The following is a tribute to Sir Lady Java — the groundbreaking transgender activist and entertainer who died this November — from Hailie Sahar, the Pose actress who became her daughter. Sahar will portray her in an upcoming biopic.
Sir Lady Java wasn't just a trailblazer; she was my second mother.
Like so many trans girls, I saw myself reflected in her strength, grace, and unapologetic authenticity. For a young trans girl navigating a world that often felt cold and unwelcoming, Sir Lady Java was an icon, a beacon of hope, and living proof that staying true to yourself was a powerful act of defiance.
The first time I met Lady Java was a moment that changed my life forever.
I had searched for her for nearly three years before finally finding her through our mutual friend and activist, Jazzmun. When I arrived at her home, I carried a fuchsia-colored orchid: an offering of gratitude for everything she had done for us.
Courtesy Hailie Sahara from Sir Lady Java
Her work, courage, and legacy paved the way for many of us long before I or countless others were born.
We sat at a round dining table under a glittering chandelier. The walls were a living museum adorned with portraits of iconic figures who shaped history. I could feel the weight of the moment and the significance of being in Sir Lady Java's presence.
Then, she entered the room, and I was utterly taken aback. Her beauty was radiant, her presence magnetic. I could hardly believe that the woman I had been searching for was now standing before me. We sat, we talked, and we prayed.
From the beginning, our connection was undeniable — natural, almost divine.
We were destined to meet, two paths intertwined by fate. We discussed her life story and possibly bringing it to the big screen. At that moment, she agreed to guide me and take me under her wing.
What followed was nothing short of transformative. For years, Sir Lady Java mentored me. Not only in portraying her story with integrity but also in walking my path as an activist, a woman, and someone who carries intersections of identity she knew so intimately.
For the first time, I had a role model like me.
Courtesy Hailie Sahara from Sir Lady Java
Another trans woman who reflected so many of the experiences I carried, yet with a wisdom and strength that I deeply admired. Lady Java became more than a mentor — she became my mother, guide, and family. And I became her daughter.
Over the years, we forged a bond that transcended bloodlines. In her, I found the extended family I always needed.
We cried in moments of pain, celebrated in triumph, and laughed together in moments of joy. She taught me how to live authentically, to fight fearlessly, and to love deeply. For 82 years, she carried herself with unmatched elegance and resilience, teaching us through her presence that we deserved to be seen, celebrated, and respected.
What made Lady Java even more extraordinary was building and excelling her career in heterosexual clubs rather than queer bars or clubs. It was a bold and revolutionary act amid the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Especially within the Black community of that time, visibility like hers was rare and often met with resistance.
I was captivated.
She shared countless stories of performing alongside legends like James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr., and Etta James. Her beauty and unshakable confidence had an almost magnetic pull, and being in her presence made you believe anything was possible.
Her performances weren't just entertainment but a masterclass in survival and resilience. She showed us that we had every right to take up space in a world that sought to make us smaller.
Sir Lady Java's impact reached far beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
Her courage, talent, and unwavering authenticity resonated deeply outside the community. She sparked conversations about inclusion and humanity in spaces that often excluded us. She broke barriers and paved the way not just for trans people but for anyone who had ever felt marginalized.
Courtesy Hailie Sahara from Sir Lady Java
She reminds us still that one's power comes from living unapologetically.
To me, her bravery offstage is what truly cemented her legacy. When the system tried to silence her with discriminatory laws like Rule Number 9, which banned cross-dressing in public performances in Los Angeles, she refused to submit and be silenced.
Sir Lady Java fought fiercely, partnering with the ACLU to challenge this injustice. Her fight laid the groundwork for the 1967 law's eventual repeal, creating space for a more inclusive future for people of all genders.
We can learn from Sir Lady Java's activism by embracing courage, authenticity, and relentless advocacy.
She used her platform to challenge discrimination and spark conversations about inclusion. In today's political climate, her example reminds us to stand boldly for marginalized communities, create spaces for dialogue, and ensure that no voice goes unheard in the fight for equality.
Her love and wisdom shaped me in ways I will always carry with me.
She taught me that our lives have immense value, our beauty is undeniable, and our truth is worth fighting for. Her legacy lives on in every life she touches, and her courage inspires us to demand justice and live boldly in our truth.
Courtesy Hailie Sahara from Sir Lady Java
Though I will always miss the warmth of her embrace, the joy of her sharp and radiant humor. I will cherish the moments when she would look at me with pride in her eyes and say, "Go ahead, girl," as a way of affirming me. Her legacy lives on within me as a constant source of guidance and inspiration.
Sir Lady Java transformed lives, including mine.
Her unwavering encouragement will always guide me. I can still hear her voice pushing me forward as I continue to embody and share her story. My goal is to ensure her legacy — and the work of those who came before us — remains a strengthened foundation for the future we are building.
It's the greatest honor of my life that she chose me to bring her story to the big screen.
Her trust in me is a testament to the power of her love, vision, and belief in passing the torch to the next generation. I am committed to sharing her magic, courage, and unshakable spirit with the world so that her legacy continues to inspire countless others, just as she inspired me.
Lady Java didn't just change my life — she became part of my soul. The love we shared, the lessons she imparted, and the strength she poured into me will remain with me forever.
Our connection is a gift I will never, ever forget.
Hailie Sahar is a groundbreaking actress, producer, business owner, and advocate reshaping the cultural landscape through her artistry and activism. Selected as one of the leading actors in FX’s “Pose”, she made history as part of the largest transgender cast ever assembled for a scripted series, helping to redefine representation in Hollywood and change the industry forever. Known for her roles in Freeform’s “Good Trouble” and “Pose”, she brings authenticity and depth to characters that reflect the experiences of transgender women of color. A former beauty pageant winner, Hailie has expanded her creative influence as an executive producer on “Beyond Ed Buck”, a documentary exposing systemic injustices, and the highly anticipated “Sir Lady Java” biopic, honoring a trailblazing transgender activist. With her ability to command both the screen and the production room, she continues to challenge norms, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire a generation to fight for inclusion and equality. Her work is more than storytelling—it’s a bold declaration for a brighter, more equitable future.
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