Sheryl Lee Ralph. She is the only real purpose why I accepted the position of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway. I nearly turned it down. I simply bear in mind working into Sheryl at Janet Jackson’s birthday celebration. I used to be like “Sheryl, I gotta ask you a query. … I’ve this chance with Chicago on Broadway, however I do not know if I wish to take it.” And he or she stated, “Take it. I already know why you are hesitant. They are not gonna pay any of us what we’re value.”
I did not even have to inform her. She stated, “This isn’t about them. That is about your second. And that is about the truth that you deserve this. You are going to have the ability to present the world what Black trans girls can do. And we’re going to pack that viewers to come back see you.”
And so many individuals did come out to see me, from world wide. I signed autographs till each single individual was gone. Followers of American Horror Story and followers of Pose. It was such a terrific expertise. It was the toughest factor that I’ve ever accomplished in my complete life. I’ve by no means labored tougher, eight exhibits per week. That was rather a lot, for 2 months straight. But it surely’s due to Sheryl Lee Ralph [that I did it]. I’m so glad that not solely she sees me and sees my expertise, however she affirms it. She encourages me, she’s all the time there to hear. She’s simply actually an actual sister.
Did you develop up with faith and spirituality?
I grew up in church listening to that [I was valuable] on a regular basis. After which I acquired hit with messages that I used to be an abomination and that I used to be a sin. However these issues didn’t ring true to my religious expertise. So my drive initially got here from clarifying that disconnect. Folks had been saying one factor, however the spirit in me was saying one other factor. So I needed to determine it out.
What was that course of like for you?
Me and God had an issue for a minute. To the purpose the place I used to be like, “Alright, I prayed it away, I fasted, I did all of the issues. If that is not gonna work, then I will take my life.” I’m amongst that variety of so many Black and trans LGBTQ individuals, and just about simply LGBTQ individuals generally, the place our suicide charges are so excessive.
I used to be 16. I simply bear in mind wanting on the Lord’s Prayer on my mother’s wall within the lavatory as I used to be taking her treatment. Earlier than I totally handed out, Jesus spoke to me and stated, “What you are doing? I do know who you might be. I already know. Rise up off the ground. Choose up your cross, and stroll.” We’ve heard that so many instances, about that factor that you just suppose is a burden that’s yours to hold. It is a present. You simply have to choose it up and stroll with it, and perceive that as life goes on.
It is not that it will get any lighter. Being Black in America does not get any simpler. Being trans in America does not get any simpler. However child, I acquired these weapons and I’m sturdy with it. There’s not a lot that may take me down. And if it does, it is solely non permanent.
