Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for the season 2 finale — episode 9, titled “Red Light Green Light” — of Squid Game: The Challenge, now streaming on Netflix.
Dajah Graham competed as a Black lesbian player (No. 302) on Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 — one of 456 players vying for the life-changing cash prize of $4.56 million at the end of this wild and treacherous game. By the end, she made it to the prestigious top 5 finale of the hit Netflix reality series alongside fellow competitors Perla Figuereo, Vanessa Clements, Steven Jones, and Trinity Parriman.
Dajah also went on to finish the season as runner-up — a remarkable milestone not only for the competitor, but for the Netflix reality competition itself, which is already holding auditions for season 3.
Viewers first met Dajah as a competitor in season 2 of Squid Game: The Challenge as Player 302. Over time, Dajah opened up about being 29 years old, being a lesbian, coming all the way from North Carolina, and working as a detective for four years in law enforcement.
As this second season of Squid Game: The Challenge reached its gag-worthy conclusion, Out interviewed Dajah about her life prior to the show, her experiences in the competition, and what message she’d send to people in the LGBTQ+ community who may feel uncertain about their strengths not only in competition settings like this Netflix series, but also in their day-to-day lives.
Dajah Graham (Player 302) on Squid Game: The Challenge season 2.Netflix
Out: You watched the first season of Squid Game: The Challenge and felt like you could compete on the show. Was there any moment, competitor, or situation that sealed the deal for you to apply to be on season 2?
Dajah Graham: When I saw Mai doing well, I knew I could do it. We have similar skill sets.
Squid Game: The Challenge is a pretty brutal competition. Mentally, it tests your resilience, patience, emotional intelligence, and ability to socialize/strategize. Which strengths of yours came into play during this experience?
All of these factors came into play, and I think I was able to utilize the “people skills” I picked up during my service in law enforcement.
Which weaknesses of yours — the ones that you knew about even before the show — that indeed affected your gameplay?
The only weakness I can say is being so empathetic. I attached easily to my alliances. It hurt to lose them.
Did you surprise yourself competing on Squid Game: The Challenge? Any strengths and/or weaknesses you didn’t even realize you had?
I knew that I read people well, but watching it all play back on TV surprised me. They left out quite a few other times of me clocking someone.
What was your favorite moment from competing on Squid Game: The Challenge?
The bonds I built, and being able to play the games that we see in the original drama TV series in real life.
What was your least favorite moment in this entire experience?
Being away from my son… And the food!
The top 5 finalists dressed for the grand finale dinner of Squid Game: The Challenge season 2. Netflix
The first season of Squid Game: The Challenge had two out LGBTQ+ finalists in the top 3 finale. How does it feel to be the first out lesbian competitor in the series to make it to this top 5 finale?
It feels amazing to represent my community. And represent it well.
What were your experiences growing up, identifying yourself as a lesbian, and coming out?
I don’t have a coming-out story. I’ve always been the person to do what makes me happy, whether I’m supported or not. So, one day I just popped out with a girlfriend. [Laughs.]
Did you have any celebrity crush over the years that felt like your “lesbian awakening”?
Coco Jones, Lori Harvey, Angela Bassett, Rihanna, Sanda Bullock, Lupita Nyong’o, Beyoncé, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sarah Paulson, Regina Hall. I mean, It would take me days, maybe even weeks, to name them all… [Laughs.] So here’s a few!
Vanessa Clements (Player 017); Perla Figuereo (Player 072); Steven Jones (Player 183); Dajah Graham (Player 302); Trinity Parriman (Player 398) on Squid Game: The Challenge season 2. Netflix
Season 3 applications are now open. What would you say to other Black lesbians, or even LGBTQ+ POC in general, who feel insecure about applying for the show and just assume they couldn’t possibly get far?
To the future LGBTQ+ POC [who apply for the show] don’t ever make yourself smaller to fit inside the box that this world wants you to be in, force them to make room for you. Don’t let anyone dismiss you or count you out. They are going to hate regardless.
Keep up with Dajah Graham by following her on Instagram at @queen_daj95 — and watch Squid Game: The Challenge season 2, now streaming on Netflix.
