’d seen posters, I’d seen flyers, but I actually hadn’t seen the show before. So, I didn’t even totally comprehend how big of a deal it was until all those CCed agents on the chain that I don’t even usually talk to are suddenly texting me, ‘Congratulations!’”

Once the reality of Landman’s reach set in, Menuez dove headfirst into the series, quickly realizing the scale of Sheridan’s audience — and the inevitability of polarized reactions, especially given Paigyn’s identity. “Knowing the impact of this show, I just knew there would be a lot of different responses from all sides of the spectrum,” Menuez said. “If you look at American politics, obviously this is a hot button [topic].”

What Happened to Ainsley’s Roommate in ‘Landman’?

Paigyn’s introduction in the penultimate episode, Plans, Tears & Sirens, initially painted the character as abrasive and socially rigid — to the point of driving Ainsley to tears over pronoun confusion.

Some viewers labeled the character rage-bait, while others praised Landman for introducing LGBTQ representation into one of television’s most unlikely arenas, but the Season 2 finale, Tragedy & Flies, complicated that first impression. Paigyn saves Ainsley from injury during cheer camp, and Ainsley later defends Paigyn from anti-LGBTQ bullies.