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How this comedian-actress turned podcaster finds joy in the hustle
Laci Mosley on finding her authentic self and telling stories of some of history's infamous scammers.
30 Years, 30 Stories: join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of Out100 with our Voices essays, featuring powerful personal narratives from past honorees that have shaped the LGBTQ+ community. Unlock the Out100 Vault to explore additional stories and reflect on three decades of progress and resilience.
Laci Mosley is a force to be reckoned with.
Whether she's making us laugh on television, spinning tales on her podcast Scam Goddess, or bringing her unapologetic self to the screen, Laci embodies the essence of joy. But like so many others in the entertainment industry, her journey has been one of self-discovery, persistence, and, of course, a little bit of 'scamming' along the way.
When I sat down virtually with Laci, she was in the midst of a very relatable moment—deep conditioning her hair. Her candidness set the tone for our conversation.
"I'm doing really well, which is not the norm," she began, explaining how she's made the active choice to prioritize her well-being. "Y'all are not gonna kill me. Y'all are not gonna kill your favorite bitch," she laughs.
Born and raised in Dallas, Laci moved to Los Angeles to pursue a comedy career. After gaining attention for her roles in shows like The Wedding Year,Florida Girls, and iCarly, she hit it big with her podcast Scam Goddess, where she humorously dissects scams throughout history. Her sharp wit and engaging storytelling quickly made her a favorite in the podcasting world. But behind the scenes, Laci was navigating her journey, especially when it came to embracing her queer identity.
But being named an Out100 honoree in 2022 changed her trajectory.
"The Out100 impacted my personal life more than my career," Laci admits. "I struggled with my own queer identity before that." The recognition helped her feel more secure in who she is, allowing her to embrace her queerness without fitting into any specific box. "I date women, I date men, I just date people I'm attracted to," she says confidently. It's a sentiment that resonates with other queer individuals who grapple with the complexities of identity in a world that often demands labels.
And like any journey, Laci's hasn't been without its challenges.
"As soon as I started to feel like I was creating healthy boundaries, it's like the universe tests you," she explains. For Laci, this meant learning to prioritize her health and well-being, something she hasn't always been good at. "I'm a workaholic," she admits, but she is learning to find balance and take care of herself first. Laci's visibility as a Black queer woman in the media is inspiring and impactful. She wishes for a time when queer folks, especially those marginalized within the community, can "enjoy a moment of being without having to be othered." It's a powerful statement that speaks to the heart of representation and visibility.
And speaking of visibility, Laci has set eyes on bigger dreams. "My dream is to guest host on Drag Race," she confesses with a laugh. But it's not just about the glitz and glamour; Laci is deeply committed to her community. "I'm showing up for my queer communities, I'm showing up for my Black communities, and being a cis woman as well."
She's currently working on the fifth anniversary of the Scam Goddess podcast, including a new television show based on the podcast and her upcoming book, releasing in September. "I met a lot of people who were exploited by scammers, and it completely changed the way I looked at these stories." But her passion off-screen and off-air is boxing. "It's just a great release of stress for me," she shares, adding that it's one of the few places where she can be herself.
Imparting advice on younger queer people aspiring to enter the industry, Laci's response is both practical and empowering. "Don't say no to yourself before someone says no to you," she advises. In an industry rife with rejection, Laci encourages resoluteness and a bit of creativity.
"There's always a way to get what you want."
Reflecting on the impact the Out100 recognition had on her journey, Laci admitted it's been a "true honor." Being added to the prestigious list isn't just a milestone for her but a responsibility to uplift others, to be a "big cousin" to younger queer folks, and to continue creating spaces where everyone can feel seen and celebrated.
From deep conditioning her hair while discussing queer visibility to sharing her journey of self-acceptance, Laci Mosley's story is one of the relentless pursuit of creating new rules against a world clutching to its old ones. It's a story many queer individuals understand at some point in their life, if not daily.
And, yet, we persevere. With love, laughter, and a deep sense of purpose.