Who you are authentically is alright.

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.

When I was perceived as a black man I became a threat to public safety. When I was dressed as myself, it was my safety that was threatened.

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

I have always been aware that I can never represent all trans people. No one or two or three trans people can. This is why we need diverse media representations of trans folks to multiply trans narratives in the media and depict our beautiful diversities.

I believe that when we love someone, we respect them, and we listen to them; we feel that their voice matters. And- we let them dictate the terms of who they are and what their story is.

We are not what other people say we are. We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. That's okay.