Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Jennifer Beals says the L Word sequel series features a more inclusive and diverse cast.
The 55-year-old actress discussed the new Showtime series, The L Word: Generation Q, during Thursday's episode of Good Morning America.
Beals played Bette Porter on the original L Word, which had a six-season run from 2004 to 2009. She will reprise the role in Generation Q, which takes place 10 years after the events of The L Word.
Beals reflected on how society has changed since the L Word finale. She said Generation Q depicts modern concerns in the LGBT community and better reflects the diverse makeup of Los Angeles.
"When we went off the air, there was no same-sex marriage. And now it's 10 years later and we've come so far," the star said.
"We now have this new generation who wants to define themselves, who isn't gonna let somebody tell them what their gender identity is, what their sexual orientation should be," she added. "You get to have these conversations -- you have a whole generation that changed how we use pronouns, even. We get to talk about that. We have a more inclusive and diverse cast. It's really exciting."
Generation Q co-stars Katherine Moennig and Leisha Hailey, reprising their roles of Shane McCutcheon and Alice Pieszecki, and newcomers Arienne Mandi, Leo Sheng, Jacqueline Toboni, Rosanny Zayas and Sepideh Moafi. Beals said it was great to reunite with Moennig and Hailey on set.
"We're all very close friends," she said. "It's just like being back with your family."
Beals also had praise for L Word fans, saying fan support for the sequel series "means everything."
"Our L Word fans are the best fans in the world," she said. "They're so supportive, and when they come up to you and recognize you from the show they really wear their hearts on their sleeves. Invariably there's a coming out story involved or how the show helped them. It just means a lot to me."
The L Word: Generation Q premieres Sunday. Showtime released a teaser for the series in August that shows Bette (Beals) running for mayor.
Beals is also known for starring in the 1983 film Flashdance. She discussed the movie's lasting popularity on GMA.
"I think it's so aspirational. Like, you're watching somebody pursue their dream," the actress said.
