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."
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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.
