We are born as who we are, the gender thing is something that is imposed on you.

There's not just one trans story. There's not just one trans experience.

Beyoncé means so much to me. Throughout my transition, Beyoncé has been there as a style icon, an example of excellence, of beauty, of vulnerability. She's shared so much of herself, and it's inspiring.

Just me existing, as an openly black transgender woman from a working-class background, thriving, is a political act. My brother always reminds me that if you are black in America and you're alive, you deserve a round of applause. There are so many forces that don't want us to be alive, and so just being openly who I am, and happy and thriving, is a political act.

Seeing a black transgender woman embracing and loving everything about herself might be inspiring to some other folks.

I'm always skeptical about representations of trans people, especially when trans people are not making the work.

I believe if we have something that we love to do, that can save our lives. That can get us through.