Josie Totah Comes Out as Trans in TIME Magazine Essay

If you've watched Glee, Other People, or Champions, you can't miss Josie Totah (formerly JJ Totah). The young queer actor has brought a big personality to the characters she portrays.

Recently, Totah has come out as trans. She penned a heartfelt essay for TIME Magazinethat clarifies she identifies as female. It documents her journey of self discovery from people assuming she was a young gay man to finally embracing her own identity and beginning her transition.

"In the past, I've halfway corrected people by telling them I identify as LGBTQ. I wasn't ready to be more specific. I was afraid I wouldn't be accepted, that I would be embarrassed, that the fans who knew me from the time when I acted in a Disney show would be confused. But I realized over the past few years that hiding my true self is not healthy. I know now, more than ever, that I'm finally ready to take this step toward becoming myself. I'm ready to be free. So, listen up y'all: You can jump on or jump off. Either way this is where I'm heading.

My pronouns are she, her and hers. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie Totah."

She also recounts watching I Am Jazz and working with Lea Michele on Glee as pivotal moments in realizing her identity. Read more at TIME Magazine.