Does she even need an introduction?

When Miss Peppermint made her fabulous entrance on the 9th season of RuPaul's Drag Race, she walked into the hearts of many while also making history as the first openly trans woman to compete on the hit show. Peppermint has carved a unique path, blending activism with entertainment in a way that continues to break new ground.

Chatting with Peppermint, it's clear that her journey has been anything but typical. She carries a legacy filled with powerful performances, critical conversations, and endless advocacy. It's no wonder that she was named an Out100 honoree in 2018, and as the iconic list celebrates its 30th anniversary, Peppermint reflects on what being part of this esteemed group has meant for her career and what lies ahead.

A Career Born From Passion, Not Fame

Long before Drag Race launched her into the pop culture stratosphere, Peppermint's love affair with drag started in the '90s. Her initial foray into drag was inspired by something other than a vision of global fame. "I just wanted to have fun at the bar," she recalls. Drag was a gritty, grassroots art form back then—far removed from the polished, mainstream representation often seen today. "It was a surprise that I could get paid to do it," she laughs.

Peppermint's relationship with drag evolved from performing at local bars to making cameo appearances on TV shows like The Real World and Ugly Betty. But it wasn't until Drag Race that she became a household name. For Peppermint, the show wasn't just the beginning: it was an opportunity to tell a larger audience about the important work she has already been doing. "I was involved in charities, social projects, and advocacy long before," she says. From marching across the Brooklyn Bridge for marriage equality to raising funds for LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, Peppermint has long been a force of nature within the community.

Reaching new heights from 'Drag Race' to Broadway

When Peppermint graced the stage of RuPaul's Drag Race, she brought with her a unique authenticity. As one of the first openly trans women to compete on the show, she made waves by using the platform to raise awareness around transgender issues. But Peppermint wasn't interested in being a "first." Her sights were set higher, and in 2018, a long-held dream became a reality when she joined the cast of Head Over Heels on Broadway. "I went to college to study musical theater with the hopes of being on Broadway one day," she shares. Originating a principal role as an out trans woman was a personal triumph and a historic moment for trans visibility on Broadway.

Reflecting on the Out100 recognition, Peppermint sees it as a validation of her life's work. "For queer people, it's like our Nobel Peace Prize or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," she affirms. It's an acknowledgment not just of her talent but of her advocacy. The award also helped solidify her work in spaces that often overlook nightlife performers and social activists. "Being recognized as part of the Out100 brought legitimacy to the efforts I've put into uplifting LGBTQ+ stories and raising awareness about issues, from HIV/AIDS education and awareness to the ongoing violence against Black and Brown trans women."

The Push and Pull of Progress

Her Drag Race appearance and Broadway debut were marked by an upswing in trans visibility, thanks to the 2010s' "transgender tipping point." But Peppermint is acutely aware of the backlash that soon followed.

Despite the setbacks, Peppermint remains steadfast in challenging the status quo. "I'm not looking for validation," she says. "I'll keep doing the work whether people want me to or not."

And the work is vast.

From "Pose" to "Survival of the Thickest," Bringing Authenticity to the Screen

As a performer, Peppermint uses every opportunity to challenge narratives and elevate trans stories meaningfully. From her roles in Pose to Harlem and Survival of the Thickest, she ensures that her characters reflect the complexities and joys of being a Black trans woman. "I try to bring my Blackness, my transness, my queerness, and my womanness into everything that I do," she shares. Her experiences on set go beyond the screen and serve as a blueprint for a more inclusive industry. "Working on Survival of the Thickest was the queerest, Blankets, most female set I've ever been on," she recalls. "There were queer Black femmes in positions of power, from writers and producers to camera people."

Peppermint's mission is to show trans people as multi-faceted individuals who experience joy, resilience, and community. "We experience elation when we have people who love us," she says, pushing back against the tired trope of trans stories revolving solely around trauma. Her role in Harlem, for example, offered a unique chance to explore topics like bodily autonomy and motherhood through the lens of Black queer women—her co-star, Jerrie Johnson, playing her on-screen lesbian cousin—creating conversations rarely seen in mainstream media.

New Music, Season Two, and Beyond

If you thought Peppermint was done with her groundbreaking moments, think again. She's working on the final installment of her three-part EP, A Girl Like Me, where she explores the experiences of being a Black trans woman through the lens of romance. "I write and sing about my experiences," she says, "bringing a level of authenticity to everything I do."

And then there's Survival of the Thickest, which just wrapped up its second season. Peppermint is coy about what's to come but promises some historic moments that will resonate with the community. "It's great to just work with someone who gets it," she relishes. "We can focus on telling the story without having to explain ourselves backstage."

For those who look up to Peppermint and hope to follow in her formidable footsteps, she has one key piece of advice: "Dream big, but be the most prepared person in the room." Shifting her proverbial gaze to her fellow Black trans sisters, she emphasizes the importance of honing your craft. "Learn it better than anybody else in that room," she advises. It's as much about being visible as it is about being undeniable.

The Minty Taste of an Indelible Impact

As the Out100 celebrates its 30th anniversary, Peppermint sums up her inclusion on the list in one word: indelible. It's a fitting descriptor for a queen whose influence on entertainment and advocacy has left a permanent mark. In a world that often tries to push trans people to the margins, Peppermint is pushing the way and paving the way for others to step into the spotlight.

She is, in every sense, a queen who continues to redefine what it means to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

And if there's one thing we can learn from Peppermint and our other Out100 honorees, it's that our stories and voices from the margins deserve to be told, heard, and taken center stage.